'Elmhurst Loves Local' Contest Supports Local Merchants

ELMHURST, IL — Elmhurst residents are encouraged to shop local during the holiday season.

The city is offering the "Elmhurst Loves Local" virtual contest for people to support Small Business Saturday. Take a photo showing how you or a family member are loving local by supporting Elmhurst businesses.

Photos are then emailed to econdev@elmhurst.org by 10 p.m. Saturday for a chance to win a daily prize. The contest runs through Dec. 21. Participants can enter new pictures every day for a chance to win one of two daily prizes — a $50 gift card to the Elmhurst small business retailer, entertainment venue, service provider, or restaurant/bar of their choice.

Each day the city will feature a different local business segment on its social media pages to remind you of all the ways you can support local, according to a city news release. Grand prize drawings will take place on Dec. 21, 22 and 23; all participants from throughout the contest will be entered to win gift packages valued around $250 in local gift cards and merchandise, the release said.

To enter, participants must email photos showing their local support and identify themselves and the businesses showcased in the image. Winners will be asked to choose three Elmhurst small business retailers, entertainment venues, service providers, or restaurants from which they wish to win a gift card.

Winners may also choose a City Centre gift card. Proof of local purchase will be requested when winners are selected. Drawings will take place the business day following entry; winners will be notified within 72 hours on how and when they may claim their prize. The city reserves the right to use any winning photos for local marketing and promotional purposes, according to the release.

Need photo inspiration? Here are ideas from the city: Think a photo bundled up outside having dinner at Riley’s or at home serving up slices of hot pizza from Lariano’s, taking an outdoor fitness class with Fitt 60126, wearing a new sweater from Enzee Boutique, showing off your fresh manicure from Merle Norman while enjoying a coffee from Pilot Pete’s, jingling the keys of your new car from Wilkins Mazda, your kids assembling craft kits from Do It Together Workshops, or playing with your pet and its newest toy from Ruffe Life.