The Bradford Main Street Program is hosting a challenge in an effort to promote the “Focus on Buying Local.”

This challenge aims to support local businesses through these difficult times.

“We strongly recommend that everyone follow Governor Tom Wolf’s current recommendations for staying safe during the COVID-19 outbreak. However, there are ways we can still safely support our small businesses,” said Sarah Matzner, Main Street/Elm Street coordinator.

Those ways include ordering takeout or delivery from a local restaurant or purchasing gift certificates from your favorite local business for future use. Many businesses within Bradford’s Downtown Historic District are offering delivery specials, curbside pick-up (calling ahead is recommended), and are also offering to mail gift certificates to customers.

The contest will be held on the “Bradford, Pa. Main Street” Facebook page. To be entered, first ‘like’ the page and comment on the designated contest post which business in Historic Downtown Bradford you supported and how. We also ask that you include a picture of your receipt, barring any payment/personal information. Two winners will be randomly selected on March 30th at 4:30 p.m. and will receive a $50.00 Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce gift certificate. Receipts need to be dated after Monday, March 16. See the Bradford, Pa Main Street Facebook page for more information.

Matzner added, “Even if you don’t participate in the contest, we hope that if you are able to do so safely, you will support our local businesses during this time. Please remember how much they do for our community and that now more than ever, they need our support.”