AUBURN - The people who came to downtown Auburn Saturday to welcome the holiday season had some work to do this year.

In addition to all of the traditional festivities associated with the city's annual celebration, visitors were asked to vote on the best storefronts in the downtown area as part of a holiday decorating contest.

The parade-goers had quite a challenge in front of them - several stores decorated their front windows and doors considerably.

Workers at Lynch's furniture store, which has always decorated for the season, said it's always nice to see things so festive with holiday spirit.

They spent a couple of days getting the store ready.

Having the town decorated for the holidays also promotes community involvement, several people said.

“During the holidays, it's nice to make the city look better for everyone in town, not just yourself,” said Robert Lyra of Auburn as he looked around Genesee Street.

“It seems so much more meaningful when you get the community involved in a big event like decorating for the holidays. It seems like we are all one big family for the holidays.”