By Mary Jo Coulehan
Special to The PREVIEW
The seventh annual Parade of Stores Shopping Extravaganza will take place from today, Dec. 6, to Saturday, Dec. 8.
Stores all over town will offer an array of specials including No Tax and discount shopping. There will be numerous open houses, additional discounts and specials at most of the stores from the west side to the east end of town.
Participants can begin their shopping adventure today, participating in either the frequent stamp program or the Super Prize Package event. Shoppers can pick up their frequent stamp cards at the Chamber or at any of the participating stores.
Shoppers will be eligible to be entered into the store drawings if they collect at least 15 stamps during their shopping excursions over the three-day event. More than 34 gifts have been donated by the stores as a way to thank the public for visiting them and for shopping local. No purchase is necessary for this part of the weekend and you could win some great prizes.
The other part of the weekend is the opportunity to enter the Super Prize Package giveaway. Three weekend vacations will be given away. For every $10 spent, you will have the opportunity to enter the drawing. The more you spend, the more chances you have to win. Each participating store will have the tickets for shoppers to fill out. You may want to take address labels with your name and phone number on them if you are planning on buying a lot of gifts. Every year this event continues to grow, thanks to the support of the local retail merchants.
New this year — downtown and east-end stores will stay open late on Friday, Dec. 7, for another “Street-Walking” event. Plan on getting off work and doing a little socializing and shopping. Stores will be open until 7 p.m. There will be live music, warming beverages and delicious snacks at various stores. Walk on over to Wildflower Floral and Gift where the Chamber will host a ribbon-cutting event at 6 p.m. This will be a festive evening and a chance to get out, shop, meet friends along the way and enjoy the joy of the holiday season.
As in the past, winners of the prizes will be notified the following week, after Wednesday, Dec. 12.
For more information about participating stores, or about the shopping opportunities, contact the Chamber of Commerce. Get ready to shop and, remember, keep your dollars local!
