The Festival of Gardens annual Shopfront Window Display competition is back and this year entry is free.

Griffith shops are being asked to take the veggie patch theme and run with it.

Griffith Festival of Gardens committee chair Pat Cox said they had chosen the theme to tie in with special guest Tino Carnevale, whose speciality is vegetable gardens.

“The idea of this competition is to dress up the town for the festival,” she said.

“In the past we’ve had entries from businesses outside the CBD and we encourage everyone to participate.

“We have changed it this year so that entry is free. 

“We want to make sure everyone gets involved to show that we are all behind the Festival of Gardens.”

Mrs Cox said the veggie patch theme was open to interpretation.

“We are leaving it wide open,” she said.

“They can make their windows mystical, fantasy or just a standard vegetable garden.

“It will be interesting to see what we get.”

Last week, Griffith Festival of Gardens committee member Sue Wegner dressed as a pea pod in the hope of inspiring local businesses to get creative.

Entry forms are available from the Visitor’s Centre or call 1800 681141.

Entries close and windows must be prepared by October 4, with judging to take place on October 11. 

The winner will walk away with $300 cash thanks to Griffith Business Chamber.