Judy Martens, the chamber executive vice president, said the Shop Sallisaw campaign offers even more shopping money.
"Every time you shop, dine or do a business transaction with Sallisaw merchants be sure to ask for your blue ticket," Martens said. The ticket is the way to win cash for holiday shopping, she added.
The cash prizes will be given away at 11 a.m. on Dec. 15 on the lawn at Stanley Tubbs Memorial Library in Sallisaw.
"Winners must be present to win, and they must have their blue ticket to win," Martens emphasized.
The chamber will be giving away $3,000 that day. First place will receive $1,000, second place will receive $800, third place will receive $600, fourth place will receive $400 and fifth place will receive $200.
Martens said shoppers must be sure to ask for their blue tickets when shopping with Sallisaw merchants.
"Many merchants are so busy they forget to ask customers if they want the blue tickets," Martens said. "Don't be shy. Ask for your blue ticket."
To see a list of participating merchants check the chamber's ad on page A5.
Martens said holiday events are going well in Sallisaw.
"We had really good crowds for the Merchants Open House on Nov.18," Martens said. "Many merchants had percentages off or specials which we think bring in shoppers. The chamber's job is to get the public out, about and shopping. The open house was a huge success and we look forward to doing it again next year."
Martens thanked all those participating, including Larry and Mary Lynn Lufkin who offered Christmas carriage rides around town.
The Merchant's Open House also gave away gift baskets, each worth over $200, Martens said, and $25 Chamber Checks. The basket winners were Trish Peery of Vian, Linda Ford, Ethel McGowan and Jean Calhoun, all of Sallisaw, and Missy Dahlem of Gans. Chamber Check winners were Bonnie Knight, Helen Bibb and Glenda Holmes, all of Sallisaw.
The Christmas parade, held Saturday, also went well, Martens said.
"The weather was perfect, and we had many entries," Martens said, adding, "And we always have a big crowd."
Martens thanked chamber members Marley Abell, Larry Randolph and Gary Schaefer for helping with the parade line up. "With that crew everything goes as smooth as silk," Martens said.
"And we appreciate Chad Jasna for announcing and handling the sound system for us, and Gunnery Sgt. John Bennett, U.S. Marine Corps Reserves, and U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Jack Hodge for carrying the colors for the parade," Martens said. The parade had a "Home for the Holidays" theme.
Martens said those who won awards in the parade were: in the schools category - Indian Capital Technology Center, first; Boys & Girls Club, Sallisaw, second; and Boy Scouts, third; in the business category - Wild Horse Mountain Barbecue, first; Armstrong Bank, second; Cherokee Nation, third; and in the non-profit and church category - Akins Baptist Church, first; Calvary Temple, second; and Price's Chapel, third.
The first through third place winners received $200, $125 and $100 respectively.
Martens said all the organizations which received money awards put their winnings into community projects and thus back into the community.
Next up for the chamber, Martens said, is the December chamber members meeting Dec. 12 at the United Methodist Church. The Middle School singers will provide entertainment.
Chamber officials have already begun planning for the annual chamber banquet, which will be held at Blue Ribbon Downs on Feb. 9. U.S. Congressman Dan Boren (D-Okla.) will be the guest speaker.
"It's a very busy season for us," Martens concluded.
