La Galerie Takes Top Spot in Window Contest
By Leslie Rott

This year's first place winner in the Lilac Festival window decorating contest was created by the staff at La Galerie on Market Street. (Photograph courtesy of Buzz Waggoner)

In Lilac Festival tradition, stores on Mackinac Island competed in a window decorating contest, open to members of the Chamber of Commerce. This year's theme, "The Loon Feather," resulted in windows inspired by Native American motifs and lilacs.

La Galerie on Market Street took awards for first place and Most Creative. The store has been open for 14 years and has received awards for the last 10. Reading the book "The Loon Feather" for inspiration, owner Buzz Waggoner said that he and his staff used a combination of lilac-themed and Native American-themed decorations.

The window was adorned with Native American porcelain dolls, a loon decoy, lights, a copy of the book, and a loon feather painted on cardboard, since it is illegal to own a real loon feather.

All employees at La Galerie were involved in the process.

"They really enjoy decorating this window. They look forward to working on it," he said.

The window took several weeks to plan and between five and six hours to decorate.

"It is humbling to be recognized with two awards. We express our gratitude to everyone that voted for us," Mr. Waggoner said.

Second place went to The Loon Feather on Main Street, with the name alone fitting the theme very well.

The window was decorated with lilac merchandise surrounding "The Loon Feather" logo.

Taking everything out of the window, cleaning it, and decorating it took about two hours.

"It's nice to be able to get a prize," said Elaine Bunker, who, along with Carole Stanley, came up with the idea for the window.

Third place was awarded to the Balsam Shop. Purple and lilac merchandise and lilac festival posters adorned the window.

It took between three and four hours for Marion Bunker, who works at the Balsam Shop, to decorate the window.

"It's nice to be recognized," she said.

Winners were decided by public vote.

Winning stores will receive a plaque from the Island Tourism Bureau.