Gone Dancing wins first ever Window Decorating Contest at Oyster Bay's Holiday Market Stroll and Tree Lighting

Almost every business had a window, and they really went out of their way to make sure the windows reflected the personality of their business.”

Dawn Riley, organizer

The holiday spirit is alive and well in Oyster Bay, as the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Chamber of Commerce recently hosted its first-ever Holiday Window Decorating Contest, sponsored by the Oyster Bay Herald, bringing festive cheer to the town’s businesses and residents. The contest, a new addition to the annual Holiday Stroll Market and Tree Lighting, saw an impressive turnout of 22 businesses participating, with creativity and community spirit at the forefront.

Gone Dancing, a local dance studio owned by sisters Carrie and Caitlin Kirincic, emerged as the victor of the window decorating competition. The studio’s vibrant and whimsical display captured the essence of the season, showcasing a stunning collaboration with artist Michelle Drummond.

Caitlin shared the studio’s journey from its inception in 2007 to becoming a beloved fixture in the community. She added that they began adding window decorations as a way to add a little seasonal flair and to help welcome the community into their doors.

“It’s always been about creating an environment where kids feel comfortable, confident, and happy while learning to love dance and performing,” Kirincic said. “It’s definitely important for the kids, they want to be somewhere that they feel is going to be fun.”

She added that the studio, known for its family-oriented atmosphere, has become a second home for many young dancers in the area. The many young dancers also participated actively in the event as well, with a dance performance for the community to holiday songs like “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas.”

The winning window display reflected the studio’s commitment to creating a welcoming space for children. Kirincic said that Drummond, who works with the studio on multiple displays throughout the year, ensured each design is kid-friendly and resonates with the young dancers.

Kirincic shared insights into how the studio got involved in the contest, mentioning the initial inspiration from a beautifully decorated business in Kings Park. The sisters received an email from the chamber inviting businesses to participate, leading them to showcase their creativity and holiday spirit through their storefront window.

The festive atmosphere extended beyond Gone Dancing, with a total of 22 businesses participating in the contest. According to Dawn Riley, one of the event organizers and director of Oakcliff Sailing, the community response was overwhelming. She said that it really helped the entire community get into the spirit of the holidays and of the event itself.

“There were multiple businesses that did not enter officially, but got in the spirit and went over the top,” Riley continued. “Almost every business had a window, and they really went out of their way to make sure the windows reflected the personality of their business.”

The contest engaged the community further, with over 350 public votes determining the finalists. A distinguished panel, including local figures like Rich LaMarca, town clerk, and the High School Student Council President Matthew Zakairian, deliberated on the winners.

The top honor came with a significant prize—an article feature in the Oyster Bay Herald and a half-page ad, giving the winning business an invaluable spotlight in the community.

Reflecting on the success of the contest, Riley mentioned plans for future events, including the possibility of a February stroll through businesses to combat the mid-winter dullness. She continued on to say that collaboration between the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Chamber of Commerce and Oyster Bay Mainstreet Association has proven effective in bringing the community together, and the success of the window decorating contest promises more exciting events in the future.