For the third year, the Little Friends Parade of Lights welcomed some extra fun to Naperville because the Grinch was on the loose. Did you see him shaking hands with spectators in the crowd? Did you see the bright red IndieBound Naperville signs? Did you hear the Grinch ask you to “grow your heart three times” this holiday season while you try to find his image all over town?
Above / IndieBound Naperville displayed its independents in the annual Little Friends Parade of Lights to kick off the holiday season.
Just in time for the 2014 Grinch promotion, Positively Naperville arranged for the Grinch to meet artist Dick Locher and his wife, Mary, over Christmas cookies. The Grinch was caught with his hand in the cookie jar shaped in the image of Dick Tracy, the comic strip that Dick drew from 1983 until 2011.
Above / Mary Locher and Pulitzer Prize winner Dick Locher
Now all through December, Naperville turns into Whoville, the Seussian village that is the setting for Dr. Seuss’s classic book, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
Above / Since 2008, members of the independent business community have been raising awareness to “shop local.”
Again, the familiar grumpy, green and grouchy character who turns 57 this year will be hidden in plenty of participating stores and businesses in Naperville. It’s all part of Naperville’s Grow Your Heart Three Sizes promotion this holiday season, hosted by members of the independent business community.
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Find the Grinch! Click here for a map of local businesses.
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More merchants, all members of IndieBound Naperville, are coming on board every day from downtown Naperville to Naperville Plaza to Cress Creek Shopping Center to Dog Patch Pet & Feed to Minuteman Press to Second Chance Resale and other points north, east, west and south.
Individuals of any age who spot the green Grinch can win prizes, including candy canes, buttons, books and more. Grinch figures are showing up in local participating stores, businesses, websites (such as Positively Naperville) and other establishments.
Anyone who wishes to participate can stop by Anderson’s front desk to pick up a “Grow Your Heart Three Sizes” search list with the names of participating businesses. Then all ages are welcome to visit local independents and collect an “I Found the Grinch at ___________” card for each Grinch they spot.
Collecting cards in 16 or more businesses and turning them in at Anderson’s will win a candy cane and an entry for other, larger prizes of Dr. Seuss-related books, toys and gift items to be drawn at the second annual Grinch Wrap Up Party at 2PM Sun., Dec. 28, also at Anderson’s in downtown Naperville.
Grow Your Heart 3 Times!
Again for 2014 IndieBound merchants encourage acts of kindness by children. Once the young participants find 16 Grinches and receive their Good Deeds Starter Kit with a GRINCH GROW YOUR HEART BINGO card of opportunities, they will be prompted to follow through with kindnesses such as helping to do the dishes after dinner; calling or spending time with your grandparents; or doing something nice for mom and dad without being asked.
IndieBound-Naperville is a local movement for a national initiative. IndieBound-Naperville has been growing its heart one merchant at a time since October 2008 with an exhibit of bright red signs that proclaim “Support local independent businesses.” IndieBound Naperville is an awareness to help create a mix and balance of shopping experiences. It’s a celebration of passion that pours out of the heart of the entrepreneur.
Thanks for supporting independent merchants and all local businesses, united in the common cause of keeping our city and culture thriving by creating jobs and economic stability.
It’s all to help hearts grow this season!
To keep up with all the members of IndieBound Naperville, visit the list and check it twice.
