WESTBROOK – Organizers of two Westbrook holiday events are seeking more community involvement.

Leading up to the city’s official Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Sunday, Dec. 7, the Westbrook/Gorham Community Chamber has put out a challenge to regional businesses and residents to help make sure the tree stands out.

The chamber is looking for businesses and Westbrook residents to raise $500 or more toward the purchase of new LED lights for the tree. If successful, the chamber will put an additional $500 toward the lights.

However, the clock is running. The chamber is looking for the funds to be in place by this Saturday, Nov. 22. To make a last-minute donation to the tree lighting, send a check for $20 to the Westbrook/Gorham Community Chamber c/o the Frog & Turtle, 3 Bridge St., Westbrook, or stop by Riverbank Park Saturday from 10 a.m.-noon to donate in person.

Meanwhile, the Downtown Westbrook Coalition is promoting its first event, a downtown holiday window-decorating contest, and is looking for more Westbrook businesses to participate.

Coinciding with a number of other holiday-themed events, such as the Festival of Trees and the annual tree lighting, the window-decorating contest aims to get local businesses involved in the holiday spirit, and provide a festive look to the downtown.

At last week’s coalition meeting, members discussed having businesses challenge each other to participate. The American Journal will be decorating its windows at 840 Main St. this week.

The group will also be making removable labels with the coalition’s logo and website to place in all decorated windows.

Businesses can choose from three options to participate. Business owners can either ask their staff to decorate their storefront window, team up with an art class from the Westbrook School Department, or pair up with an artist from the Saccarappa Art Collective.

Businesses that wish to participate must contact Abigail Cioffi, the coalition coordinator, by Wednesday, Nov. 26, and windows should be completed by Dec. 5.

All voting will take place on social media and there will be a Portland Pie pizza party for the winner. Contact Cioffi at 391-2977 or downtownwestbrookcoalition@gmail.com.

– Andrew Rice