The City of Andalusia is just two commitments away from having its goal of 20 local merchants participating in a shop Andalusia campaign designed to both encourage local residents to shop at home and to bring people to the city.

Mayor Earl Johnson met with a group of merchants Tuesday night, and said he got the idea for Andy Bucks at Covington Electric’s annual meeting. The cooperative gives away a used vehicle every year, and the chance to win literally brings hundreds of people to the event.

The city’s promotion, Andy Bucks, gives consumers one chance to win a $1,000 shopping spree with participating merchants for every $10 they spend with those merchants. For instance, if a customer spent $95 with Ward and Co., that customer would receive nine chances to be the winner.

At the first council meeting of each month, Johnson said, a winning number will be drawn. The person holding that ticket will have 30 days to claim $1,000 in “Andy Bucks,” or ten $100 gift certificates redeemable with participating merchants.

Participating merchants will commit $50 per month for a year to fund the prizes. The city will provide the organizational and promotional support, the mayor said.

“We cannot legally give away money, but we can spend money to promote the city,” he explained.

Johnson explained that Andy Bucks is not a lottery, because customers who receive tickets for the drawing take no risk.

At least three merchants added their names to the list of participants by the close of the meeting, bringing the city within two of its goal of 20 participants.

The program is expected to launch on Sept. 1.

Kimberly Jacobs, an administrative coordinator of the city, is putting the program together. She can be reached at 222.3313.

Participants include Beef O’Brady’s, Brooks Hardware, Darby’s, David’s Catfish, Delta Lighting, Farmer’s Co-Op, Harold’s Furniture, Lee’s Samauri, Mary Kay Consultants, Pale Moon Yarns, Two Guys Pies, Walker Business, Ward & Co., Christopher’s, Ansley Place, Yo’ Cravin and Singer’s.