Visit Downtown Lake Wales to Shop & Win

Downtown Lake Wales shoppers have one more week to submit copies of their June receipts to possibly win a prize.

Lake Wales Main Street is sponsoring the Shop & Win program to encourage more people to shop in the city's historic downtown. Main Street Director Karen Thompson said during the program's first month shoppers submitted more than $1,500 in receipts for purchases made downtown in May.

"The Shop & Win program was initially intended to help with the restaurants closed in downtown during COVID," Thompson said. "The program took on a new life when we realized that ALL businesses in downtown could be included whether it be service oriented i.e. haircut, accounting services, massages and retail as well."

To participate, take a photo of the full receipt and text it to 863-662-9872 or call 678-4023 for drop off times and location. Receipts also can be emailed to [email protected]. Two winners will be chosen through a drawing from the receipts.

Main Street covered all expenses for program advertising and prizes, which included $200 for first place and a basket of goodies from downtown merchants for second place. June winners will receive either a $200 prize or another one to include gift certificates, so service-oriented businesses can be included.

Thompson said she expects June participation to double May shopping.

"Any creative way we can help our struggling businesses in downtown is the goal," Thompson said. "This has been a struggle but we're going to get through this with the full force of Main Street behind them."