Two local events are sure to please Bedford County shoppers this holiday season. One is the annual Wine Walk, sponsored by public square merchants, and the other is a “Holiday Shop Local” contest, sponsored by Shelbyville-Bedford County Chamber of Commerce, going on through Dec. 18, and set to reward one local shopper with a $200 cash prize. 

As part of the Pathway-To-A-Better-Tomorrow five-year plan, one of the Chamber’s goals is to increase local retail spending, according to Chief Executive Officer Allen Pitner. “As the past 5 years have shown great success, the Shelbyville-Bedford County Chamber of Commerce is embarking on a new bold plan for the next 5 years. Three years of planning, community analysis and research have laid the foundation for the Pathway-To-A-Better-Tomorrow initiative.”

The Chamber will accept Bedford County business receipts from consumers Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. until Dec. 18. Receptacles will be placed by the front and back door at the Chamber Office, 100 North Cannon Blvd., for local shoppers wanting to drop off their receipts.

Each receipt must total a minimum of $25 and be a purchase from a local business. Chamber officials will draw a receipt for the cash prize on Monday, Dec. 21. 

Copies of the ‘Holiday Shop Local’ flyer are available for any business wanting to post at their location. Contact the Chamber at 684-3482 with any questions.

The 10th annual wine walk on the Shelbyville Public Square will be held from 4 to 8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 11. So get ready to “Sip, Shop and Stroll,” local organizers note.

Business owners/organizers say, especially right now, this will be a good time to “wine less, shop more!”

Due to the continued cases of COVID-19, organizers are asking that participants wear masks. On a more cheerful note, participating businesses will have balloons.

Brown said souvenir wine glasses are once again available through participating local businesses with a $10 donation to Shelbyville-Bedford County Public Library. This same glass should be used to taste wine at each participating business.

Not all businesses will serve wine. Some will just have specials and be open late for shopping. All stores will have special wine walk sale prices on some items. Danielle Armbruster from The Shops at Main and McGrew designed the artwork for this year’s wine glasses.

Heritage Jewelers will offer curbside delivery of wine glasses or wine tasting kits for those who want to have a souvenir glass. Just call ahead (684-3115) and pay by credit card. The required donation amounts by credit card are $10.50 and $15.50.   

Businesses sponsoring “Sip, Shop and Stroll,” in addition to Heritage Jewelers, include: Merle Norman Cosmetics and Gifts; Joli Cheval Boutique; The Pomegranate Shoppe; Torso, Shirts and Tuxedos; Antiques, Arts and Collectibles Mall; Paint with Pizzazz; Leanne’s Flowers; The Gingham Jelly Bean; Arty All The Time; Dwell Interiors; Superior Insurance; Hello Darlin’ Boutique; and Shops at Main and McGrew.