Peggy Revell
Betty’s of Fort Frances is thrilled about a third-place finish in a worldwide window display competition.
The Scott Street store finished ahead of hundreds of others from around the globe that entered the competition organized by Schleich, a toy company which produces figurines.
“We were super excited,” said Betty’s co-owner Blair Anderson, admitting they were surprised about the third-place showing.
“I’ve never seen Blair so excited,” noted his brother and co-owner, Doug Anderson.
Their winning window display that was up this past fall was designed by employee Natalie Donaldson and Fort High co-op student Erika Kozar, under the Andersons’ supervision.
Iffeatured, amongst many things, a topsy-turvy upside down tree alongside the figurines.
This is the second year the Schleich company has run the competition, with this year’s theme being “Who’s Your Hero?”
Participating stores were asked to design a window display based on this theme and using the various Schleich figurines.
This year’s first-place prize was a trip to Thailand.
“We didn’t want to do it the first year; we need something to strive for,” Blair Anderson joked about not coming in first.
“We’ve got a plan for next year,” added Doug Anderson.
“It’s top secret. We’re not telling anyone what it is.”
The second-place prize was $500 while third place was worth $250.
As well, the photo Betty’s submitted from its display will be unveiled at the Nurnberg Toy Fair in Germany—the largest international trade fair for toys and games.
The picture also will be on display at other big toy shows in the world, like New York and Toronto.
