Markos D1 Salon wins 2024 Tehachapi Window Decorating Contest

Clare Scotti.

Marco Hernandez proudly displays his trophy and award after winning the 2024 Tehachapi Window Decorating Contest.

Marcos Hernandez, owner of Markos D1 Salon in Downtown Tehachapi, is the winner of the 2024 Tehachapi Window Decorating Contest, with his "Tehachapi Wonderland" display. This festive competition included 11 local competing businesses this year, including Witts, Simply Perfect Gifts and Decor, American Pacific Mortgage, Funky Junk by Go2Girlz, Go2Girlz, The Semerenko Team, Kotz Agency, The Loop newspaper, Coldwell Banker Frontier and Gallery 'N' Gifts. It was a steep competition, but only one business could win the Judges' Award.

Marcos and his team were up against serious competition with businesses like Simply Perfect Gifts and Decor, the Semerenko Team, Coldwell Banker Frontier and Kotz Agency pulling out the stops with beautifully painted windows. Funky Junk, American Pacific Mortgage, Gallery 'N' Gifts, and Witts got very creative with window displays that used various materials and three dimensional space. Go2Girlz decorated their yard and front entry with bright beautiful lights and a theme depicting a duel between the Miser Brothers, and The Loop newspaper adorned their windows with a tribute to news. Markos D1 Salon went all out with decorations on the roof and all along the porch; however the piece that set this business apart was a fun window poster representation of the town's hallmark locations and their staff. Among those featured were the Heritage Museum, the Train Depot Museum, The Loop newspaper, City Hall and the Chamber of Commerce. Staff members and volunteers were showcased standing next to the buildings, including Mayor Davies.

On Dec. 7 and 8, a panel of anonymous third party judges visited each participating location, evaluating the displays based on two main criteria: General Presentation and Workmanship. General Presentation included aspects such as the overall effect, decoration placement, originality and how well the theme "Joy to the World" was incorporated. Workmanship focused on creativity, craftsmanship, design intricacy and the effective use of materials. Marcos' winning design captured the spirit of the season in more than one way.

Congratulations to Markos D1 Salon for bringing home the win! Be sure to visit all the businesses that participated and see which one is your favorite.

Funky Junk by Go2Girlz: 108 W. Tehachapi Blvd.

Gallery 'N' Gifts: 100 W. Tehachapi Blvd.

American Pacific Mortgage: 101 E. Tehachapi Blvd.

The Semerenko Team REMAX All Pro: 303 S. Robinson St.

Coldwell Banker Frontier: 765 Tucker Rd.

Simply Perfect Gifts & Decor: 414 W. Tehachapi Blvd., Ste. B

Go2Girlz: 211 S. Curry St.

Markos D1 Salon: 113 S. Green St.

The Loop newspaper: 206 S. Green St.

Kotz Agency: 300 Tucker Rd., Ste. B

Witt's Everything for the Office: 20437 Brian Way

Clare Scotti is the Executive Director of the Greater Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce.