While November celebrates one day of shopping local with Small Business Saturday, Destination Geauga’s Fall into Savings Passport offers two full months of local deals! The goal of the program was to visit at least 12 of the 25 participating businesses offering a deal featured in the Passport. Each location would stamp visitor’s passports and anyone collecting at least 12 stamps was eligible for the cash drawing. “This idea is loosely based off of our successful Spring Drive-it-Yourself Tour but this gives participants two months as opposed to one day to explore local businesses and take advantage of the offers.” explains Lynda Nemeth, Executive Director of Destination Geauga.
All eligible passports were put into the drawing which took place October 31st at Middlefield Market, and winners were drawn by Destination Geauga Board President Tina Mooney. Winners will receive cash prizes; Marcy Kiefer of Auburn Twp $500.00; Greg Marous of Bainbridge Twp $250.00, and Linda Gustafson of Chardon $100.00. Kiefer and Gustafson met at the Burton Log Cabin, which was one of the participating businesses to claim their winnings, Marous was not available at that time.
“My daughter purchased Passports for family members to use and enjoy area businesses” said Gustafson as she claimed her prize, “We really enjoyed the hayride at Ridgeview Farm and went to many places we had never been.” Keeping dollars local is a large part of what the program is all about. Keifer agreed, “My kids loved the alpaca farm (Silver Rose Alpaca Farm & Gift Shop,) we had a great time exploring new places!” Keifer’s daughter, Allie confirmed she liked her Passport adventure and seemed to really like all the money her mom won for their next adventure!
Thank you to D & S Farm and Garden Supply who was the presenting sponsor of the program. If you enjoyed the Passport Tour, be sure to save May 13th on your calendar for the Annual Spring Drive-it-Yourself Tour. For more information contact Destination Geauga 440-632-1538 or visit www.DestinationGeauga.com
Pictured In Photo from Left to Right: Destination Geauga Executive Director Lynda Nemeth awards Linda Gustafson of Chardon – $100.00, and Marcy Keifer (& daughter Allie) of Auburn Twp – $500.00
