HAWLEY, PA — Where’s Wilburr is an annual family-friendly business promotion of the Downtown Hawley Partnership. It kicked off on February 11 and ended on February 20.

Wilburr made his appearance at the Lake Walley Cafe on Main Avenue at 11 a.m. for a photo shoot, to the delight of some young admirers. Later, he was observed visiting with patrons while walking the Main Avenue sidewalks, and posing for photos with groups of shoppers clutching their game cards.

It’s all in good fun

People participating in Where’s Wilburr picked up a game card at participating businesses, and then visited the list of shops on the card to search for Wilburr’s likeness, discreetly hidden somewhere within each of the 21 participating businesses. There was no cost to participate in the hunt for the snowman, and those able to find at least 12 sites qualified to win a prize.

Linda Montana of the Downtown Hawley Partnership is pictured accompanying Wilburr. They strolled around Main Avenue in Hawley to kick off the annual …

George Stella and his daughter Avery visited Chick’s Cliques on Main Avenue, Hawley in search of Wilburr during the Downtown Hawley Partnership’s …

The Downtown Hawley Partnership kicked off its Where’s Wilburr scavenger hunt on Saturday, February 11 at the Lake Walley Cafe on Main Avenue in …

On the hunting trail

After visiting the Lake Walley Cafe, I grabbed a game card and visited several participating businesses, and got to experience the joy of watching children as they discovered the hidden Wilburr.

In my experience, the real prize is taking the time to go into the business community and see what Hawley offers. Stores are packed with merchandise, each one a bit different with their owner’s eclectic mix. More important is the opportunity to interact with the people who are committed to making and keeping Hawley a thriving community. Their stories are worth hearing and they all welcome the chance to share their insights on business, merchandise, world affairs and even the weather. You certainly don’t get that at the big box stores!

I’ve made a commitment to visit all 21 businesses, some of which I have never been to. Life sometimes gets in the way, and I’m really not much of a shopper, but I have been a businessperson and know the importance of local connection. This area is widely touted as a tourist destination, and taking time while on vacation to walk sidewalks and visit shops is what is expected.

But I live here along with my neighbors, and this promotion is as much for us locals as it is for the tourists.

The Where’s Wilburr promotion has been held for nearly 10 years, the brainchild of Bernadette “B” Madigan of B. Madigan Jewelry and Gifts and others involved with the Downtown Hawley Partnership.

Gift certificate winners will be randomly drawn on Saturday, February 25. Further information is available at www.visithawleypa.com.