ELLINGTON — Businesses have until November 23 to register for Ellington’s seventh annual Shop Local campaign, which will add digital bingo while keeping a paper option for shoppers without smartphones, according to the town.
The shopping period runs November 27 through December 13. The Ellington Economic Development Commission hosts the free, voluntary business program, with support from the Tolland County Chamber of Commerce and the Town Planner’s Office.
For shoppers, the change means participating locations will have QR codes that add stamps to an online bingo card. The campaign’s instructions allow one stamp per location per calendar day; a return visit on another day can earn another stamp. No app download is required.
Each completed row, column or diagonal earns one raffle entry. Players must download and send their completed card to the town by December 14; completing a line does not automatically submit an entry. Paper-card users can ask participating businesses to stamp or initial squares with their business name and visit date, then arrange the card’s return through the Town Planner’s Office. Organizers ask players to use one format so the same bingo is not submitted twice.
The announced prizes are six $50 prepaid gift cards, with additional donated prizes possible. The drawing is scheduled for December 16 at 7 p.m. during the Economic Development Commission meeting. Attendance is optional, and the Town Planner’s Office will contact winners.
The initial lineup includes restaurants, retailers, service providers and community organizations. Among them is the Ellington Historical Society, whose Nellie’s Mercantile and Holiday Boutique operate at the Nellie McKnight Museum, 70 Main Street. The list is still growing, and participating locations have different visiting arrangements.
Businesses can request participation through the town-linked registration form. The form includes options for public storefronts, appointment-only businesses and mobile or online services; the town reviews submissions and confirms next steps.
Campaign instructions and participating locations: https://tollandcountybusinessboard.com/shopellington . Business registration: https://form.jotform.com/263025174179054 . For paper-card help or questions, contact the Town Planner’s Office at planner@ellington-ct.gov or 860-870-3120, extension 1.