Lakewood Resident Wins 'I Shop Crystal Lake' Fall Contest

Shopping in Crystal Lake has become increasingly rewarding for shoppers and businesses.

The city received 2,058 entries for the "I Shop Crystal Lake Back to School Fall Gift Certificate Contest," said James Richter II, assistant director of economic development.

During the months of August through October, participants entered the contest by submitting at least $200 in receipts for purchases conducted at Crystal Lake businesses.

A total of 31 winners received "I Shop Crystal Lake" gift certificates valued from $50 to $1,000, redeemable at any Crystal Lake business, Richter said.

Becky Shaw, from Lakewood, won the $1,000 grand prize.

“I couldn’t believe it – I’m so happy,” Shaw said. “I do almost all of my shopping in Crystal Lake because of all the great businesses here in town."

Shaw entered the contest with receipts from purchases at local businesses including Da Baffone Cucina Italiana, Target and Sam’s Club.

Ten second prize winners received $100 in gift certificates, and 20 third prize winners won $50, Richter said.

Shaw plans to use her prize winnings to buy a big-screen TV for her family.

The gift certificate contests reward people for shopping locally as they take advantage of the many national and independent retailers and restaurants that make Crystal Lake the premier shopping destination in McHenry County.

Grand prize winner Shaw admitted that the contest reminded her to visit Crystal Lake businesses every time she made a choice on where to shop, and she had “lots of receipts saved up for this contest.”

Holiday Gift Certificate Contest:

To promote shopping locally during the holiday season, Crystal Lake is hosting the “I Shop Crystal Lake Holiday Gift Certificate Contest” to offer prizes that will reward winners for shopping in Crystal Lake.

The holiday contest will run from Nov. 1 through Jan. 31 of next year. Contest eligibility requirements will remain consistent with previous contests, Richter said.

For more information about the contest, visit the "I Shop Crystal Lake" website at: www.iShopCL.com, or contact the City’s Planning & Economic Development Department at (815) 356-3615.