ROCKLAND — Two businesses were the recipients of prizes in the first annual Downtown Window Box and Sidewalk Garden contest, sponsored by the Design Committee of Rockland Main Street, Inc. The first place winner was fourTWELVE at 412 Main Street with an award valued at $60, while Honorable Mention recognition went to By George Jewelry, at 376 Main Street with an award valued at $25.

The contest was the idea of Linda Richardson, a local realtor and community volunteer, who coordinated the project planning and details. In addition to lining up the three judges, Rebecca Albright, Kathy Thyng, and Joan Wright, Richardson engaged four garden supply businesses, Green Thumb; Plants Unlimited; Lowe’s; and Home Depot, to offer discounts on flowers and plants to participating downtown businesses.

Funds to purchase the gift cards were donated in part by Terry Pinto of Rockland, who has been a supporter of downtown beautification for many years, and by Rockland Main Street, Inc. According to the RMSI Design Committee Chair, Jason Merriam, the contest generated a lot of enthusiasm on the part of the downtown merchant base, who voluntarily participated in the program. “Rockland is fortunate to have a business community interested in the city’s ongoing revitalization and we have seen a greater number of plantings throughout the downtown this summer”, said Merriam in a press release.

Rockland Main Street, Inc., is a focused partnership of residents, businesses and local government that enhances and protects the unique sense of place and economic vitality of downtown Rockland, Maine. The local 501[c][3] non-profit organization is fully accredited by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the National Main Street Center, an organization committed to historic preservation-based community revitalization, and the Maine Development Foundation's Downtown Center.

In addition to the Window Box and Sidewalk Garden contest, Rockland Main Street, Inc., is responsible for the production of the annual Summer Solstice Celebration and Street Party every June, as well as the annual Festival of Lights Parade, the construction and lighting of the Lobster Trap Christmas Tree, hanging Christmas wreaths in the downtown, and a variety of other events that draw positive attention to the downtown district.

FMI: rocklandmainstreet.com, or Rockland Main Street on Facebook.