Wrangell’s Harvest Fest starts Friday.

The annual event is sponsored by the Wrangell Chamber of Commerce. This year there are 13 businesses participating: Angerman’s and Outlet, Bay Company, Bob’s IGA, Buness Brothers, City Market, Johnson’s Building Supply, LMN Services, Marine Artist – Brenda Yeager, Marine Bar, Ottesen’s, Rayme’s Bar, Sentry Hardware and Stikine Inn. Chamber of Commerce Vice President Christie Jamieson explained how it works.

“Shoppers pick up reward cards at any participating businesses. Participating businesses will give one stamp for each $10 in purchases made on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 9 and 10. Once a shopper has five stamps on their card, they are eligible to enter it in the drawing for $500,” she said.

She said stamping ends at 6 on Saturday night. People must drop off their cards at the chamber office downtown by Tuesday morning at 11. The winning ticket will be drawn here on KSTK at 12:30 that day. Jamieson said the event is important for promoting local, small businesses.

“Instead of ordering online, I know it’s an easy thing to do and just get on the website and order from various stores. But it’s so important to keep our own stores here in Wrangell open and healthy and busy. They’re trying to make a living, too,” she said.

She said Harvest Fest is a good way to kick off the holiday shopping season.