Each spring, downtown Thomasville, Georgia, transforms into a floral wonderland during the city’s beloved Rose Show & Festival. This celebration dates back to 1922 and honors Thomasville’s identity as the City of Roses. While the parade floats and rose displays have long been iconic, a charming new tradition has blossomed in recent years: the Downtown Thomasville Window Decorating Contest.

When planning the 100^th Rose Show & Festival in 2021, the City of Thomasville wanted to celebrate the centennial with something extra special. Though window decorating contests had been held in the past, this milestone offered the perfect opportunity to reimagine the concept and engage downtown merchants in a fresh and festive way. The result was a revamped contest featuring prize money to boost participation and a unique Mayor’s Choice award introduced by then-Mayor Jay Flowers. His award required displays to use all-natural floral materials and incorporated an extra cash incentive, adding a creative twist that inspired some stunning entries.

To qualify for any prize, each display must include at least a dozen live roses, ensuring that roses remain the heart of the celebration. The community quickly embraced the contest, enjoying the beautiful storefronts and the friendly competition it sparked among local business owners.

Since its reintroduction in 2021, the contest has become a mainstay of the Rose Show & Festival, and during this year’s 104^th celebration on April 25 – 26, it was back in full bloom. In addition to cash prizes, winners now receive framed certificates that they proudly display in shop windows long after the festivities, serving as a badge of honor and a great conversation starter with customers.

Voting is open to the public, with an easy-to-use QR code displayed in each participating window. This encourages residents and visitors alike to stroll through downtown Thomasville, admire the creativity on display, and cast their vote — all while supporting local businesses. The contest not only boosts foot traffic but also enhances the city’s festive atmosphere during one of its most cherished traditions.

In Thomasville, the windows tell a story — one of roses, community pride, and the power of a little friendly competition.