Wilmslow town centre is set to be overtaken by gingerbread men as the Wilmslow Winter Wander Round kicks off on Friday, 29th November.
Families will be challenged to find over 50 little gingerbread men who will be hidden inside, or in the window, of each participating shop or businesses.
Each cuddly gingerbread man will have his own name, written on the attached tag, which parents and children will need to make a note of. Families that collect the most gingerbread man names will be entered into a draw to win a fantastic Christmas Hamper.
Not only will this be a fun winter treasure hunt for all the family, but everyone will receive a goody bag with their entry pack to fill up with treats on the way from every shop visited - and the treats are not just for the little ones but for adults too!
Jane Williams, of Hawthorns Deli, said "I loved the vibe around town when the scarecrow festival was on and thought we independent traders should do something over the Christmas period. After chatting with Kate Johnson from Willow Tree Bears we came up with the idea of a treasure hunt involving a cuddly toy hidden in the window. Sarah Kilgour of Skilmarketing then added some more ideas and the whole thing snowballed into what it is today.
"Our original idea was that around 15 or so shops would take part, but we now have nearly 60 (with several other local businesses supporting/sponsoring and helping). The response from local businesses has been very positive from the ones that we have approached and excitement is now building around Wilmslow for the start of the event on Friday 29th November. We are already getting requests to repeat the event next year!!"
The Christmas treasure hunt will be officially launched at the Christmas light switch on event tonight when the mascots Fred, Ginger and Foxy will be joining Santa and his reindeer as they parade through the town.
Entrance to the treasure hunt is free and families have three weeks to hunt out all the gingerbread men before the festive event ends on Saturday 14th December.
Participating businesses will be displaying posters which have been designed by students at Wilmslow High School and coloured in by primary school children. The winning posters and runners up will be on show in the library next week.
Organisers have also put together a raffle offering the chance to win some fantastic prizes, donated by local businesses, such as a selection of hampers: including a kids one, a hair and beauty one and one for those who enjoy a tipple of wine and champagne!
Raffle tickets will be on sale throughout the event, available from Hawthorns Deli (Bank Square), Willow Tree Bears (Grove Arcade) or Unicorn Gallery (Water Lane) and all proceeds will be going to their chosen charity, East Cheshire Hospice. Prize winners will all be contacted by Friday 20th December and there will be prize giving party on December 22nd.
Family entry packs can also be collected from Hawthorns Deli, Willow Tree Bears or Unicorn Gallery which will include a clue sheet and a map so people will know where to find him.
In addition to the treasure hunt a number of gingerbread themed activities will be taking place in the town. On Saturday, 30th November, Wilmslow Prep will be holding gingerbread baking and decorating sessions during their Christmas Fair from 11am to 2pm, with prizes for the winners.
On Wednesday 4th December Wilmslow Methodist Church is hosting a coffee morning with gingerbread baking for toddlers, from 10am - noon.
Then on Saturday 7th December, Incredible Edible and Oli Dunn Chocolate Wizard will be helping 30 lucky children create their own special winter gingerbread men at Intoto Kitchens from 2pm to 3pm.
