This year the good people at Supplies Unlimited in Damariscotta have turned an informal guessing game into a giveaway for the holidays.
Business owner Jane Gravel is inviting members of the public to guess how many Christmas lights decorate her home and business location at 47 School St. in Damariscotta.
The closest guesser without going over will be awarded three $50 gift certificates to any locally owned Damariscotta-Newcastle business, or businesses, of their choice.
“We want to help the local economy and also to do something fun in town,” Gravel said.
Gravel said the idea came from her customers who repeatedly tried to guess how many lights decorate her home and business. People have offered wildly different numbers but to date no one has come close, Gravel said, adding she believes people will be surprised at the actual number.
“This is the second year we have done it and we have added to it this year,” Gravel said. “This year we have added the Christmas trees and the lighted garland.”
The contest will continue through Tues., Dec. 15 when the final drawing will be held.
No purchase is necessary, Gravel said. Entrants are invited to stop by the store and fill out a small form. The winner will be contacted following the drawing Dec. 15
“Come into Supplies Unlimited and fill out the form with your name and phone number and the guess,” Gravel said. “When we call you, we will ask what three local businesses you would like to have your gift certificates to.”
The Gravels, Jane and her husband and co-decorator Gary, do not have a pre-arrangement with any other local business, Jane said. Instead they plan to purchase the gift certificates themselves for the winning guesser.
“It can be Renys, it can be anything, that is locally owned and in the Damariscotta- Newcastle area,” Gravel said.
Jane Gravel said she hopes the contest will be fun for the community and will provide a small boost for the local economy.
Supplies Unlimited is open Mon.-Fri., 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Saturdays 8:30 a.m. -3:30 p.m. For more information call 563-7010.