FOLEY, Ala. - An estimated 800 winter visitors attended a welcome reception for snowbirds entitled "A Walk through Foley," held at the Foley Civic Center on Jan. 10. The event was a joint effort between the City of Foley and the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce.

Event organizers called the event a huge success. Volunteers distributed over 650 goody bags that included coupons and information from Foley businesses and businesses who are members of the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce.

Attendees received Blackout Bingo cards and were encouraged to visit several downtown businesses to have the bingo cards stamped. The stamp from each of the participating businesses qualified bingo-goers for a chance to win prizes including a Kindle, a large gift basket that included items from the fourteen shops in Orange Blossom Square and gift certificates from Applebee's.

Approximately 150 winter guests completed Blackout Bingo cards. Four winning cards were drawn at random to select winners.

The City of Foley and the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce representatives identified the winner of the Kindle as Donald Werner of Springfield, Ill. Werner, and his wife Carolyn, are visiting the area for the first time and plan to stay two months.

The winner of the Hollis' Orange Blossom Square gift basket was Peter Lenz, from South Haven, Minn. The Lenzs are spending their twelfth winter in the area. They mentioned that they thoroughly enjoy their winters here from November through March.

The winners of the gift certificates from Applebee's were Linda Devault, from Vicksburg, MI, here for a twelfth season, and Mary Hillert, of Saginaw, Mich., spending her second winter in this area.

"The City of Foley and the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce are happy that so many winter visitors attended this event, to learn more about attractions, restaurants, events and lodgings in this area. We would like to thank all of the volunteers and business participants for making the first annual 'A Walk Through Foley' Snowbird Reception the success that it was. We invite you all to participate again next year," said Linda Hula, special events director for the City of Foley.