As downtown Camas focuses on maintaining the tight-knit community of the town, the Downtown Camas Association puts together an annual event known as the Golden Ticket Event. This event allows shoppers of any participating merchant to receive a “Golden Ticket”, which will then enter them in a drawing to win a $1,000 downtown Camas shopping spree.
“I will have a QR code. From there, people will be able to sign up. I believe from that point, they will go into a raffle to win $1,000 worth of Camas cash,” Eden Wade, an employee at Autumn Leaves Book Store, said.
“This year,the prize is better than ever. It is $1,000, which is a great push to get customers down here and want to win,” Amy Joe Begley, an employee at 4ever Growing Kids, said.
This year, the event is taking place between Nov. 28 and Dec. 12. The list of participating businesses is as follows:
- 4ever Growing Kids
- Allure Boutique
- Arktana
- Attic Gallery
- Autumn Leaves Book Store
- Caffe Piccolo
- Camas Bike & Sport
- Camas Cellars
- Camas Cheese Co.
- Camas Plant & Supply
- Caps N’ Taps
- Drop the Mic Karaoke
- Expressions Fashions Resale Exchange
- Navidi’s Olive Oil and Vinegars
- Papermaker Pride
- RedDoor Gallery
- Runyan’s Jewelers
- Sweet Intention Gift Boutique
- The Soap Chest
- William and Son Jewelers
This event is more than just a competition for a cash prize; it holds a lot of value in the small business Camas community.
“It is to drive businesses and downtown sales over the holiday season,” Cris Blair, an employee at Papermaker Pride, said.
“It helps with shopping local because people get excited to walk around downtown with this event,” Wade said.
This event runs alongside the downtown Camas event Little Box Friday, taking place on Nov. 28. Little Box Friday features various deals and promotions much like Black Friday. However, this event focuses on small businesses rather than large chains.
“It is for people who would rather come to small downtown rather than going to big boxes. Each business just has a little special offer for the shoppers,” Begley said.
Many Camas community members enjoy this local twist to their holiday shopping. Camas High School (CHS) students have expressed interest in supporting these local businesses.
“It helps bring in business to the downtown area because more people are gathered there to represent the community,” Markus Ruddy, a CHS sophomore, said. “This also allows more people to interact. I enjoy being around others so this can be a good way to meet others and support small businesses.”
