O’Fallon Wing Walk has been a hit for self-taking locals who like to win money

A Wing Walk promotion has really taken flight in O’Fallon this holiday season.

The O’Fallon-Shiloh Chamber of Commerce’s annual promotion added a new twist this year – participating businesses and services used wings for selfie photos that in turn, once uploaded to Facebook, guaranteed residents an entry into a drawing for cash prizes.

The drawing, which began Nov. 18, ends this Saturday, Dec. 16, with winners announced on Tuesday, Dec. 19.

Jonathan Simmons, Chamber marketing and communications manager, said the wings replaced the previous practice of using snowmen as a backdrop for selfies.

The response has been enthusiastic, he said.

“We love this idea, and people have said they do too. People were very excited about it. Businesses have been excited to make this project,” Simmons said. “We’ve already decided it will be back next year.”

Chamber President/CEO Debbie Arell-Martinez brought back the idea after she saw a wing display while traveling.

Cory Hollerbach, who owns Art Gecko Creative Studio, said they enjoyed the creative challenge.

Their art teacher, Hana Behrs, came up with the idea to use an owl’s wings.

“It doesn’t have to be angel’s wings,” she said. “I love them all, no two are alike!”

Library Director Ryan Johnson said two of their staff, Sharon Ray and Stephanie Favela, made wings out of book pages.

“We really like that we are participating in something with the other businesses in town. We’re getting a very good response,” he said.

At first, they only had one hook for their wings, which meant it wasn’t accessible for children, so they added a second hook, so they can adjust the wings for height, whether a person is short or tall.

“The community is encouraged to take selfies with participating wings and upload them to our Facebook post. Every uploaded selfie on the Chamber’s Facebook Wing Walk post enters the individual for a chance to win cash prizes of $250, $200, and $100,” Simmons explained.

Rules specify that contestants are limited to one selfie submission per participating business.

“You can max out your potential by taking selfies with all participating locations,” Simmons said.

The Chamber has a list of businesses, with their hours listed, and a photo of the wings, indicating where they are indoors or out, on their website: https://ofallonchamber.com/wingwalk2023/.

The 14 participants included Art Gecko Creative Studio, Drake’s, Family Eye Care, Four Paws Animal Hospital, Harriett’s Sweet Treats, O’Fallon YMCA, O’Fallon Public Library, O’Fallon Public Safety Building, O’Fallon-Shiloh Chamber of Commerce, Parents Teacher Tools & Toys, Refinery Salon, Simplifying Beauty, Steven Mueller Florist, and Three Sisters Crafts.

The Four Paws Animal Hospital’s display is not only for humans, but for pets too.

One of the most poignant and unusual is “Maddie’s Wings” at Parents Teacher Tools & Toys, honoring the memory of Maddie Best, an O’Fallon Township High School student who was killed in an accident on Oct. 20.

They invite you to contribute to Maddie’s Wings by picking up a feather at the store and writing your message to add to her wings. These wings, adorned with community messages, will be presented to the Best family at the end of the event, Simmons said.

This story was originally published December 16, 2023 at 6:00 AM.