Mandan Extends Invite to ‘Over The River And Through the Shops’ Celebration

Mandan invites area residents and visitors “Over the River and Through the Shops” for a nostalgic holiday celebration featuring musical entertainment, carolers, horse-drawn wagon rides, roasting of s’mores, the arrival of Santa Claus, and more than $5,000 in Mandan Bucks giveaways through unique shopping activities.

Three consecutive “Shop Hop ‘Til You Drop” customer appreciation weeks, starting Nov. 21 and ending Dec. 11, 2009, provide opportunities to benefit from special discounts and sales offered by 35 businesses. Receive a “Shop Hop Passport” at participating merchants. Shoppers who have their passports stamped at 10 businesses on the list are eligible to win $250 in Mandan Bucks each week.

In addition to sizeable discounts, there will be refreshments and entertainment during the “Santa Shop Hop” on Saturday, Nov. 28. Shoppers who have passport cards stamped at five participating stores on this day will be entered in a drawing for $500 in Mandan Bucks.

The line-up on Nov. 28 includes free concerts at the Mysteria Theater, 210 W Main. On-stage performances include the St. Joseph School Choir at 11:15 a.m., Mandan Senior High Swing Choir at noon, Bismarck-Mandan Elks Choir at 12:45, and Christ the King Bell Choir at 1:30 p.m.

Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive western-style at 12:30 p.m. Take in the mini-parade from Hardee’s, down Main Street to Central Market at 504 W Main, where Santa Claus will visit with children from 1 to 3 p.m. Children will receive free photos and goodie bags. Enjoy free horse-drawn wagon rides departing from the former depot on Main from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Hot cocoa, cider, pizza slices and s’mores will be available.

Another way to win Mandan Bucks during the holiday season is through drawings for daily $50 winners between Nov. 21 and Dec. 11. Register as often as you would like at any of 50 businesses to become eligible.

A third way to win is to be among the first to buy $100 in Mandan Bucks between Nov. 21 and Christmas to receive an extra $20 in Mandan Bucks. The offer is limited to 150 total purchases and no more than five purchases per customer ($500). The gift certificates will be available at the Mandan Progress Organization, 411 W Main Street, financial institutions in Mandan, and the public library. Don’t delay. MPO officials expect the allocations of free Mandan Bucks will run out fast!

FOR MORE INFORMATION. Lists of registration sites for the daily Mandan Bucks giveaways and merchants participating in the Holiday Shop Hops along with their sales are available at www.mandanprogress.org or at the office of the Mandan Progress Organization, 411 W Main Street, phone 751-2983. Brochures highlighting holiday activities are also available at businesses throughout the community.

MANDAN BUCKS. All prize money will be paid out in the form of Mandan Bucks. The gift certificates are redeemable at most Mandan businesses for products or services.