A Merrill holiday shopping tradition is marking a major milestone this weekend. The Merrill Poker Run returns Saturday, November 14, for its 25th year, bringing together 15 local businesses, holiday shopping specials and more than $1,000 in prizes.

The event is free to participate in, and no purchase is necessary. Players can pick up a game card at any of the participating businesses, then visit all 15 locations to collect a stamp at each stop.

Completed cards must be turned in at Merrill Ace Hardware between 1 and 5 p.m. Saturday. That’s the only location where completed cards will be accepted. Participants will then be dealt a poker hand, with prizes awarded to the best hands.

The grand prize is $750, followed by prizes of $180, $150 and $120. There’s also a prize for the worst poker hand, featuring tickets to the Grand Theater Christmas Show starring Vic Ferrari.

This year’s 15 participating businesses are:

• Westside Market
• The B’s Nest
• Miller Home Furnishings
• Victoria’s Floral
• Merrill Historical Society
• Inspiring Creativity
• Kind Hearted Floral & Custom Creations
• Polka Dotted Pie
• Hargrave Appliance Center
• VIP Office Products
• Klug’s Country Gold
• Courtside Furniture
• Edward Jones
• Merrill Sheet Metal
• Merrill Ace Hardware

Each participating business will offer its own in-store promotions and Christmas specials. Additional activities include tours and a bingo raffle with cash prizes at the Merrill Historical Society, early Black Friday specials at Courtside Furniture, and breakfast and lunch specials at The B’s Nest and Polka Dotted Pie.

Organizers say the event has become a way for local businesses to introduce shoppers to unique holiday gift ideas while encouraging people to support Merrill’s business community. For store hours and additional information, contact any participating business. More details are also available through the Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce at 715-536-9474.

The Merrill Poker Run is free, requires no purchase and offers an opportunity to explore local businesses while getting a head start on holiday shopping.