Businesses that want to show their Christmas spirit can vie to take top prize in a new contest sponsored by Ironton In Bloom, the volunteer beautification organization.

And the citizens of Ironton can pick the winner.

Starting today, anyone can vote on what they consider the best holiday-decorated storefront, whether the business is in downtown Ironton or at another location in the city.

The business just has to be within the city limits of Ironton.

“We are trying to bring people in town to support our businesses,” Jan Wolfe, of Ironton In Bloom, said. “We thought if we got the place looking real holiday-like, people will come.”

Those wanting to vote can use the ballot published in The Tribune and drop it off in the gift-wrapped ballot box in the city building. Voting will end on Dec. 3.

“The judges will be the community,” Wolfe said.

To get the city in a holiday mood, Ironton aLIVE, a new non-profit organization whose mission is to support city businesses, is teaming up with Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital to light up Rotary Fountain. The hospital’s community initiative program is providing the white lights, while the new organization will install them.

“It is just really to introduce people to the term Ironton aLIVE by decorating Rotary Fountain Square,” Carol Allen, president of the new organization, said.

Nominations can also be made via email to irontoninbloom@zoominternet.net; by regular mail at P.O. Box 4599, Ironton, OH 45638 or by calling Wolfe at (740) 550-9495.

The winner will be announced on Dec. 9 in The Tribune and receive a $50 cash prize.