SYCAMORE | Businesses in downtown Sycamore are in the midst of the Spring Fling sales event that began March 18 and will conclude Sunday.

The Spring Fling sales event is a part of the 3/50 Project, which helps to promote spending at local, independently-owned stores.

“It is a great way to kick off spring, get people to come downtown and to inject money into the local economy,” said Barbara Retondo, co-owner of The Garden Market, 558 DeKalb Ave. “We hope to keep the downtown area alive and vibrant.”

People tend to go to the big box stores first, but by shopping at these independent stores the money tends to stay in the local area, Retondo said.

The Garden Market is offering 10 percent off on all home decor as well as 20 percent off on vintage mirrors as part of the sales event.

According to their website, the 3/50 Project encourages people to consider three independently-owned businesses that they feel are valuable to the community and spend $50 a month at these local businesses.

Retondo said customers can enter a raffle by filling out a form at any of the participating stores to win a grand prize consisting of donations from all the stores involved. The grand prize drawing will take place on Tuesday and the winner will be notified by phone.

“By working together with other local businesses, we hope to bring more people to the downtown area to do their shopping,” said Rich Para, owner of Sweet Earth Jewelry & Gifts, 341 W. State St.

The store hosted its second annual Bead-a-thon as part of the week-long event. They also had classes planned all week where people can create their own jewelry, Para said.

“Customers can create their own beaded stretch bracelets and attend a make your own pendant class, for example,” Para said.

Goin’ Postal, 352 W. State St., is offering 10 percent off of everything in the store as part of the sales event.

“We want to make people aware that there are very unique stores in downtown Sycamore,” said Phil Grismer, co-owner of Goin’ Postal.

Sycamore has a historic downtown and it is important to keep people aware of how beautiful it is, Grismer said.