Coffee drinkers can once again explore dozens of local cafes through the Ozarks Coffee Trail, which began its sixth season Oct. 1 with new rewards and expanded opportunities to earn points.
The free mobile pass includes 41 participating coffee shops across the Ozarks, according to a community announcement. Organizers said in the announcement that the program attracted more than 4,500 participants during the previous season, leading to thousands of check-ins at participating businesses.
Visitors earn points by checking in through the pass after making a purchase at a participating coffee shop. A new feature allows participants to earn 10 additional points by checking in at the same location once every two weeks, creating new opportunities for repeat
visits.
Season six includes three reward levels: Coffee Trail stickers, a T-shirt and a limited-edition crewneck sweatshirt. Organizers said in the announcement that only the first 200 participants to reach 500 points will receive a sweatshirt.
Participants also can earn double points during select holiday and special-event periods. Eligible weekends include Halloween, Thanksgiving, New Year's, Valentine's Day, finals week and the Birthplace of Route 66 Festival.
“We’re excited for everyone to experience another season of the Ozarks Coffee Trail and discover the incredible coffee culture we have throughout the region,” Andrea Copeland, vice president of marketing for Visit Springfield, said in the announcement. “Season six gives coffee lovers even more opportunities to explore local coffee shops, with more chances to earn rewards and revisit their favorite places along the way. It’s a fun way to support locally owned businesses that make our coffee community so special.”
Launch event planned at Route 66 Welcome Center
Visit Springfield scheduled activities to mark the start of the season on Oct. 1, including surprise giveaways promoted through its social media channels.
A "Grounds for Celebration" event was planned from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Route 66 Welcome Center. The public event was set to feature coffee from Coffee Ethic, donuts, information about the new season and a Coffee Trail gift basket giveaway.
How to participate
Those interested in joining the Ozarks Coffee Trail can sign up by visiting springfieldmo.org, saving the pass to a phone home screen and checking in when making a purchase at a participating coffee shop.
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This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Ozarks Coffee Trail expands rewards as new season begins
