Game of Peabody offers up local businesses to players

PEABODY – Ever wonder what it would feel like to be the owner of the Northshore Mall, or perhaps Eastern Bank? Well, with the Chamber of Commerce’s Game of Peabody, now you can – or at least pretend to.The game takes on the form of Milton Bradley’s classic board game Monopoly. Players take turns rolling the dice and moving their game pieces across the board with the opportunity to purchase properties they land on, if they have enough money.In the Game of Peabody, however, players aren’t fighting to purchase properties like Broadway or Park Place. It’s Eastman Gelatin and 33 other Chamber businesses that are up for grabs.”The game really runs the gamut,” said Executive Director Deanne Healey.Healey said that game originated sometime last year after the Chamber tossed the idea around for a while.”We talked to other communities who have done it, and it was fairly well received,” said Healey. “We decided to give it a shot.”Last year, about 400 copies were sold by Christmastime. The Chamber created 900 this year and only a few hundred are left.”It makes a great gift for someone who’s been a lifelong resident of Peabody,” said Healey. “It’s a great piece just to hold on to for nostalgia reasons.”The game costs $10, and each purchase includes and entry into the Chamber’s Holiday Raffle. Those who purchase two games receive three entries. First prize is the new Apple iPod Touch, which has a retail value of $299. Second prize is a $100 Visa Gift Card. The third prize is a $50 gift certificate to Kelly’s Roast Beef. Drawing for the raffle takes place on Wednesday, Dec. 19 at noon in the Chamber office.If you already own the game, the Chamber will donate your purchase to a Peabody elementary school.”It’s a good math game,” said Healey. “And, it helps kids get familiar with the city.”The game is available at the Peabody Chamber office located at 24 Main St. Acceptable payment methods include cash, check, MasterCard, Visa and American Express. For more information, contact the Chamber at 978-531-0384.