The countdown is underway with only a few days left until six Park Rapids area shoppers will win a total of $10,000 cash at the Jingle Bells Sweepstakes drawing Thursday, Dec. 20 at Century School.
Katie Magozzi, executive director of the Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, reminds that even fewer days remain before all tickets have to be turned in. The deadline is the end of the business day Tuesday, Dec. 18.
This year's promotion offers a chance for six people to win cash, rather than one as in the past. The drawing will result in one winner of $5,000 and five $1,000 winners.
"The change was a way to keep our promotion fresh," Magozzi said. "It is amazing for a small community to put on a promotion of this magnitude. It speaks to the generosity of local businesses." Magozzi also said she continues to be impressed with the breadth of participation: large and small businesses, retail and many others.
"The purpose is to find a way to say 'thank you' to the customers who patronize our businesses throughout the year," she said.
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The festivities and drawing will start at 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 20 at Century School. St. Joseph's Carolers will entertain, Santa will be on hand for last-minute requests and food will be available at reasonable prices.
The staff and friends of Early Childhood Family Education will be having a bake sale and also selling games as a fundraiser.
Businesses have donated many items to be given away as door prizes for those who attend, from fishing rods to a digital cooking thermometer, poinsettias to gift certificates and discount coupons.
The grand prize drawing will start at 6 p.m. Thursday. Following the drawing, all winning numbers and prizes will be posted at www.parkrapids.com , in the Park Rapids Enterprise and its Web site, www.parkrapidsenterprise.com , at participating merchants and the Chamber office.
No numbers will be given out over the telephone.
All prizes must be claimed by noon Wednesday, Jan. 2.
