MORGANTON, N.C. — Downtown Morganton is encouraging residents and visitors to shop local this summer through a new program that offers the chance to win cash-like prizes.

The City of Morganton Main Street Department has launched “Destination Downtown,” a three-month Summer Passport Program designed to boost community engagement and support downtown businesses.

The program runs through August 31 and is open to participants 18 and older.

Participants can pick up a free passport card at participating downtown businesses or the Main Street Office at 112B West Union Street. No purchase is required to obtain a passport.

To enter, participants must collect nine stickers by making qualifying purchases at participating businesses or by attending designated community events. Once all nine spaces on the passport are filled, completed cards can be submitted for a prize drawing.

The drawing is scheduled for September 4. One grand prize winner will receive $500 in Downtown Bucks, while five additional winners will receive $250 each.

More than 20 downtown retailers, restaurants and recreational businesses are participating in the program. Free stickers can also be earned at the Morganton Farmers Market and TGIF Summer Concerts.

For more information, contact the Main Street Office at 828-438-5252 or email info@downtownmorganton.con.