SIDNEY, Neb. — Christmas came early for Fran McCarty, of Sidney, who was drawn as the grand prize winner of a $2,000 Shopping Spree from radio station 987 The Big Boy on Wednesday afternoon.

“Oh my goodness, Hunter," McCarty said when morning host Hunter Arterburn called to deliver the exciting news. "God bless you. Thank you so much. It sounds very nice. That’s a blessing, Hunter.”

It was the first year the annual contest offered a $2,000 prize, an upgrade from its original $1,000 shopping spree, thanks to the overwhelming support of local businesses. Since Nov. 15, listeners of the radio station had the chance to enter the contest by visiting Sutton Home Gallery, Beans & Steams Coffeehouse, Kendall Esthetics, Wireless World/Verizon, Nexgen Outfitters, Western Drug, Charlotte & Emerson Boutique and Highby Outdoors. The deadline to sign-up was Tuesday.

The contest’s grand prize includes a chauffeured shopping trip for McCarty and her daughter, Casey Courtney, on Saturday. When asked if she had plans for her winnings, McCarty replied, “You know, Hunter, I haven’t really thought about it. But I tell you what, I’ll do some thinking.” She later expressed she'll start at Sutton Home Gallery to get a new washer and dryer. 

The annual shopping spree has become a holiday tradition in the Nebraska panhandle, northeast Colorado and southeast Wyoming. The Big Boy credited the success of this year’s event to the strong support of the local businesses and loyal listeners. 

“It’s always special to give back to our community and make someone’s holiday season a little brighter,” Arterburn said. “We’re already looking forward to next year.”

The station estimated over 2,500 registrations signed-up for this year's contest. 

BUSINESS WINNERS AND FINALISTS:

Beans & Steams Coffeehouse: Eric Dana, of Lodgepole

Kendall Esthetics: Shannon Wintholz, of Sidney

Wireless World/Verizon: Carolyn Brock, of Sidney

Nexgen Outfitters: Wyatt Sobata, of Crook

Western Drug: James MacFarlane, of Sidney

Charlotte & Emerson Boutique: Fran McCarty *Grand Prize Winner *

Highby Outdoors: Tom Spies, of Sidney

Sutton Home Gallery: Michelle Onstott, of Potter