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LEE ANNE TRIPP
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Two limousines, each hauling a team of
seven or eight judges, motored around town Tuesday to inspect
dozens of Medicine Hat businesses that entered the Stampede
store-decorating contest.
Parker’s Countrywide Furniture was
the first stop for one of the judging teams. Owner Dan Ziegenhagel
said his employees outdid themselves this year by sewing their own
pioneer costumes. New employee Ingrid Prinz miraculously
transformed the store’s style from urban-chic to
log-cabin-rustic with paint.
“It’s amazing, they’ve
done an excellent job,” said Ziegenhagel.
Newly-crowned Stampede Princess Caralee
Halmrast was riding high in one of the limousines, having gone from
judged to judge over the weekend.
“I’m enjoying seeing the staff
participation,” said Halmrast. “Everybody is really
getting into it. It’s awesome.”
Many of the businesses entered in the
contest added special elements to their venues in order to gain an
edge over competitors. At Chinook Village, an authentic pioneer
wagon was displayed indoors. At Icy Mountain Water Company, staff
performed skits from the Wild West for customers and judges
alike.
Judge Cherry McLennan said these extra
touches earn top marks but what really impresses her is employee
enthusiasm.
“What I’m looking for is
attitude from the staff. That kind of effort scores really high
with me because I’m a people person,” said
McLennan.
In total, 15 judges visited 30 businesses
before selecting winners in four categories.
Entries were judged on originality,
decoration, employee participation and expression of this
year’s theme, Celebrating Western Heritage.
Winners in each category will receive $150
cash plus dinner and a Stampede show for 10 people or a $1,000
advertising package. Runners-up in each category will receive $50
cash. Prizes will be awarded at Thursday’s Pro Rodeo
performance.
In the category of institutions and
community services, Brain Injury Relearning Centre took first place
while Meadowlands Retirement Residence was the runner-up.
In the category of banks and offices,
Thomsen Fisher Agencies won the top prize while Medicine Hat News
was the runner-up.
In the category of stores and fast-food
outlets, Prickly Pear Café won first place while Holiday Inn
Express took the runner-up prize. And in the category of bars,
restaurants and hotels, Icy Mountain Water Company took first place
while Parker’s Countrywide Furniture was the runner-up. |
