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In partnership with ������, Main Street Kent invites Kent State students wearing their masks to visit downtown Kent businesses for a chance to win great prizes. Prizes include a $500 book scholarship, $500 in gift cards to downtown businesses, and twenty bundles of Kent State swag valued at over $50 each.

The goal is to thank and reward Kent State students for doing their part to keep everyone safe while supporting local business during the pandemic. Beginning Sept. 14, Kent State students visiting downtown Kent wearing their masks who take pictures and post to social media with the hashtag #kentstateloveslocal, will automatically be entered to win prizes. Additional entries to win will be given for following weekly themes:

• Week 1 is “Retail and Service;”
• Week 2 is “Restaurants;”
• Week 3 is “Sweets and Cafes;” and
• Week 4 is a “Wild Card” (any business qualifies) in celebration of Spirit Week at Kent State.

“We want Kent State students to feel safe and welcome in our downtown, especially during the pandemic," said Heather Malarcik, Main Street Kent executive director. "As long as everyone is practicing physical distancing and wearing face coverings, we can still support our local businesses during this ongoing difficult time. Keeping money, jobs, and small businesses thriving in our community will help us all in the long run!”

For more information about Main Street Kent and downtown businesses, please visit and follow on social media and .