We’re getting closer to the annual Perry Fourth of July Celebration, which means it’s time for the rival grocery stores to face off in the Fireworks Drive Round-Up Fundraiser.

For years, the Perry Fareway and Hy-Vee have gone toe-to-toe to see who can raise the most money over the course of a week through grocery bill round-ups, with all proceeds going towards the fireworks display. Fareway is currently undefeated in the friendly competition, though it’s gotten closer every year. Last year Fareway raised $2,400 and Hy-Vee brought in nearly $2,000, simply by having shoppers round up their totals to the nearest dollar or beyond at the register. Though the contest is friendly in nature, the two store managers get fairly competitive in their quest for bragging rights each year, going so far as to offer incentives to cashiers for raising the most.

The round-up at Fareway starts today and will run through May 25th, while Hy-Vee’s will start the 20th and run through Memorial Day on May 27th. The staggered schedule gives both stores eight days to raise funds, since Fareway is closed on Sundays and holidays. To help the round-up gain momentum, Raccoon Valley Radio and the Big Red Radio will be at Fareway tomorrow and Hy-Vee next weekend. Fareway Store Manager Travis Landgrebe says a visit from the station has historically led to a great deal of success for the store and the fundraiser. “Whenever the Big Red Radio is out there, it’s always a big hit! You know, people are wondering what’s going on, so it kind of helps have people stop in and just kind of check it out, if they haven’t heard about the round-up or what. So you know, it’s a good opportunity for us to get customer flow through the store, plus a good incentive to get us kick-started on the round-up.”

The Big Red Radio will be at Fareway tomorrow from 9 a.m. – noon, and at the same time next Saturday at Hy-Vee. We will broadcast live and play music in the parking lot at both stores. Additionally, Chamber volunteers will be at each event as part of the “Bucket Brigade” to accept people’s cash donations, which will also go towards the individual store’s total. To learn more about the Fireworks Drive Round-up Fundraiser and other upcoming Perry Chamber events, listen to today’s Perry Fareway Let’s Talk Dallas County program on air and at RaccoonValleyRadio.com.