NILES — Every year, businesses around Niles get into the spirit of the Apple Festival by decking out their storefronts based on the annual event’s theme. This year, the contest continues and businesses still have the chance to use their creative prowess to earn cash prizes by dressing up their windows.

Three judges from the Four Flags Apple Festival Board will judge the windows from 1 to 3 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 27. Stacy Walsh, president of the board, said businesses interested in being judged for the competition should notify the board. She welcomed any business in Niles to participate. Those interested in participating can call (269) 683-8870.

Judges who make the rounds will look for a few key elements in the business’ storefront design.

“We just like it when people follow our theme,” Walsh said. “[And] obviously it should probably have apples.”

This year’s theme is Riding the Waves to the Festival. Walsh expects some surf boards and other nautical memorabilia to be spotted.

The first-place winner will receive a $75 prize; second-place $50 and third-place $25. Walsh said it is an easy way to claim some extra cash and show support for the annual Apple Festival. Walsh also hopes for the decoration to serve as a backdrop for the annual Apple Festival Grande Parade. The parade will take place at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29, beginning in downtown Niles and ending at Niles High School.

With more than 150,000 people expected to visit Niles for the Apple Festival, Walsh said a decorated storefront might also help to draw prospective customers into the business.

“We encourage them to open up their doors,” Walsh said. “It is bringing people into your facility to check out what you have.”

In the years that the competition has existed, Walsh said she has seen a fair amount of creativity in the contest. Some businesses utilize old Apple Festival signs, incorporate decorative lights or put their own signature spin on the theme.

The 46th Four Flags Area Apple Festival will take place from Sept. 27 to Sept. 30, at the Apple Festival grounds, 1740 Lake St. The annual event was originally created to celebrate the Michigan apple harvest. The multi-day festival includes carnival rides, games and lots of apple inspired food and challenges.

This year’s festival will include a Backyard Barbecue Grillers Cook off, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. A beer and wine tent is a revived feature this year and will be open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday.

The festival is free to enter, though people are asked to contribute a $5 parking fee. Tickets for the carnival games can be found online.