'14 Days of Love in Dundee' contest returns Feb. 1
The Big Heart is coming back to the Depot on River Street in East Dundee, signaling the beginning of the "14 Days of Love in Dundee" contest slated for Feb. 1-14.
During that time, visitors are encouraged to win prizes by snapping a photo with their two-legged or four-legged sweetie in front of the village's supersized heart of love and posting it on East Dundee's Facebook page.
The giant outdoor, three-dimensional heart, measuring 8 feet tall by 7 feet wide, is designed to be the perfect backdrop for a memorable sweetheart photo.
Initially introduced last year, the "14 Days of Love" Contest proved so successful that, according to special events manager Erin Weingart, "We just had to bring it back. Once people discovered that they weren't limited to only taking a photo with a two-legged sweetheart and that the only constraint was keeping it within the bounds of good taste - there was no end to their creativity."
The photo must be posted on East Dundee's Facebook page. Once posted, it's entered into a blind drawing for that day with one prize awarded per day for 14 days. Prizes include: ice cream treats, herbal teas and beauty products; romantic dinners; dental services; floral bouquets and arrangements; intro to personal training; aids to stop smoking; and desserts, as well as memberships and gift cards to area businesses, pubs and eateries.
Business sponsors include: Vapor Haus, Van's Frozen Custard, Dundee Manor Restaurant, Bomba Grill, CrossFit Enclave, Artistic Florals by Michelle, Piece -A-Cake Bakery, River Trading Post, Aliano's Restaurant, Everything Floral, Barb's Studio 104, Benedict's, Dolly's Café, Midwest Retro, Neu Family Dental, River Lee's, The Uncommon Palate, Rosie O'Hare's Public House and The Anvil Club.
"What's better than a giant heart to symbolize the feeling of this village?" asked Village President Lael Miller. "We're a village with heart - a community filled with small town charm and our Historic Downtown is the symbolic heart of the Village. We know that whether you're a first time visitor or a regular, once you've experience East Dundee, you'll keep coming back to explore all it has to offer."
The Facebook contest runs Wednesday, Feb. 1 through Tuesday, Feb. 14. Participants can be entered into the daily drawing by posting a new photo or reposting a previous photo - limit one prize per household.
About the Village of East Dundee
East Dundee is home to 3,000 residents. Its downtown plan includes the creation of a "culinary" district consisting of the right mix of restaurants, retail and community events to serve as a destination attraction for both residents and regional visitors. For more information on future East Dundee community events, go to the community calendar at www.eastdundee.net or stop by the village hall, 120 Barrington Ave.