Cashing in

With the dog days of summer upon us, $200 in cold, hard cash might sound pretty good right now.

In honor of “Independents Week,” a national campaign celebrating local independent businesses July 1-7, Local First will be giving away $200 to one lucky participant in its “local pass- port” challenge.

All that’s required is for participants to pick up a passport and shop till you drop. With every $5 spent at any participating business, “travelers” get a stamp. Rack up five stamps, and earn your- self an entry into the grand prize $200 drawing on Tues., July 11. Passports will be handed out at the July 1 Farmers Market, Fourth of July Street Dance, and the Local First office in the Smiley Building.

“As Americans, we pride ourselves on our in- dependence, ingenuity and diversity,” Monique DiGiorgio, Managing Director of Local First, says. “We invite the entire La Plata County community to join us in being a part of a resilient, local economy that contributes to our quality of life. Come to our events to get your passport, sign the Declaration of Independents, and celebrate La Plata County!”