As part of the annual Holiday Walk this year, La Grange officials are encouraging residents to shop local with a new program that gives rebates to customers who spend at least $300 at La Grange businesses during the holidays.
The “Unwrap La Grange” shopping campaign, which is being co-sponsored by the village and the La Grange Business Association, offers the first 100 shoppers who spend $300 at a minimum of three businesses — at least $20 at each — $30 certificates from the business association. The campaign begins on Nov. 29 and lasts through December.
Participants can turn in receipts at village hall or online at http://www.lgba.com. Gift certificates will be available for entrants after Jan. 15 at village hall.
“The LGBA really wants to help drive traffic to our businesses through the holidays and beyond. We want visitors to experience the holidays — instead of just survive them — by shopping in our very unique boutiques, enjoying incredible dishes or sipping wine in front of a fireplace,” said Steve Jasinski, president of the business association, in a statement.
The 24th annual Holiday Walk will occur on Dec. 6 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. throughout the downtown and will include a free matinee show at the La Grange Theatre, a performance by the Lyons Township High School Madgrigal Choir, a petting zoo and pony rides, as well as a visit from Santa at village hall, according to the business association website.
The village is contributing up to $12,000 to the shopping campaign and the Dec. 6 event.
“It is critical to maintain the vitality of our Village and encourage residents to shop local,” Village President Tom Livingston said in a statement. “The more money spent at our small businesses, the additional dollars flow back into our community in the form of payroll, taxes, jobs, roads and so much more.”