Merchants of Mathews is calling on all Mathews businesses and restaurants to decorate for the holidays this year and participate in the Merry Mathews Holiday Decorating Contest.
There will be cash prizes for the winners in each of two categories: Outside Decorations and Window/Shop Front.
The contest is free to enter, and businesses should indicate which category they want to compete in, or may select both. Send selections and business name as it will appear on the ballot by Oct. 31 to merchantsofmathews@gmail.com.
Decorations should be in place by Nov. 22, and voting will occur Nov. 23-Dec. 24 at voting stations inside Merchants of Mathews shops.
Winners will be announced and prizes will be awarded the weekend after Christmas.

Some of the businesses that have participated in past holiday decorating contests in Mathews include, from left, Gypsy’s Wagon, The Vintage Pearl, and Lily Valentine Antiques....