NORWICH – In observing Small Business Saturday, the Norwich Merchants Association is holding a drawing to give away $500 for a Christmas shopping spree as a way to encourage people to shop local for the holidays.

Five winners will be selected to receive $100 each in Merchant Money as part of the Norwich Merchant Association’s drawing. Entries will be accepted through Saturday and can be dropped off at the participating businesses listed below.

Norwich Merchants Association Vice President Linda McNeil said the Free Merchant Money drawing is a way to encourage people to do their holiday shopping locally, as opposed to out of town or on the internet.

“It keeps the money local,” said McNeil. “It keeps your tax money in your tax money in your town to support all your local events and services.”