With the Four Flags Area Apple Festival just around the corner, local businesses are being asked to add to the festivities by entering this year’s window decorating contest.

Pat Teeter, Apple Festival spokesperson, said she hopes to get 100-percent participation from businesses in downtown Niles and along this year’s Grande Parade route, which begins on the corner of Front and Main Streets and runs up Main before finishing at Niles High School.

“We want all businesses to show their support for the festival and for Niles by decorating their windows,” Teeter said. “It will help make a great atmosphere for the visitors that come to our area.”

This year’s decorating theme is “Sea You at the Festival,” so businesses are encouraged to incorporate sea and apple themes into the motif.

Judging will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25. A cash prize and traveling trophy will be awarded to the winning business.

Any Niles business can enter by contacting event chairperson Stacy Walsh at (269) 591-9858. Businesses must register to be considered for the prize.

Past window decorating contest winners include Niles Styles in 2013 and Leader Publications in 2012.