Famed sports announcer Howard Cosell once said, “The ultimate victory in competition is derived from the inner satisfaction of knowing that you have done your best and that you have gotten the most out of what you had to give.” If that’s true, then the small business owners of Eagle Grove have plenty to be satisfied with this year. Especially those who decided to bring their A game to the Chamber Of Commerce’s Christmas movie themed window decorating contest this year.
Standouts, in alphabetical order, were Arden Scott Collectibles, Broadway Vision Source, and Redhead Tribe Logos.
“I want that prize,” said Tiarra Paul of Redhead Tribe Logos, “so we went all out!” Even though she and her kids had been battling the flu for days, she and her whole staff nevertheless devoted an entire day to decorating the window.
At least one window shopper, 10 year old Hayden Dicke-Pedersen, was in total agreement with RTL’s choice of Will Ferrell’s classic comedy Elf as their window inspiration. In fact he was such a fan, he came out dressed as the film’s title character.
At Broadway Vision Source, they were determined to have “the best Who-liday ever”, and took their decorations well beyond their window. Decorating the interior of the store with an extensive recreation of Whoville. The inside decorations were reminiscent of the classic 1957 children’s book “How The Grinch Stole Christmas” by Dr. Seuss. While at the same time evoking the 1966 Television special of the same name by legendary Warner Brothers animator Chuck Jones. And the cosplay of the staff was lovingly loyal to the new classic adaptation by Director Ron Howard, in which Jim Carrey brought the Grinch to life as only he could have.
Can an action movie be a Christmas movie? That’s the question that has revolved around John McTiernan’s 1988 film franchise spawning mega-hit Die Hard. And while star Bruce Willis is on the record (jokingly) saying no, millions of people around the world disagree. Including Steven E de Souza, the writer of the classic 1988 film, who explained just how similar the film is to the “baseline” Christmas movie, 1954’s White Christmas. German ringleader of the bad guys? Check. Christmas songs? Check. Christmas party? Check. Broadcasters with an agenda? Check.
The folks at Arden Scott Collectibles agree. And their window display shows a keen, aficionado’s expertise on the film in all the little details. Fire erupting from the doorway? Check. Police Car that backed over a wall? Check. Helicopter circling above? Check. Bruce Willis impersonating a sardine in a can? Check. The iconic Nakatomi Plaza logo? Check, and extra points for turning it into a Christmas tree garland.
Whichever business wins the prize of $100 off the production of a TV commercial, all of them have proven their bonafide fandom, their competitive streaks, their community zeal, and most important of all, their Holiday spirit.
