Central ND News

City leaders in Mandan are once again encouraging local businesses to participate in winter-themed contests designed to enhance the city's appearance and accessibility during the colder months. The competitions, which have returned for their third year, include awards for snow clearing and holiday decorating.

The Winter Decorating Award invites businesses and commercial property owners to adorn their building exteriors and visible interior spaces with festive decorations. Participants can choose between lit or unlit displays that are either fun or elegant. Nominations for this award will be accepted until December 31, with public voting set to take place in January.

In addition, the Golden Shovel Award will be given to the business that excels at keeping adjacent sidewalks free of snow and ice. Nominations for this award are open until February 1, 2025, followed by public voting in March. According to local ordinance, property owners must clear sidewalks within 24 hours of snowfall; otherwise, they risk incurring a minimum fee of $50 plus service costs if the city intervenes.

Both awards aim to improve Mandan's sparkle and pedestrian-friendliness during winter. Winners will receive traveling awards and a special feature on Made in Mandan's social media platforms.

Nominations can be submitted through an online form available at cityofmandan.com/winterawards. Finalists will be announced later this winter, with winners recognized at upcoming meetings of the Mandan City Commission in 2025.