SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Deck the windows and the doors — the Shelby Township Downtown Development Authority wants to make sure the corridor looks festive for the holiday season.

That’s why, for the second year running, the DDA is hosting a wreath contest for local businesses.

“We would just like to have everybody participate and make Shelby Township a nicer place to look at,” said Barbara Kiel, chair of the promotions committee for the Authority and a DDA Board member. “Make us a little more decorative, a little more community friendly.”

Kiel said businesses could contact the DDA until Dec. 12 to be considered for the contest. They need only provide the business name, address, and a contact person and number to take part. The wreath must be visible from the road.

The winners of the contest won’t get any sort of prize, but they’ll get plenty of recognition, Kiel said, including time on Shelby TV and recognition in local publications and on the DDA’s Web site. And if there are too many entrants, they may have to break the contest down into sub-categories. Ten businesses participated in the wreath contest last year.

“I would love to have more participation,” Kiel said. “We’re going to try to make this bigger every year.”

The wreaths will be judged Dec. 18, weather permitting, by DDA Board members.

Businesses must be part of the DDA – which runs along Van Dyke Avenue from 25 Mile Road south to the Utica border — to participate in the event, which is being dubbed “Holiday along Van Dyke Avenue,” a play on the Karen Newman song, “Christmas Eve on Woodward Avenue.”

“I’m pushing hard to improve our Christmas every year,” Kiel said.

According to DDA member Doug Wozniak, the contest has the makings of a great tradition.

“The wreath project went over very well last year, so we’re doing it again this year,” he said.

Kiel said the DDA is already thinking ahead to 2009, noting she hopes to make the public part of the judging process.

“There will be more going on. This next year is going to be busier than this year,” she said.

Businesses that want to participate in the wreath contest can fax their name, address and contact information to Barbara Kiel at (248) 651-1042. For more information or any questions, call (248) 736-3111.

You can reach Staff Writer Kristyne E. Demske at kdemske@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1041.