By Chris Barber
Contributing Writer

Anyone driving through Kennett Square from afar is likely to be impressed with its festive appearance during the holidays.

Lights are strung along the main business area on State Street, and golden tinsel garlands that were once almost discarded by Longwood Gardens connect the opposing sidewalks.

But there is more this year. The storefront windows have been decorated with extra attention, and Kennett Collaborative is asking shoppers to vote for the best.

Deana Johnson, owner of Shoppe Marche and partner of Lieu, both on State Street, said Kennett Collaborative director Dan Embree is encouraging shop owners to work on excellence in their window displays this holiday season.

Johnson, an advocate for the arts and member of the Kennett Collaborative, supports the effort in her own stores and is eager to watch how the other merchants participate.

Embree and Kennett Collaborative decided to make it a friendly contest to see which businesses could decorate their windows the best. Winners will be announced next week. There are QR codes on the doors of participating shops, and visitors are encouraged to access the voting through them and select their favorites.

Both Embree and Johnson referred to the crowds that flock to Kennett Square from out of town after they visit the Longwood Gardens holiday extravaganza just up the road. Johnson said Kennett Square becomes almost an extension of Longwood in December.

Embree said the visitors deserve to experience a friendly and festive welcome from the borough, and the window decorating is a good way to do that.

So far it seems to be working out.

“I think the borough looks especially beautiful this year,” Embree said.

Through the years, Kennett Square has maintained its small-town appearance with windowed small shops that are decorated by the owners to show what they have to offer inside.

The borough is celebrating the holidays with many activities including “Tinsel on the Town,” the Santa Train and more. Visit Kennett Collaborative’s social media pages or website for full details.