A summer treat awaits downtown—here’s how locals are getting rewarded for shopping small
- Replies 0
There’s something special about downtown Milledgeville in the summer.
The warm weather, welcoming shops, and slower pace of the season create just the right atmosphere for a stroll, a coffee, or even a little retail therapy.
But this summer, something new is in store—literally.
If you’ve been meaning to explore more of your local favorites—or try something new—now’s the perfect time!
There’s a simple way to turn your everyday purchases into a chance for a weekly reward, thanks to a special community effort that’s running through the end of July.
A thank-you to those who shop local
From June 1 through July 31, Milledgeville Main Street is running a “Ready. Set. Summer Giveaway” to encourage support for local businesses.
The rules are simple: spend $5 or more at any participating downtown shop or restaurant, and you’ll be entered into a drawing to win $50 in Milly Money—a form of local currency you can spend just like cash at many downtown locations.
One lucky winner will be drawn each week, and there will be nine winners in total throughout the summer!
Also read: A new online shopping scam is fooling even careful buyers—here's how to avoid it
How to enter
After your qualifying purchase, participating businesses will provide a QR code.
Scan it with your phone and upload a photo of your receipt—that’s it!
Each $5+ receipt gets you one entry, and there’s no limit to how many receipts you can submit.
So if you’re stopping downtown regularly, your chances of winning only increase.
Also read: Walmart revamps over 2,000 stores: What’s new for your shopping experience
What’s Milly Money, anyway?
Think of Milly Money like a local gift certificate accepted by dozens of downtown businesses.
You can use it at cafes, boutiques, service providers, and more.
Whether you’re picking up lunch, buying a gift, or treating yourself to something new, it’s real value that stays right in the community.
Source: Instagram / 41nbc.
Also read: Slash your food waste dramatically with this smart European grocery shopping trick!
More than a prize—it’s about people
This summer promotion isn’t just about winning—it’s about supporting the heartbeat of Milledgeville.
Local businesses are the backbone of the downtown district.
Your purchases help keep doors open, jobs in place, and the character of the city alive.
Carlee Schulte, Director of Main Street/DDA, encourages residents to take advantage of the moment: “School’s out, so there’s parking—and plenty of reason to make downtown your go-to spot for shopping, dining, and fun.”
How to make the most of it
So whether you’re a longtime local or just rediscovering the joys of downtown, now’s the perfect time to shop small, support your neighbors, and maybe even walk away with a little extra in your pocket.
With sunshine, friendly faces, and weekly chances to win, Milledgeville’s summer is shaping up to be one worth celebrating—one receipt at a time.
Read next: Stop sabotaging your shopping: ALDI insiders reveal the costly mistakes you’re unknowingly making!
Have a favorite downtown shop or summer memory? We’d love to hear about it. Share your stories or tips in the comments. Whether you’ve already entered or are just now hearing about the giveaway, there’s still plenty of time to join in—and plenty of charm waiting downtown!
The warm weather, welcoming shops, and slower pace of the season create just the right atmosphere for a stroll, a coffee, or even a little retail therapy.
But this summer, something new is in store—literally.
If you’ve been meaning to explore more of your local favorites—or try something new—now’s the perfect time!
There’s a simple way to turn your everyday purchases into a chance for a weekly reward, thanks to a special community effort that’s running through the end of July.
Downtown Milledgeville is buzzing with summer charm and local shopping incentives through the Ready. Set. Summer Giveaway. Image Source: Pexels / Alex P.
A thank-you to those who shop local
From June 1 through July 31, Milledgeville Main Street is running a “Ready. Set. Summer Giveaway” to encourage support for local businesses.
The rules are simple: spend $5 or more at any participating downtown shop or restaurant, and you’ll be entered into a drawing to win $50 in Milly Money—a form of local currency you can spend just like cash at many downtown locations.
One lucky winner will be drawn each week, and there will be nine winners in total throughout the summer!
Also read: A new online shopping scam is fooling even careful buyers—here's how to avoid it
How to enter
After your qualifying purchase, participating businesses will provide a QR code.
Scan it with your phone and upload a photo of your receipt—that’s it!
Each $5+ receipt gets you one entry, and there’s no limit to how many receipts you can submit.
So if you’re stopping downtown regularly, your chances of winning only increase.
Also read: Walmart revamps over 2,000 stores: What’s new for your shopping experience
What’s Milly Money, anyway?
Think of Milly Money like a local gift certificate accepted by dozens of downtown businesses.
You can use it at cafes, boutiques, service providers, and more.
Whether you’re picking up lunch, buying a gift, or treating yourself to something new, it’s real value that stays right in the community.
Source: Instagram / 41nbc.
Also read: Slash your food waste dramatically with this smart European grocery shopping trick!
More than a prize—it’s about people
This summer promotion isn’t just about winning—it’s about supporting the heartbeat of Milledgeville.
Local businesses are the backbone of the downtown district.
Your purchases help keep doors open, jobs in place, and the character of the city alive.
Carlee Schulte, Director of Main Street/DDA, encourages residents to take advantage of the moment: “School’s out, so there’s parking—and plenty of reason to make downtown your go-to spot for shopping, dining, and fun.”
How to make the most of it
- Keep your receipts—every $5+ purchase counts
- Try new places—a new bakery or boutique could be your lucky stop
- Bring a friend—make it a social outing, and everyone wins
- Come back often—more visits = more entries
So whether you’re a longtime local or just rediscovering the joys of downtown, now’s the perfect time to shop small, support your neighbors, and maybe even walk away with a little extra in your pocket.
With sunshine, friendly faces, and weekly chances to win, Milledgeville’s summer is shaping up to be one worth celebrating—one receipt at a time.
Read next: Stop sabotaging your shopping: ALDI insiders reveal the costly mistakes you’re unknowingly making!
Have a favorite downtown shop or summer memory? We’d love to hear about it. Share your stories or tips in the comments. Whether you’ve already entered or are just now hearing about the giveaway, there’s still plenty of time to join in—and plenty of charm waiting downtown!
