- RELATED STORIES: Wimmera shops ready to turn purple
- Horsham centre shows true colours
HORSHAM businesses have adopted various shades of lavender, mauve, violet and eggplant to support Paint The Town Purple this week.
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The initiative marks the official start of the 2018 Horsham and District Relay For Life. More than 70 businesses are participating this year.
Paint The Town Purple co-ordinator Tami Lane said she was blown away by the effort businesses had put into their displays.
“A lot of the businesses really thought about it and were very innovative,” she said.
“We had new businesses on board this year, which was great, and we’ve had many who have supported the initiative since it started.
“Everybody has been hit by cancer in some way, and that's why people support it.
“The support from the business community has been outstanding. I have never felt prouder to be part of this community that is fighting harder than ever for a future without cancer.
“We do understand there is an event all the time, so we appreciate that they step up each and every year to support ours.”
Mrs Lane said the attention to detail in the displays was impressive.
"It's not always the biggest display, but the thought and feeling that is put into the meaning of the intended message that really tells the true story,” she said.
“Even looking at the displays at night was really impressive. Some of them are just amazing.”
Mrs Lane said many of the businesses had bought Horsham and District Relay For Life committee’s cookbook Recipes For Life to include in their displays.
The book contains dozens of recipes submitted by people involved with the relay, alongside photos from past events.
Money raised from cookbook sales will go towards fighting against cancer and Relay For Life.
“We are looking to sell the cookbooks at Kannamaroo also, but if people want them they will have to get in quick because we only have two boxes left,” Ms Lane said.
“We started with 14 boxes containing 500 books.
“It would make the best Christmas present for those people who have got everything.
“It's not just a recipe book – it's a story of community spirit.”
Judges assessed the business windows on Wednesday, and Paint The Town Purple organisers will announce the winners for the best displays on Friday afternoon.
The overall winner will receive a $2000 Mail-Times advertising package.
- Tune in to the Mail-Times Facebook page from 5pm on Friday for a live stream of the overall winner announcement, and to see more photos of business displays.