People will have a chance to win as much as a $500 gift card to businesses in downtown Kent starting Dec. 1 if they participate in Main Street Kent’s Elf Hunt.

A Main Street Kent elf is placed in 30 participating businesses throughout downtown. Hunt participants can grab an Elf Hunt contest card from one of the businesses to begin the challenge. 

If a participant finds the elf in at least 10 businesses and marks them down on their card, they can enter for a chance to win a $25 Kent card. Two $25 Kent cards can be won if the elf is found in 20 businesses and a $500 Kent card can be won if the elf is found in all 30 businesses. 

Heather Malarcik, executive director of Main Street Kent, said the event’s goal is to drive more foot traffic to the downtown businesses. 

“People have become accustomed to online shopping,” Malarcik said. “We are trying to shift some of that attention back to walking into businesses and enjoying that whole experience of shopping in person.”

The event is a great way for shoppers and diners to discover new businesses and help the local businesses with sales during the holidays, Malarcik said. 

After they find a number of elves, people can fill out an online Google form on the Main Street Kent website to enter the drawings. The random prize drawing will take place on Jan. 2, 2024. The hunt runs through Dec. 31.

Malarcik encouraged the community to get involved in the fun this holiday season and support local businesses. 

“It helps pull the community together and make them realize that they’re helping people when they shop,” Malarcik said. “It’s not just about fun, but it’s really important to help each other out.”

Chloe Wilson-Henline is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].