ESTEVAN - The Estevan Mercury and Golden West Radio in Estevan have enjoyed outstanding support and interest for the Million Dollar Auction promotion.
As part of the auction, people earn play money by spinning the auction wheel during live on location spots hosted by the radio stations at each of the participating businesses. They can also enter through promotions offered by the businesses, or through the popular Win Wednesday Facebook initiative on the Mercury’s Facebook page.
The money can then be used to purchase items supplied by local businesses at the auction itself, which will happen Oct. 21 at the Estevan Market Mall.
Deanna Tarnes, who is the sales manager and publisher for the Mercury, said there has been an excellent support for the promotion.
“Every time the wheel is out, we have a great turnout. We run out of money every time because people are so excited to come spin the wheel,” said Tarnes.
Andrew McCormack, the program manager for Golden West Radio in Estevan, said the auction has been a great way for people to get out and take part in a fun community promotion, put on by the local media outlets.
“You get a mix of people who are die-hards and are showing up to every location right at the start of it, and plenty of people who are either just passing into the building to check out the wheel, and do it for the first time, and start coming back, and some people just hear it on the radio and give it a try, and see what all the fuss is about.”
When people spin the wheel, they win the prize where the wheel stops. An instant prize is also available.
It’s been a fun way to get people out to local businesses, he said.
McCormack expressed surprise with the number of people who have been coming out for each location. Sometimes they have run out of money within 30 or 40 minutes of the first spin.
“The businesses have really liked having all of the extra traffic coming through their doors, and seeing what they have going on. A lot of businesses have their own promotions going on at the same time.”
Tarnes said the businesses have been happy to see new customers and new faces that haven’t been in the building before.
“Every participating business has money to give away … either through in-store draws or Facebook promotions,” said Tarnes.
While it’s called the Million Dollar Auction, a total of $2 million in play money will be distributed.
The auction will be happening on Oct. 21 at the mall, starting at 6 p.m. Tarnes expects to see people showing up to bid, but also others excited to watch the proceedings. Each of the 31 items is worth at least $250, and there will be something for everyone.
McCormack predicted it will be a great finale for the entire campaign, and he looks forward to seeing people at the mall participating in something fun and exciting. He’s interested to see whether people bid on something for themselves, or if they try to pool money together with their friends.
“You’re going to see a lot of people happy to be able to win more than 30 awesome prizes from local businesses from throughout the southeast,” said McCormack.
