Shop Local Campaign to Reward San Juan Capistrano Shoppers

A lot of towns boast a “shop local” campaign, but how many have such a cool name as “Follow the Swallow” and give out prizes?

The San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a shop local campaign to motivate area residents to do their holiday shopping in town. In San Juan Capistrano, with a few exceptions, that means supporting mostly mom-and-pops.

Starting Black Friday (that would be this Friday) through Dec. 31, you can take a “Follow the Swallow” pledge card into businesses that have signed up to participate and fill it up with signature-confirmed purchases. Then, when eight businesses have signed off, turn the card with attached receipts into the chamber by the first week in January to enter a drawing, according to a city press release.

Among the prizes to give out are theater tickets, certificates to local restaurants, a barbecue and passes to a Mission San Juan Capistrano gala.

The cards will be available at participating businesses.