WINDHAM – After getting some flak over dumping the Windham Chamber Singers’ portion of the Welcome to Windham signs, the Windham Town Council is now proposing a contest to replace the town’s aging gateway signs.

Spearheaded by Councilor Peter Busque, the contest is open to any Windham resident and aims to spruce up the seven main entrances to town in an effort to welcome visitors, residents and new businesses alike.

“I’ve been all over the world and most towns you visit, the first thing you see is their sign. It tells you about the region,” Busque said. “Some are full of energy and it makes you think the community is full of life. That’s what I want to do here.”

The revamped signs, which were first installed in 1987, will also act as a welcome for prospective businesses.

“Hopefully these gateway signs will show that we have a lot to offer and that we are open for business,” Busque said.

Since the town council wants this to be an inclusive effort anyone in town can submit a design. All designs must be submitted as drawings or electronically to the town office by noon on April 30.

Some of the guidelines for submissions include:

• The words “Windham” and “welcome” must appear in relatively large lettering.

• The sign can contain colorful symbols and shapes depicting Windham-focused industry, natural resources, history and recreation.

• The sign’s layout will need to fill an area of 4 by 8 feet, with a horizontal orientation.

All winners will be announced at the May 4 town council meeting. The actual signs will be unveiled during Summerfest.

According to Busque, up to seven people may win the contest, one for each gateway location. A total of 13 judges will determine the winners. Judges will include the Town Council, town manager, Keith Stiles at Moonshine Signs (who will manufacture the signs), as well as one student each from Windham’s primary, Manchester, middle and high schools.