Prize-winning Christmas ahead

By JAMES CLARK / Editor for the Southern Standard (McMinnville, Tenn.)

If Christmas seems like it’s coming a little early this year, that’s because it is.

For the second consecutive year, the Southern Standard and over 30 local businesses are sponsoring A Warren County Christmas — a gift-giving extravaganza which will rival Christmas day itself. The event takes place Dec. 13 at McMinnville Civic Center.

Once again, the Standard will be providing the grand prize – $1,000 in cash. Last year, Patsy Mullins was picked as the grand prize winner from a garbage bag overflowing with entries.

The goal behind A Warren County Christmas is to encourage holiday shoppers to spend their money in Warren County. To provide extra incentive, participating local businesses are giving away either $100 gift certificates or $100 worth of merchandise from their stores.

All that’s necessary to be eligible for those gifts – and the $1,000 grand prize – is to stop by participating stores and register. If you would like to do a little shopping while you’re there, that’s OK too.

Then cross your fingers, show up at the Civic Center Dec. 13, and hope your name is drawn.

“Being a vital part of this community, we want people to spend their money here,” said Standard publisher Patricia Zechman. “We’re firm believers in supporting the local economy. When local businesses prosper, it ultimately benefits everyone who is living here.”

Mullins didn’t win last year’s grand prize by accident. She said she registered at around 45 local businesses to better her chance of winning.

Thus far, 32 businesses have joined this year’s promotion and the available prizes are impressive. Topping the list is a hand-held computer, donated by Jencolie Consulting, valued at $230.

Other prizes include: a framed mirror from Martin-Glenn Glass and Frames, a watch and gift certificate from Kimberly’s Consignment, a day of beauty from New Age Beaty Academy, a silk arrangement from All-O-K’sions, and a 16×24 framed print from Lifeline Christian Books.

Most of the other businesses have donated gift certificates, although Edd Rogers has given $100 cash.