BUSINESSES across Strabane have been getting into the spirit of Halloween with some wicked window dressing to get people in the mood for this year’s celebration.
While the Halloween 2020 programme looks very different with the strong message to enjoy family celebrations at home and online, businesses can still get creative and contribute to the haunted Halloween atmosphere.
The competition is open to all family friendly businesses within the BID Company area and the top three terrorific entries will win a special prize.
The windows will be judged by the public, who can take part in a spooky selfie competition from today.
People are being invited to take a selfie with their favourite window, and share it on social media with the chance to win a £50 gift card.
Businesses have already been getting busy throughout October, with creepy cobwebs, sinister skulls and fiendish features adorning several windows in the town centre.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Councillor Brian Tierney, said it was a great way to capture the essence of Halloween during these challenging times.
“This year our Halloween programme has moved online due to the current restrictions around Covid-19.
“We appreciate this will inevitably impact on trade right across our City and District.
“But there are opportunities for businesses to participate by embracing the Halloween theme when they can, especially for the benefit of younger customers.
“I would really encourage anyone with a shop front in Strabane to help lift the spirits by taking part in the window dressing competition, it’s a fun way to attract new customers with some eye-catching and atmospheric dressing.
“We can still look forward to Halloween and support our businesses where we can by shopping local and boosting the local economy.
“It’s so important that we do what we can as a community to work together while we can’t be together for the greater good of Derry and Strabane.
“I hope to see lots of spooky selfies on social media over the coming days.”
Chair of the Strabane BID Company Kieran Kennedy said: “This is a very difficult time for local businesses as they get to grips with a further tightening of restrictions in the lead in to Halloween.
“There is usually a fantastic buzz about the town at this time of year and we want to try to recapture and recreate some of that festive atmosphere in a safe and responsible way.
“We will continue to work with local businesses to find ways of boosting trade and enhancing the customer experience in line with the current guidance. We can all do our bit.”
The window competition will take place throughout the month of October with the online voting system opening today, Monday, October 19.
Winners will be announced on Monday, November 2.
First Prize is £1000, second prize £500, and third Prize is £250.
To find out more or to register your business as taking part contact Laverne at info@bidinstrabane.com
You can post your selfies on Instragram @In_Strabane and on Facebook at @BIDinStrabane using #HalloweenInStrabane
