Holiday Cheer Shines Across Downtown Paulding
Downtown Paulding felt a little brighter this December thanks to the many local businesses that took part in the Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 Holiday Decorating Contest.
Throughout the holiday season, storefronts were filled with lights, color, and creative displays designed to be enjoyed from the sidewalk and street. Families, visitors, and residents were invited to slow down, walk the square, and take in the festive atmosphere created by local businesses who volunteered their time and energy to decorate.
This year’s contest included several ways to recognize that effort. Community members voted for their favorites, local children had a voice through the Kids’ Choice Award, and judges evaluated displays based on creativity, theme, and overall presentation.
Limitless by PC Workshop stood out across all categories, earning People’s Choice, Kids’ Choice, and Judges’ Choice honors for its festive and imaginative display.
Judges also recognized Keepsake Beads by EAW & Boutique as Runner-Up, while Paulding County Innovation Center received Third Place for its thoughtful and welcoming holiday design.
Several businesses received Honorable Mentions in appreciation of their creativity, effort, and attention to detail. Honorable Mentions were awarded to E & R Ceramics, Fuel Good Energy, Lindsey & Company Hair Studio, and Grounded Coffee & Crumbs.
Participating businesses in this year’s contest included Paulding County Innovation Center, Keepsake Beads by EAW & Boutique, Paulding County History Museum at Village Apothecary, Foltz Insurance, Fuel Good Energy, Signature Embroidery, Limitless by PC Workshop, Hidn Treasures, E & R Ceramics, Paulding Recovery Clubhouse, First Financial Bank, Grounded Coffee & Crumbs, Lindsey & Company Hair Studio, and Shisler Insurance.
The Chamber would also like to recognize art students from Wayne Trace High School, who helped decorate Signature Embroidery and Foltz Insurance, adding extra holiday cheer while contributing to the community.
The Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our local judges who generously volunteered their time and thoughtful consideration: Erin Bustos of Stahl Stoller Meyer Insurance, Zach Gorrell of Gorrell Bros, and Emily Schlegel of Midwest Community Federal Credit Union. Their willingness to support this event and celebrate the creativity of our local businesses helped make the contest meaningful and fair for all involved.
“The Holiday Decorating Contest is about more than decorations,” said Jill Strahley, Executive Director of the Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce. “It’s about businesses, students, and the community coming together to create a welcoming atmosphere during the holiday season.”
The Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce extends its sincere thanks to all participating businesses, student volunteers, judges, and community members who helped make the 2025 Holiday Decorating Contest a success.
For more information about Chamber programs and upcoming events, visit www.pauldingchamber.com or follow the Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce on social media.
