DTI Announces Holiday Window-Decorating Contest & Opens Nominations For ‘Miracle On Kansas Avenue’ Parade Marshals

Downtown Topeka Inc. is excited to announce its holiday window-decorating contest is back this year, and downtown businesses are encouraged to take part by creating festive window displays before voting kicks off on Dec. 1. Meanwhile, nominations have opened for the downtown “Miracle on Kansas Avenue” parade’s grand marshal and junior grand marshal, and community members have until Nov. 11 to submit names for consideration.

 “I can’t wait to see the holiday spirit take over Kansas Avenue,” said Ashley Gilfillan, incoming DTI president and director of river strategies. “Each year around this time, downtown Topeka becomes a sought-after spot for holiday festivities and cheer, and 2022 is no exception. With our window-decorating contest, the Evergy Plaza ice rink opening soon, a Christmas tree making its way to the plaza, and the annual Miracle on Kansas Avenue parade coming up on Dec. 3 — this is going to be a holiday season to remember!”

2022 marks the third year DTI has held a holiday window-decorating contest. By participating in the contest, businesses will have the chance to win $500, a trophy, and special promotion on DTI’s website and social media channels. The contest kicks off Dec. 1, with a winner expected to be announced Dec. 20. On or after Dec. 1, community members and customers may text votes to 785-517-0157 to cast their ballots for the best displays. One vote per phone number, per day will count toward the results.

When it comes to the annual Miracle on Kansas Avenue parade, grand marshal nominations may be submitted here via Google form, and junior grand marshal nominations may be submitted here. New this year, the Miracle on Kansas Avenue parade stage — dubbed the Topeka Performing Arts Center Stage — will be located at 7th Street and Kansas Avenue, facing east so that Evergy Plaza serves as the backdrop for parade floats passing by. A live parade broadcast will be streamed Dec. 3 from the TPAC Stage for those unable to attend.

“Both Miracle on Kansas Avenue and the window-decorating contest are a labor of love for those of us organizing these community events behind the scenes,” said Stephanie Norwood, director of events for the Greater Topeka Partnership. “They are ways for us to, hopefully, bring people downtown during our most festive time of the year, encouraging retail traffic and allowing businesses to engage with their customers in a special way.”