For the fifth year in a row, Mayor Nic Hunter and the city of Lake Charles are issuing the #ShopLocalLC Challenge.

Aimed at encouraging shoppers to patronize locally-owned, small businesses, the challenge is simple: Patronize at least four local merchants this holiday season and show them some love by taking a picture and posting it on social media with the hashtag, #ShopLocalLC.

“We first issued this challenge in 2020 as a fun way to help bolster our small business community in the midst of very difficult times,” said Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter. “Although we have come leaps and bounds since then, our small, locally-owned business community still needs our support. Small businesses are a critical piece of the economic fabric of our community, and they are what truly give our community its unique character.”

Mayor Hunter further stated, “The ultimate goal is that our community will show appreciation and support for these businesses throughout the entire year, not just during the holiday season.”

Residents can keep up with the latest City of Lake Charles news and updates by visiting www.cityoflakecharles.com or following www.facebook.com/LakeCharlesLouisiana. Follow us on Instagram at @lccityhall.