Submitted Photo Lucky the Leprechaun stops near the Rugby High School campus as he makes his rounds through town.

After making his rounds in Rugby businesses this week, Lucky the Leprechaun has decided to stay in town for two more days.

Rugby Chamber of Commerce Director Laurie Odden said he’s become a more familiar sight around town since he made his first appearance on St. Patrick’s Day in 2021. For 2022, Lucky decided to stay in town longer. That way, more people will have a chance to find him and win $10 in Rugby Bucks.

Most businesses that are members of the chamber accept Rugby Bucks the same as cash.

Odden said Lucky made his first appearance downtown on March 17 and will visit Rugby businesses until March 19.

“We decided to do this for three days because Thursday, people might be working,” Odden said, referring to Rugby residents’ busy schedules. “We extended his visits to Friday and Saturday to make it a little more fun.

“Last year, the chamber did our Lucky the Leprechaun promotion to get people shopping around town,” Odden said. “We have our stuffed little Lucky the Leprechaun and he’s going to be traveling around some businesses on Thursday (St. Patrick’s Day), Friday, and Saturday. We’ll be giving clues out about where he could be on social media and on Rugby Broadcasters Media. So, there’ll be a clue to say what Lucky will be doing, and you can guess the location from that.”

Although March 19 is Lucky’s last day in town, Odden said shoppers and restaurant customers still have an opportunity to catch him while businesses are open.

Odden said Lucky had plans to make seven or eight stops on March 17, five on March 18, and three to four on March 19.

Odden said Lucky was a favorite with Rugby businesses and shoppers in 2021, “but he didn’t move around as quickly, because we had COVID concerns last year and so, people weren’t out shopping as much last year. So, we decided this year to give out clues so he can get found and get moving around a little more.

“He’s pretty darn cute,” Odden added. “He’s sitting on my desk right now, planning his strategy.”