Awards of up to $200 in “Downtown DeKalb Dollars” will be given to some citizens who participate in Downtown DeKalb’s Spring Open-House Sweepstakes Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

The event, in approximately its twelfth season, is a kickoff for the spring season and is an opportunity for downtown merchants to show the public new spring fashions and items, Downtown DeKalb Association President JoAnne Rompf said.

“It’s also an opportunity to let the public know that we (the downtown businesses) are open on Sundays,” Rompf said.

The “downtown dollars” are actually gift certificates or coupons which were run in local newspapers and sent in bank flyers. The coupons can be deposited at any one of the 15 participating stores and, if drawn, can be redeemed at any of the 15 stores participating in the open-house event, Rompf said.

Many participating businesses will feature special bargains for the day and serve refreshments, Rompf said.

Lansirs, 112 E. Lincoln Hwy., will feature a 20 percent discount on all store items, Lansirs’ salesperson Michelle Hessenberger said.

Frank Bredeson, owner of Bret’s—The Fashion Place, 248 W. Lincoln Hwy., said his business also will feature a 20 percent discount on all store items.

Lauren Woods, owner of Cracker Jax, 118 N. Third Street, said her business will feature a special warehouse sale next to the shop.

Other participating businesses include Chilton’s Sporting Goods, 250 E. Lincoln Hwy.; Colson’s Department Store, 230 E. Lincoln Hwy.; Cottage Interiors Incorporated/The Clothes Hound, 224 N. Second St.; Desa’s Vendome, 130 E. Lincoln Hwy.; Gonterman’s Jewelers, 143 E. Lincoln Hwy.; Gold Eagle Wholesale Jewelry, 124 E. Lincoln Hwy.; Hall of Hallmark Cards, 131 E. Lincoln Hwy.; Honey Girl Ladies’ Wear, 206 E. Lincoln Hwy.; Maurices, 263 E. Lincoln Hwy.; Lehan Drugs, 203 E. Lincoln Hwy.; Janet Marie’s Coffee Tree, 147 N. Second St.; and Tony White Shoes, 123 E. Lincoln Hwy.