On a clear December night, people eager to hear their name called filled Market Square in Downtown Durant. Durant Main Street announced the winners of the 13th Annual $1,500 Shopping Spree.

The big winner was Jeff Gibson of Durant. He took home the $1,500 Shopping Spree folder. “Jeff regularly patronizes our downtown businesses, and we appreciate him doing his Christmas shopping in Downtown Durant,” said Durant Main Street Program Manager Donna Dow. “Jeff can now visit several of our Downtown businesses and spend the $1,500 however he wishes. He also won a gift certificate, and he plans to spread out his winning purchases.”

Rules allow only one regular prize to be won by participants; however, everyone is eligible to win the big prize. The more people shop, the better their chances are to win. Weekly winners are not required to be present, but winners must be present for the final drawings.

Weekly prize winners were announced at the beginning of the night. The first week’s winner was Dortha Childs, Calera, who made a purchase at Spring Hill Ranch. She won Montana Silversmith Earrings from Spring Hill Ranch. The second weekly winner was Lou Mitchell, Durant, who made her purchase at Mackey Home Appliance. She won a day of pampering from Body Business. The third weekly winner was Bethany Wilson, Durant, who made purchases at Mackey Home Appliance. She won a gift from Marie’s.

Winners of $100 gift certificate to participating businesses were Tammy Denison of Colbert, Tanya Swader of Caddo, Sheila Presley of Durant and Becky Britton of Durant. Gift certificates donated by various businesses were won by Sammy Cahill (Foxy Roxy), Vickie Piearcy (Body Business), Brenda Newton (Curtis Jewelry), Luanne Rumer (J.J. Mundi), Jennifer Wagoner (Spring Hill), Margaret Conditt (Bliss), Jeff Gibson (Hollow Tree) and Bethany Wilson (Old Ice House). Wilson was one of the weekly winners. Scotty Williams of Bokchito won a replica of a truck from Durant True Value Lumber Company.

Dow appreciates the businesses donating prizes to make this year’s giveaway great.

“We appreciate the businesses that support our street carnival,” she said. “This is how we fund our giveaway, and it would not have been possible without these merchants’ support and participation in the Spree. They make Downtown Durant a great place to shop.”