Gnome on the Roam uses Auburn businesses as refuge

Who needs an Elf on the Shelf when Auburn has a Gnome on the Roam? Through Dec. 22, the Auburn Chamber of Commerce is challenging the community to find the gnome at local businesses. According to the Chamber, the gnome will spend three days at each location and weekly clues will be provided on Facebook and Instagram regarding his new hiding place. "We want to be able to have fun with our amazing community while also supporting some of our wonderful local businesses," the Chamber said on Facebook. The community can participate by private messaging the gnome's location to the Chamber to earn one raffle entry. For three entries, participants can visit the location to take a photo with the roaming fellow and post it to social media with the Chamber tagged. Those who obtain entries will be entered to win one of four gift cards from Old Town Pizza, Local Heroes, Mels Diner or El Agave. It is free to participate and drawings will be done at the end of each week, according to the Chamber. The gnome chose Little Bird Mercantile as his first hideaway Tuesday and Wednesday. Shannon Wines, owner of Little Bird Mercantile, said as of Wednesday morning she saw several people pop in to grab a photo of the roamer. Asked why Little Bird Mercantile wanted to provide refuge to the gnome, Wines said, "We just like to be actively involved in the community, and I think that's kind of a fun and whimsical thing to be able to do at Christmas time." Where will he be next? For clues on the gnome's next refuge or to see if you've won, follow the Auburn Chamber of Commerce on Facebook (facebook.com/AuburnChamberofCommerce) or Instagram (@auburnchamberofcommerce).