By BRAD GASKINS / Staff Writer

COLUMBIANA – For the next several weeks, an elf will hide inside various businesses in Columbiana.

Find the stuffed elf, and you can register to win a gift basket stuffed with prizes from city merchants.

The hide-and-seek is courtesy of the Columbiana Merchants and Professionals Association. It begins Dec. 2 at Busy Hands, located at 202 N. Main Street.

The elf moves to various locations in Columbiana at least once a week. Hints of the elf’s whereabouts inside the various businesses will be posted on the CMPA facebook page.

“When you find the elf in the store, then you can register to win the gift basket,” said Helen Dean, who works on Main Street and is a member of the merchants and professionals association.

The gift basket contains gifts cards and various merchandise from Columbiana businesses.

You can enter for the drawing each time you find the elf, and there is no limit on how many people can find the elf at each business.