Rock of Gold is back

April 29, 2011

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PLYMOUTH — The Plymouth Chamber of Commerce is bringing back an old city favorite to the downtown.
Once again downtown merchants will be hosting the “Plymouth Rock of Gold.” The promotion that was a downtown favorite in the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s, returns with more deals and prizes just like the first go around.
“Lots of people who grew up in Plymouth remember the Rock of Gold,” said Chamber of Commerce Board member Anna Corbett. “We have a whole new generation now that will get to know it.”
The idea to revive the program actually started a year ago on Kathy Bottorff and Tony Ross’ morning talk show on WTCA-AM.
“Dee Brown and I were on the show talking about one of our promotions, and a caller suggested that we bring back the Rock of Gold,” said Corbett. “We never got the caller’s name but it was a great idea.”
The program is essentially the same as it was way back when. Downtown merchants will “host” the rock that will stand in front of their store for two weeks. During that time shoppers can come to the store and sign up for a drawing. At the end of the month, some lucky shopper will receive $200 in Chamber Bucks.
Beginning May 1, the rock will again appear downtown with the first two hosts being Treat’s Squire Shop and Fernbaugh’s Jewelry. The Rock will make the rounds of the downtown until the end of December each year, to reappear once again in springtime.
Rock Industries has kindly donated the new rock and Marshall/Starke Development Center created the platform for the display.
In other Chamber news:
• On May 26, the Chamber will host its annual dinner at the Blarney Stone in Plymouth with entertainment by the Plymouth High School Speech Team and the Crimson Connection. Tickets are available; call 574-936-2323.
• The Chamber is planning its golf outing fundraiser to be held this year at the Plymouth Country Club.