The Dolores Chamber of Commerce and local businesses are hosting a variety of events to promote local businesses this holiday season.
For three Saturdays, consumers get a chance to win prizes if they shop in Dolores.
In the "Shop Local, Shop Dolores" promotion, merchants enter customers into a drawing for every $10 that they spend. The winnings are in redeemable coupons called Dolores Dollars that can be spent on products sold by participating stores.
Winners will be drawn Dec. 6 at the Ginger Jar for $100 in Dolores Dollars; on Dec. 13 at the Galloping Goose Christmas event for $200; and on Dec. 20 at the Ponderosa Restaurant for $300.
The more you spend at participating merchants, the more you increase your chances to win Dolores Dollars.
Participating merchants include: Traditional Charm Antiques, Sideshow Emporium and Gallery, Dolores Food Market, Giant Gas Station, Dolores Liquor, Dolores General Store, GST Liquor, The Ginger Jar, The Ponderosa, Second Chance Thrift Store, The Hollywood Bar and Grill, and Terri's Hair and Nails.
"Dolores Dollars is a way for merchants to give back to their regulars, and to attract new regulars to their business," said Chamber director Rocky Moss.
Saturday, Dec. 6 is a big holiday shopping day in Dolores. The Community Center Christmas Bazaar takes place 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.. Proceeds benefit the Community Center.
Also on Dec. 6, the Ginger Jar will host an open house and ugly sweater contest. To enter, just walk in wearing your ugliest sweater, and staff will take a photo, said shop owner Ginger Black-Swope.
"It's very 'in' and a lot of fun," Swope said. "We will also have food and drink and prizes."
Dec. 6 is also the annual craft fair at the Dolores River Brewery. It will take place all day, and bluegrass band Last Nickel will provide entertainment.
On Dec. 13, the traditional bonfire at Dolores Town Hall will take place at 5:30 p.m., and Santa will visit with children at the Galloping Goose. There will be live music, candy, cookies and hot chocolate.
Again this Christmas, the Chamber will hold lights and decorations contest for businesses and residences. The top prize is a $50 contribution toward your electricity bill from Empire Electric. Second place is $30 in Dolores Dollars, and third place is $20 in Dolores Dollars.
New this year is the Neighborhood Block Prize, which is awarded to the neighborhood that goes all out with decorations and lights.
A "traveling prize" will be presented to the winner on Dec. 18 and will be passed the following year's winner.
"We're starting new traditions to encourage Dolores to celebrate together and invest in their community," Moss said. "We're a small town and need to support and take care of each other."
