Same song, second verse
As I sat here debating what to write, I decided it was time for the customary "Shop in Marion" editorial — just in time for the holidays, of course.
A little voice inside my head said, "Ughh. What more can you say that hasn't already been said? When people figure out that's what you're talking about, they'll just quit reading."
So I spent 10 more minutes arguing with myself and decided to go ahead and write the perfunctory editorial anyway.
Stick with me, there is something new to be said. Well, maybe not new but at least it's a different angle to the "shop at home" sermon.
Everyone loves a bargain and what's more, everyone loves free stuff.
Local merchants know this. Many of them are offering discounts, incentives, and promotions to get people in the door.
When the holiday shopping season kicked off Sunday afternoon in Marion, early-bird shoppers had the opportunity to sign up for a $100 Christmas Cash drawing.
The Christmas Cash promotion rewards those who shop at participating businesses. Every time you make a purchase at one of these businesses, you can sign up for the Christmas Cash drawing. For the next four weeks, two lucky shoppers will win $25 in Christmas Cash or a $25 Chamber Check each week.
What's more, at 6 p.m. Dec. 19, a grand prize drawing will be held at Santa's house and more than $800 in Christmas Cash will be given away.
So, the more you shop, the more chances you have to win. You can take advantage of the specials at participating businesses and sign up to win Christmas Cash!
There is one thing about the grand prize drawing — you have to be present to win.
Have you seen the array of toys in the front window of Suffield's on Main Street in Marion?
All those toys have been donated by local businesses, and youngsters under the age of 14 are eligible to win. They can sign up at participating businesses. The prizes will be distributed at the 6 p.m. drawing Dec. 19.
Prizes include a bicycle, PlayStation, trampoline, scooter, gift certificates, and more prizes still are being added.
Again, the more often children visit participating stores, the more chances they have to win. And again, they must be present at the drawing to win the prizes.
Put that date — Dec. 19 — on your calendar and plan on spending the evening in downtown Marion, shopping in the stores, visiting with friends, and enjoying a unique holiday experience that you'll only find in Marion.
So in addition to all the usual reasons to shop at home — unique gifts, friendly service, convenience, and keeping your money in the community — you get an opportunity to win cash and toys.
Maybe those two or three people who read this far will be among the winners.
— DONNA BERNHARDT
