Shop, Dine & Take an #ElfieSelfie

As you're shopping for the perfect gift in downtown Coal City and Diamond this year, keep your eye out on Dec. 4 for Elfie, who will be hiding in some of the local businesses waiting for you to snap a selfie with him and earn yourself a chance to win fun prizes.

The Coalers Business Alliance is hosting a Shop, Dine & Take an #ElfieSelfie event from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 4 to encourage community members and visitors to shop small for the holiday season.

An Elfie picture will be hung in participating locations and when shoppers find him they can take a selfie with him, show the cashier, and then they will be given a raffle ticket to submit for a chance to win one of two prize baskets filled with gifts, wine, home décor, gift certificates and more.

Winners will be chosen the following week and will be contacted by the Grundy County Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

The CBA is a group under the Chamber made up of businesses and organizations who work to put on events in the Coal City and Diamond area. Annual events include #ElfieSelfie and Galentine's Day in February. New for 2021 was the May is for Mamas event.

“Last year's Holiday Season was difficult for some many reasons due to the pandemic. The Coalers Business Alliance is thrilled to bring back #ElfieSelfie and add some fun to your holiday shopping,” Chamber President & CEO Christina Van Yperen said.

Participating locations include: Sunshine Garden Center, Midland States Bank, and Naked Sun in Diamond, Rolando's Furniture & Appliances, The QUEEN BEES, The Vintage Emporium, Bodacious Curls, Rachetti's, Coal City Public Library District (during library hours) and Coal City Bank, and Countryside Village in Braidwood.

Each business will be doing additional offerings on Dec. 4 including sales, snacks, free gifts and more such as Pictures with Santa at the library from 10 a.m. to noon

For a listing of participating locations and details of what they have in-store for the event search #EflieSelfie on Facebook and visit each stores' Facebook page as well.

“Our local businesses pride themselves on carrying a variety of products for our customers so they don't have to travel for what they need and want,” Sarah Beach, owner of Diamond's Sunshine Garden Center, said. “'Shop Small' and 'Shop Local' are not only valued promotions to us, they define our livelihood and we are grateful for every dollar you spend with us.”

For more information on the event call the Chamber at 815-942-0113 or search Shop, Dine & Take an #ElfieSelfie on Facebook.