MARSHALL — Decorating for holidays is something that Marshall businesses have done for many years. And as the United States’ 250th anniversary gets closer, organizers of a downtown business event are hoping it will be a unique opportunity for shops to get creative.

Earlier this month the Marshall Area Chamber of Commerce announced it will be holding a storefront decoration competition in connection with the 250th anniversary.

“As we look ahead to a very special summer, we’re excited to celebrate America’s 250th birthday in a big way right here in downtown,” Chamber event specialist Sam Lund said in the announcement. Contest organizers hope that local businesses will help give downtown a festive and patriotic look, in time for the 4th of July. They said it can be a way to engage customers, as well as to spark a little friendly competition.

Marshall downtown businesses have taken part in window display competitions in the past. The upcoming 4th of July storefront decoration will share some features with events like the 2025 Christmas holiday window contest. Once storefronts are decorated, members of the public will be able to vote for their favorites and determine the winning window display.

The 4th of July competition will kick off a little bit before the Independence Day holiday, and last through July, organizers said. Winners of the competition will be announced after Aug. 1. Businesses that are participating in the decorating contest will each have a QR code displayed in the window. Visitors and passers-by will be able to scan the codes with a cell phone, and cast votes for their favorite displays.

Contest organizers said the sign-up deadline for local businesses to participate will be June 18. The voting period for the contest will be June 24 through Aug. 1, to give people plenty of time to take part in voting.

Display contest winners will be announced later this summer.