The Moorestown Business Association hosted a weekend‐long Independence Day celebration that included the July 4th Parade and a Store Front Decoration Contest in the town’s business district. On Saturday, July 2, 2011, members of the Moorestown July 4th Parade Committee proceeded to judge this year’s contest, held in advance of Monday’s July 4th Parade. Owners of shops, restaurants, and businesses located along the parade route — Chester Ave. from Central Ave. to Main St., then along Main St. to Church St. — were encouraged to decorate their facades to add to the excitement leading up to this year’s July 4th Parade.
“I’ve never seen Main Street so ‘decked out’ in patriotic colors, shapes, and ‘things’ like streamers, stars, banners, bunting, flags, whatever,” noted Dave Schill, Parade Committee chairman and current Moorestown Citizen of the Year. “The spirit of our country’s birthday is growing and the current decorations prove it.”
Ultimately, the Committee observed thirty‐three businesses participating in the Storefront Decoration Contest. The committee sought to award first, second, and third place certificates followed by applicable
Honorable mentions, and lastly, a listing of all commercial establishments, where at the very least an American flag was displayed at the hour of judging. Ultimately, two displays so caught the attention of the judges that they declared a tie for first place. The first, second, and third place winners will be presented with certificates.
• First Place (tie): Debutante’s Consignment Boutique, 101 E. Main Street. The entire front porch of the building at the corner of Main St. and Chester Ave., which houses Debutante’s and Moorestown Tailors, played stage to military and civil service uniforms and artifacts. But this was more than a fashion show.
Each uniform was displayed with information about the man or woman who wore it and how each person served in the name of freedom.
• First Place (tie): Prudential Fox and Roach Realtors, 1 W. Main Street. Store‐bought decorations were enhanced by a live‐action display in the front yard of Prudential’s office at the corner of Main and High Streets. Agents were dressed to evoke such American icons as Uncle Sam and Betsy Ross while their kids hula‐hooped. Although Prudential may have had similar decorations to other businesses, the judges felt their inclusion of multiple generations was befitting the enthusiasm we should all have for our country’s birthday.
• Second Place: Doctors Morrone and Kaye, Orthodontists, 99 W. Main Street. This display could be characterized by the “Best use of statuary.” The Nipper Dog perched outside the entrance sported a long white beard and star‐spangled top hat, evoking the image of Uncle Sam, while red and white lanterns hung in the tree above his head. The glass‐enclosed entranceway of the offices was decorated as well as the balance of the frontage of their property.
Third Place: The Pie Lady, 9 E. Main Street, 1. These decorations were “as American as apple pie.” Red, white, and blue aprons with rolling pins were tied to the railings at the entrance stairs and enhanced by bunting and bows.
• Honorable mentions: The judges felt that the following businesses all made a stand‐out effort: Akira Japanese Restaurant, 45 E. Main Street; La‐Di‐Da Boutique, 17 E. Main Street; Main Street Investment Advisors, LLC, 70 E. Main Street; Showcase Graphics, LLC, 201 Chester Avenue; Signature Designs, 5 W. Main Street.
The Moorestown July 4th Parade Committee would like to thank all businesses who participated in the Storefront Decoration Contest.
“I am really impressed,” Schill said. “The July 4th Parade happened because the residents of Moorestown stepped up and pitched in. I am so pleased that the businesses have participated too. This isn’t really about prizes, it’s about celebrating our freedom. And we had a great celebration on the Fourth with a well‐dressed Main Street.”
