Though fewer businesses participated this year in the fifth annual Rocking Around the Christmas Tree, “the fun and party, not to mention the cash, was just as great as all other years,” organizer Nancy Patton said of the Dec. 10 event.
The participating businesses were: Kathy’s Corner, Chamber of Commerce, Spoleto’s Pizzeria, Sweet Home RV, Trash to Treasure, Double Dragon New 2 U, Place of Tranquility, Home Sweet Home Café, Foster Lake Mall, South Fork, Hippie Hollow, Speedee Mart, Foster Lake Market, All Star Auction House, Money Man, Santiam Feed and Garden.
The cash drawing and other gifts were given at a party hosted by Home Sweet Home Café. Gift drawing sponsors were Rio Theater, A&W, and The Point Restaurant.
Participants in the shopping event were given passports that were stamped at participating businesses.
Passport holders voted on the businesses they visited in various categories: Best Christmas Tree (Spoleto’s), Best Outdoor Lights (Sweet Home Chamber of Commerce), Best Indoor Lights (Double Dragon 2U) and Best Window Display (Hippie Hollow).
Passport cash winners were Maddy Greenwalt, age 5, who won $50, Richard Smith ($100) and Iletta Hopper ($150).
“Many of the participants said they did not know that Sweet Home offered such great items,” Patton said.