Crystal Lake Offers Local Shopping Contest Through July

is offering shoppers the chance to win gift certificates for shopping local this summer.

The I Shop Crystal Lake contest began May 1 and ends July 31. Shoppers who make at least $200 in purchases from Crystal Lake businesses will be eligible for a drawing for I Shop Crystal Lake gift certificates.

Participants must submit an entry form with copies of their receipts totaling at least $200. The drawing will occur Aug. 2. The entry form is attached to this article and is available on the I Shop Crystal Lake website.

The prizes for the summer contest are:

• One grand prize: $1,000 I Shop Crystal Lake gift certificate
• Ten second-place prizes: $100 I Shop Crystal Lake gift certificates
• Twenty third-place prizes: $50 I Shop Crystal Lake gift certificates

I Shop Crystal Lake is a program launched by the city's economic development committee that aims to encourage shopping local. It provides free tools to support local businesses, including a web presence, social networking opportunities and a rewards program.

I Shop Crystal Lake selected winners for its spring gift certificate contest May 2. The winners include residents from Cary, Woodstock, Crystal Lake and other neighboring communities.