Make July a “hot” month for sales and programming with ideas for summer, the Fourth and more!

 

July is…

Air Conditioning Appreciation Days • Bioterrorism/Disaster Education and Awareness Month • Cell Phone Courtesy Month • Dog Days • Herbal/Prescription Interaction Awareness Month • International Alopecia Month For Women  • National “Doghouse Repairs” Month • National Grilling Month • National Horseradish Month • National Hot Dog Month • National Ice Cream Month • National Make a Difference to Children Month •National Recreation and Parks Month • National Vacation Rental Month • National Vacation Rental Month • Women’s Motorcycle Month • Worldwide Bereaved Parents Awareness Month

 

Month-Specific Ideas…

AIR CONDITIONING APPRECIATION DAYS (July 3-August 15)

Give away a “cool” in-car GPS device. Tie-in ice cream/cold drink vendor like Dunkin’ Donuts, Starbucks, 7-11, etc. that feature iced specialty drinks as qualifying prizes. Sell a “green is cool” campaign where green refers to environmentally friendly appliances (and a pun for Froggy stations). Help listeners keep “cool” by paying their electric bills; sell to an air conditioner dealer/service company/electric company, etc. Or sell auto service center that will offer free system check, discounted services. Do “keep cool” weekend giving away of “cool” music, passes to water park, etc. Host remote at an appliance store tying in a price drop each time the temperature rises during the remote. Morning show hosts poll for business in town with coldest air conditioning and someplace that should be air conditioned but isn’t. Give away scarves and “spritz fans” as gag prizes. Poll listeners – Would they rather be too hot or too cold? www.ari.org

 

BIOTERRORISM/DISASTER EDUCATION AND AWARENESS MONTH

To educate consumers/healthcare professionals on disaster/bioterrorism preparation. Sell a “better to be prepared” campaign to appropriate businesses.

CELL PHONE COURTESY MONTH

Sell a schedule to a provider that pitches courtesy as well as their service. Offer specials on phones that have a vibrate option. Cell phone store distributes “Courtesy Tips” flyers with registration tear-off to win new phone or year’s service. Sell provider a promotion where listeners text their courtesy tips and are included in a random drawing for a free year’s service, upgraded plan, etc. Listener bit: strangest cell phone conversation you’ve overheard. Web idea: post text message abbreviations for fun; have listeners add others. www.EtiquetteExpert.com

 

DOG DAYS (July 3-August 11)

Hottest days of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. Once believed to be an evil time when the “sea boiled, wine turned sour, dogs grew mad” and mankind was subject to fevers and hysterics. Ancients sacrificed a brown dog at the beginning of Dog Days in attempt to appease the rage of Sirius, believing that the star was the cause of the hot, sultry weather. Sell pet store, vet, groomer, etc. a “Dog Days Dog Contest” with listeners e-mailing pictures of their dog plus brief description of why their dog is the best. Listeners vote online or at sponsoring pet store. Or sell pet store “Pet Idol” promotion with “skill” competition like first to bark, rolling over, etc. to win free grooming for a year, obedience classes, vet services, etc. (Simon “Growl” as a judge??) Create promotion where grocer gives away coolers of hot dogs. Sell multiple merchants on offering mini-vacation to cooler locations or register listeners to win vacation to warm spot 6 months from now when they’ll miss the warm weather. Team with animal shelter or pet stores to give hot-weather pet tips and/or promote adoptions.

 

HERBAL/PRESCRIPTION INTERACTION AWARENESS MONTH

To educate health professionals and consumers on dietary supplements, herbs and nutritionals along with mixing those products with prescription drugs. Info: www.ppsinc.org. Sell informational series of spots to health food store. Or sell doctors’ group a schedule with “many ways we can help” theme. Listener bit: odd “grandma’s remedies” for colds, etc.

 

INTERNATIONAL ALOPECIA MONTH FOR WOMEN

Promoting local events so women suffering with alopecia can find each other and conquer together the challenges of living with the condition. www.BaldGirlsDoLunch.org

 

NATIONAL “DOGHOUSE REPAIRS” MONTH

Month to stay out of trouble and do something special for your loved ones. Team with restaurants, florists, gift basket merchant, etc. to offer “Doghouse Repair Kits” to listeners who call, e-mail, text, fax in that they need to get out of the doghouse. Or sell a home improvement store on hosting a half-day project for kids who build a dog house. Listeners share stories of how they got in and out of the doghouse with their mate.

 

NATIONAL GRILLING MONTH

Month to enjoy cooking on a grill!  Sell restaurant with mobile grill on lunchtime remote at high traffic location where they give out samples. Sell bookstore and home improvement store promotion where qualifiers win new grill cookbook and grand prize is top-end grill. Sell appliance/home improvement store on giving away an installed indoor grill. Listeners e-mail their favorite grill recipes and post them online (sponsored by grocer, restaurant, grill vendor, etc).

 

NATIONAL HORSERADISH MONTH

Month to celebrate horseradish. www.Horseradish.org See if co-op is available to create recipe-based spot schedule. Play “Horseradish or Hogwash” trivia about this 3,000-year-old plant. For the brave, hold horseradish eating contest.

 

NATIONAL HOT DOG MONTH

Sell series of two-hour lunchtime remotes to businesses each Wednesday of the summer (“Weenie Wednesdays”) or one week during the month (“Weenie Week”). Make it a free “mini-picnic” featuring hot dogs, soft drinks, chips, etc. Get added bonus points by giving away small summer prizes like Frisbees and can coolers with station logo on them. Tie in additional sponsors like grocers, fast food manufacturers, soft drink bottlers, grill manufacturer/vendor, etc. Host “hot dog night” at a bar once a week. Have several jocks make a bet where the loser will have to wear a hot dog suit in some very public location (to be filmed and posted online, of course). Arrange for discount hot dogs one night at your local minor league ball park. Poll listeners for what hot dog is best: all beef, beef and pork, or mini hot-dogs. Poll listeners for who is the biggest “hot dog” in sports, entertainment, etc.; award winners the “golden weenie.” Or give the “Biggest Weenie of the Week (Day)” award to listener who registers to win hot dogs for a year. Alternately, morning show bit where listeners admit to doing something really dumb to win weenies for a month or cook-out featuring hot dogs as part of a larger prize package. www.Hot-Dog.org

 

NATIONAL ICE CREAM MONTH

A month-long celebration for the food that is enjoyed by 90 percent of the nation’s population. Partner with a grocer or ice cream store to had out free ice cream this month. Run a contest with an ice cream shop where listeners get to nominate their own custom blends of ice cream – complete with creative names – and the winner’s recipe is sold for the summer, with proceeds going to a local charity. Plus the winner gets free ice cream for a year! www.idfa.org

 

NATIONAL MAKE A DIFFERENCE TO CHILDREN MONTH

To remind us of the many ways adults can make a positive difference to children. Invite child expert to give parenting tips. Sell a childcare center, pre-school, etc. on sponsoring parenting tips that are aired throughout the month as part of a spot schedule (value added: post on your web site). Poll listeners for the best parenting tip they could share with others. www.KimRatz.com

 

NATIONAL RECREATION AND PARKS MONTH

Host clean-up of local park/recreation site, work with retailer who sells recreational gear to give away merchandise and award trip to recreation area, use of RV, give away free parking and tickets to place where family can enjoy some recreation. Sell an RV dealer on registering listeners to win the use of one of their RVs for a family trip. www.nrpa.org

 

NATIONAL VACATION RENTAL MONTH

From beach condos to mountain cabins, and even houseboats – July is peak season for family travel and the optimal time to bring awareness to vacation rentals. Sell a promotion where listeners get to choose one property from a number of the sponsor’s locations. Sell other sub-sponsors such as food, clothing, gas or convenience store items, or other products a family could need on vacation.

 

WOMEN’S MOTORCYCLE MONTH

Month honoring women who ride, co-ride, or wish they could ride motorcycles or their derivatives (sidecar rigs, trikes, etc.).  Morning show poll: more men or women riders/would-be riders? Sales: offer package to local motorcycle dealer with remote focusing on test rides for women who also register for trip to Daytona or Sturgis for bike week.

 

WORLDWIDE BEREAVED PARENTS AWARENESS MONTH

Encouraging others to reach out and be there for bereaved parents and their families as they grieve. www.bereavedparentsawarenessmonth.info

 

 

 

JULY 4^th IDEAS (MANY ADAPTABLE IN CANADA FOR CANADA DAY AS WELL)

 

SKIN-DEPENDENCE DAY

Sell a summer-long “things you need to know about your skin” schedule to a dermatologist. Offer a July  special. (July 4, 2018)

 

UNCLE SAM FANTASY JAM

Run this sponsorable on-air “Concert” over the July 4^th holiday. Incorporate live recordings, studio recordings with concert-goer effects, artist and “concert attendees,” etc. (July 4 2017)

 

COUNTRY MUST BE COUNTRY WIDE

All weekend feature songs that have a mention of one or more states in the lyrics.  Create special imaging for each “state song.” Sellable. (July 4 2017)

 

FACEBOOK LIVE FIREWORKS

Send station talent to local fireworks display for a Facebook Live presentation. (July 4 2017)

 

SHOW YOUR FLAG, WIN SOME SWAG

Several ways to go – listeners post shots of their flag/decorations on social with hashtag and randomly selected posts win station swag and coupons from sponsors. Or send statoin vehicle around to randomly distribue swag bags to houses, cars, etc. displaying flags. (July 4 2017)

 

FAMOUS QUOTE QUIZ

Instagram/Snapchat game; listeners receive a patriotic quote or photo of someone important in country’s history with each message. Listeners identify the image or source of quote. Plan to send multiple messages per day for the first through fourth. (July 4 2016)

 

FOUNDERS FACTS

Listeners sign up to receive 20 sponsored texts July 1-4, each with a fact about one of the Founding Fathers. (July 4 2016)

 

ONE STOP FOR FOURTH INFO

Create web page listing all area activities. Also sell sponsors a “line and a link” on the page where they can post a sentence and a link to their 4^th of July sale, event or promotion. Run from June 4 to July 4. (July 4 2016)

 

FIFTY SONG SALUTE

Play 50 #1 songs in a row (one for each state) for 50 hours.  Make easy tie-ins when you can:  states that are mentioned in songs or are the home state of the singer, writer, etc. or are simply the 15^th state (Kentucky) when you play the 15^th number one song of the set.  Mix up eras but don’t stray too far off-brand. Sponsorable as a special event. (July 4 2016)

 

DECLARATION OF IMAGING

Have each talent on the station read part of the end of the Declaration of Independence. Produce it up appropriately. Here’s a part of the text that could be used. (July 4 2016)

 

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these united Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States, that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. — And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.

 

Paste the entire document online.

 

 

NAILING IT ON THE FOURTH

Sell a nail salon a month long schedule leading up to the fourth where patriotic patterns and colors are promoted or on special.  Bring in friends and every ‘fourth’ person gets their nails done free. (July 4 2015)

 

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE ON DISPLAY…

…on your website.  Add some patriotic quotes and sell a sponsorship for the page and weekend. Consider adding a sponsored trip to Washington, DC to see the document. (July 4 2015)

 

HOW DID YOU SPEND YOUR 4^TH?

Listeners submit selfies and photos of themselves/family friends celebrating the holiday. Randomly selected winners receive $17.76 credit from local ice cream store to ‘keep the celebration going.’ (July 4 2015)

 

THE LOADED COOLER

Sell various merchants a promotion where a large cooler is filled with 4^th of July picnic supplies: from cups and flatware to food to drinks. Give away as many as you can sell. Consider an add-on of a couple of night stay at a nice destination at the end of the summer. (July 4 2015)

 

 (YOUR TOWN) THE BEAUTIFUL

Use the phone and social media to collect listeners’ thoughts on why living in their town is special and turn into imaging or sponsored quickies. Alternate camera angle: organize local clean-ups for a ‘take pride in your town/take pride in America’ event. (July 4 2014)

 

MOST PATRIOTIC BIKE PARADE/RALLY

Organize a bike parade or rally where prizes are awarded for best decorated bikes. Depending on your budget/sponsorships, prizes could range from American flags to a drop to Washington, DC or nearby iconic American landmark. (July 4 2014)

 

FLAG US DOWN

Station van makes stops passing out American flags of various sizes. Sponsorable. (July 4 2014)

 

LOUD AND PROUD FOR AMERICA

Invite listeners to say why they love America and air these leading up to the 4^th. Use an unused extension to record their voice mail messages. Play these back leading up to and over the July 4^th holiday. Sponsorable. (July 4 2013)

 

AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL        

Pinterest type idea with listeners posting their best shots of America. Can have separate divisions for outdoor, kids, patriotic, etc. Award a trip to a National Monument (or similar) as a prize if you like. Sponsorable. (July 4 2013)

 

U-S-A – DO WE NEED TO SPELL IT OUT?

Arrange for listeners to gather at a football field, park, etc. and place them so to spell out USA. Be sure to get overhead shots and invite TV coverage. Sell a sponsorship to a soft drink, hot dog supplier, grocer, etc. to supply food to attendees. Get people to commit to showing up via on-air soliciting for the U/wear a red shirt, the S wear a white shirt, etc.

 

TUNES FOR THE TROOPS

A week or two before the 4^th, arrange collection points where listeners can drop off CDs and/or music download cards, or make a donation that will go to the purchase of music for our troops. Sell if you like to a “Mailboxes, etc.” or similar client that will arrange for the shipping.

 

THE BEST THING ABOUT AMERICA IS…

Listeners leave response on the station’s Freedom Phone; use what they say for imaging.

 

WORDS OF FREEDOM

Texting contest for the 4^th. Each hour, play a sweeper with a different word that celebrates America/the 4^th; listeners text in to win appropriate prize from contest sponsor via a drawing on the 5^th. Example: “This hour’s 4^th of July word is ‘Brave.’ The ‘home of the brave’ isn’t just a nice lyric, it describes the type of people who had the courage to face the great personal risk that accompanied the birth of America. Text ‘brave’ now to (number) to win an American made wardrobe from…”

 

PICTURES OF AMERICA

Each day leading up to the 4^th, a different iconic photo of America is posted online. Listeners email back what it is using the subject line. All correct answers are entered in drawing to win trip to an historic location. Enter each day for increased chances to win.

 

CELEBRATING AMERICA

Create (very) quick vignettes on America’s Greatest Moments and run them from the first through the fourth.

 

ENJOY THE FIRE WORKS WITH FIRED ‘WURTS

Sell a grocery store or similar on sponsoring your vehicle distributing Brats for the 4^th.

 

BIKERS SALUTE AMERICA

Online photo contest for most patriotically decorated bike. Invite all decorated bikes to participate in your area’s 4^th of July parade (will take some work up front to determine if possible and the logistics). If the parade doesn’t come off, consider just organizing a gathering with a community minded spin, like meeting at a park and cleaning it up. Approach a cycle dealer to be a co-sponsor.

 

FOUR FOR THE FOURTH

Listeners submit their four favorite songs with submissions chosen at random and played. You could put a charity spin by ‘selling’ the requests to offset the cost of your city’s fireworks, a cleanup project, a new flag for the Municipal Building, etc.

 

CELEBRATE FREEDOM

Listeners are encouraged to upload pictures of how they celebrated the 4^th. No prizes, just a photo sharing op. Do sell a page sponsorship.

 

BORN IN THE USA

Month long/weeklong sales campaign for advertisers promoting specific items in their store that are made in America and are exceptional values.

 

FIIRED-WORKS

Set up a free “Looking for Positions” on your website for the month for people who are still seeking employment.

 

EXEMPLIFYING THE AMERICAN SPIRIT

Lead up to the fourth with listeners’ nominations for people they know that embody the spirit of our country and a few sentences why. Have a sponsor that awards prizes. Listeners can nominate by text, email, or phone.

 

4^TH OF JULY IN YOUR TOWN

Listeners post their 4^th of July pictures on a special page on the station website. Offer prizes for the snaps listeners vote for in various categories: best kids’ picture, most Normal Rockwell-esque, most patriotic, best float, best costume, etc.

 

GRILL-ZILLA

Register listeners to win a top flight grill and 50 pounds of meat. Plus everything they need to have 20 friends over for a grill out on the 4^th. Use these ‘add ons’ to sell additional sponsorships.

 

VIRTUAL FIREWORKS

If you’re town isn’t having fireworks, offer a virtual show combining still photos of your town interspersed with video clips of fireworks or one of numerous free downloads that produce simulated fireworks on your screen. Sell to sponsor that registers listeners to either attend an area fireworks show or a trip to big city for their celebration.

 

BEST ALL AMERICAN BURGER COMPETITION

Listeners submit recipe and photos of their greatest burger creations to win free meat (or for vegans, vegetables) for a year. Voting is done online and by celebrity chef, butcher, etc. Multiple categories possible: most ingredients, most unusual, best non-meat burger, best photo, etc. Sell to grocer, meat market, merchant that specializes in outdoor, etc.

 

AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL

Listeners post/send in their most beautiful photos of places they’ve been in America. Professional photographer judges along with listeners. Appropriate sponsor prizes include photo software, discount hotel coupons, gas cards, books on photography, cameras, adult education class in photography or software, etc.

 

SOUNDTRACK FOR THE CELEBRATION

Partner with a local fireworks display to provide the official soundtrack for the celebration. Encourage everybody to tune you in for their own “simulcast.”

 

PARTY IN THE PARK

Host a party in a local park. Partner with catering company/restaurant/grocery store/butcher/beverage distributor, etc. Broadcast from the event, play games and give away prizes. Hold an apple-pie-eating contest for moms. Bonus points if the park has a good view of a fireworks show. If it doesn’t, this can still be a great daytime event.

 

MADE IN AMERICA (CANADA)

Sell holiday remote at a car dealership, playing off the “made in America” (Canada) theme. Register all who attend to win airline tickets for 2 to anywhere in the country.

 

“CELEBRATE THE 4^TH ON 5^TH”

Possible theme for a multi-client, all-day remote if you have a 5^th street with strong retail or restaurant presence. Hold one day during the weekend when the businesses are open.

 

4^TH OF JULY PARTY PATRIOTS

Sell to beverage, ice cream, snack distributor. Station interns randomly visit listeners’ parties to pass out refreshments, free CDs, do call-backs. Listeners register online to win a visit.

 

USA VIP

Arrange for priority seating at local fireworks display (municipal donation could be required). Or give away inexpensive beach towels or folding chairs for listeners to use while watching fireworks.

 

WEAR THE STARS AND STRIPES

Create classy T-shirts that salute America and station. Include a sponsor imprint to off-set cost. Make them a collector’s item by producing a limited number each year.

 

“CELL-ABRATE” AMERICA

Sell cell phone company patriotic-themed promotion that touts their nationwide long distance service. Give away year’s service (write a check) and trip to Washington, D.C., Mt Rushmore, etc. Idea: 50-state trivia, “Real Town or Put Down” (strange town names), etc.

 

THE GREATEST MUSIC FROM THE GREATEST COUNTRY

Through the 4th of July weekend, give away greatest hits CDs and qualify listeners to win a trip to Nashville (Music City USA).

 

IMAGING IDEA: “WHAT AMERICA MEANS TO ME”

Record listeners’ comments about what they love most about being an American and run all weekend.

 

UNCLE SAM JAM

Work with a local band, club, etc. for an afternoon/night of free music, red, white and blue balloons, etc. Be sure to play some patriotic music during the set, too.

 

4^th of July Parade Participation

Offer station vehicle, talent, equipment to participate in July 4^th parades in hot zip areas. Pass out small flags, water bottles with station logos. Toss key rings with redeemable coupons attached: station logo on one side and client’s name and offer on the other. Or attach station contest info.  Other ideas:

 

Boom Box Parade

Your “float” in the parade is listeners carrying boom boxes playing patriotic music you simulcast on the station.

 

American as Apple Pie

Pass out “personal” apple pies along the parade route (cut a deal with Wonder, Hostess, etc.).

 

Notable Quotables

Pass out 8-1/2 x 11 sheets with famous patriotic quotes.

 

Town Crier

Dress DJ in colonial garb as town crier and have him/her read the Declaration of Independence along the parade route.

 

After the Show

Host wacky, post-parade event, like lizard races, frog jumping contests, rubber duck race, cherry-spitting contest, etc.

 

Private Fireworks Party

Team with restaurant/bar with a patio that has view of your town’s fireworks. Give away a private party for folks that evening.

 

Take Stock In America Celebrate 4^th of July with a patriotic give away: US Savings Bonds. Good tie in with a bank or local corporation who might also add a few shares of their own stock.

 

4th of July Banner
Rent plane to pull old-fashioned banners around with a station message.

 

National Independence Day Parade

Send a family to D.C. for the 4^th weekend to participate in parade. Get info at www.july4thparade.com.

 

“Independence” Day Listeners register to win “independence” from bills, mortgages, etc. Qualify for grand prize – the pay-off of bill up to $1000 – by winning one day’s independence (1/31^st) of a July bill.

 

“All-American Giveaway Weekend”

Give away “All-American Prize Packs” like baseball game tickets, autographed balls from local team, hotdogs, apple pies (sell to McDonald’s, supermarket, bakery, etc.)

 

RED, WHITE AND BLUE DEALS

Car dealer gives special prices on all red, white or blue cars in stock. Also works with clothes, ice cream, appliances, etc.

 

 

Other July/Summer Ideas and Promotions

 

JULY-KUH (YOU LIKE) CHEAP GAS

Sell this promotion to a chain of mini-marts with gas pumps. Spend $10 in the store, get 10-cents off gas (you can set a maximum gallon limit). Also include a 90 minute morning remote a week where coffee is a dime. Serve it in special paper cups that have both the station and the client logos. (July, 2018)

 

WEEKENDS ARE NUMBER 1

Pick a weekend – maybe the half way point of summer – and replace all/part of your gold library with songs that were number one over the summer. Good sponsorship opportunities and good at drawing attention to the station.  (July, 2018)

 

GETAWAY GIVEAWAY

Sell promotion to multiple clients for enough cash to buy a week/weekend rental at beach, lake, etc.  Stock location with client products. Several options to play: 1) text key word with one of sponsors’ coupons  appearing on bounce-back confirmation text; 2) register to receive email/texts with secret phases (and sponsor message) that requires listener action (like texting back for example when they hear on air trigger). (July, 2018)

 

BEAT IT FOR A BUCK

Getaway Giveaway above but using dollar bill serial numbers as trigger to call or text to qualify. (July 2018)

 

D’You Lie (sounds like July)

Play online for the month. Each member of the air staff posts one thing about themselves. All are true except one. Correct answer revealed on morning show after which new list is posted. Can simply sell page or invite listeners to guess for prize. Sponsor also receives mention on morning show during reveal.  (July 2017, digital)

 

BE A SOFTY

Rent a soft ice cream machine from a restaurant supply store and make random stops passing our free cones (alternative: rent shaved ice machine and rename). (July, 2017)

 

PORTABLE PICNIC

Sell this to a client who will agree to fund a daily (or weekly) picnic basket with food, beverages, cutlery, etc. Can play on air with a game like “I’m going on a picnic and I’m taking…”or via revealing and then texting picnic-related word of the hour (or fixed time position).

 

SUMMER ROMANCE WEEKEND

Play love songs that were on the charts during summers past (can also use Memorial Day to Labor Day if you prefer).  Each time one plays with a stager, listeners can text “romance” to qualify for a romantic dinner, hotel stay, etc. Or add more sponsors and prizes and run for several weeks. (July 2016)

 

VACATION SCRAMBLE

Play on Instagram or Snapchat; take your own pictures of summer-related items but jumble them up (there’s software for this though you’ll want to check on commercial use) or you can simply cut and rearrange your own photos yourself. Listeners can text guesses for 5 minutes. Correct guesses are entered to win multi-day trip to summer vacation resort. (July 2016)

 

GO ON VACATION WITH THE MORNING SHOW

Make near life-size standups of the morning show and have listeners register to take the stand ups along on their vacation. Randomly drawn winners receive $250 to cover the “expenses” of two extra “people.” Must agree to send back pictures. Best (or random) ones win grand prize. (July 2016)

 

THE TEN POUND SUMMER CHALLENGE

Sell this idea to a gym, doctor, weight loss company, etc. Listeners sign up to lose 10 pounds between July 4^th and Labor Day. Get a talent to participate as well for added impact. (July, 2015)

 

SUMMER OF 2015 COMMERATATIVE SUNGLASSES

You can buy as little as 200 of these logo’d for about a buck each from various providers. Use them as remote giveaway items or as part of other promotional efforts.  (July, 2015)

 

TRAVELING S’MORES SHOW

Build a “S’More Machine” (several cans of sterno set in a flower box filled with sand) along with food supplies; listeners can make one at each of your remotes.  (July, 2015)

 

WHY DRIVE IN WHEN YOU CAN SIT IN?

Create a promotion where listeners can win a backyard movie party. For less than $750 you can buy an outdoor movie projector, speaker and giant screen which you can either give away or re-use for other parties.  Sell sponsors on supplying appropriate party-related items. (July, 2015)

 

NO BUMMER SUMMER

It’s hard to consider a week a bummer when you win something cool. Use this as an umbrella name for a summer-long giveaway. (July, 2014)

 

HAVE A REALLY COOL SUMMER

Sell this promotion to an appliance dealer or an air conditioner service company that agrees to pay for listeners’ electric bills. You can set a limit and pay one per week if you need to stretch your budget. (July, 2014)

 

GLOBAL WARMING RELIEF

Sell a car dealer on leasing an electric car for the weekend to a listener for a trip to the beach, lake, etc.  Other sponsor tie-ins possible (just don’t violate the premise). (July, 2014)

 

KEEP CALM AND LISTEN ON

Use the currently popular phrase as your catch phrase for a contest.  Variations: Keep calm and win free food, etc. (July, 2014)

 

HOT DOG DAYS OF SUMMER

Product sampling opportunity for grocer, soft drink, ice cream, meat vendor etc. while you get to meet listeners one on one in hot zips/counties. (July, 2013)

 

POOL FOR A DAY

The ‘other’ pool – sell a promotion to a billiards hall/dealer where listeners can win a day with their friends at the pool (hall) complete with lessons. Consider adding a grand prize of a pool table or bumper pool table (or an actual pool). (July, 2013)

 

WIN JASON ALDEAN’S IPAD (or similar)

Find out a country stars’ favorite songs/what they have on their iPod and give part of that playlist away along with a $500 iTunes certificate as the grand prize. Sponsorable. (July, 2013)

 

SUN SCREEN AND SCREENING

Sell a pharmacy or similar an informational campaign about skin cancer prevention and giving away free sample size sun screen at a remote. Add a dermatologist who examines face for free, answers questions, etc. (July, 2013)

 

SUIT UP FOR SUMMER

Sell a bathing suit merchant an online page featuring pictures of their latest swim wear, different wraps, tips on body toning/shaping up, colors, skin care, etc. Include entry form for drawing for summer prize(s).

 

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?

Arrange a one-day pass to pro or college football camp. Include team wear. Sell to a sporting goods store, team, etc.

 

BIKE HIKE

Sell a bike shop that rents bikes for trips on hosting a ride (safe location). Station provides refreshments en route (another sponsor), photos, etc. Some of cost could be charity tie-in.

 

PUMP IT UP

Beat-the-bomb style game where listeners win gas each time the pump clicks. Start with 5 gallons and increase by half a gallon at a time. Listener wins amount on the pump when they say stop but only win the initial 5 gallons if the pump ‘buzzer’ goes off before they say stop.

 

GARAGE SALE MANIA

Give 5 contestants $50 to use at garage sales; they compete to buy the most ‘valuable’ items (as judged by a consignment store expert or similar). Set basic rules like must have receipts, etc. Winner receives additional $100.  Possible sponsors: consignment/second hand store, fast food, garage door/door opener retailer, etc.

 

GREAT BATHING SUIT ONLINE CONTEST

Have various categories – Most Old Fashioned, Least Revealing, Most Flattering, etc. with online voting. Sell to a swimwear or summer-related sponsor.

 

EVERYBODY INTO THE POOL

Sell a ticket giveaway to a waterpark and a vendor that sell summer-related merchandise. Everyone who wins tickets to the waterpark is entered to win the grand prize from other sponsor. Alternately change the concept to sell to an upscale billiards parlor.

 

BOAT OR FLOAT

Sell to a boat dealer and a floating casino or casino cruise company. Listeners call on hearing the ship’s horn and win two tickets to the cruise, free buffet, etc. and qualify to win small boat from dealer.

 

ROAD TRIP

Listeners win $50 in gas, oil change, etc. and qualify for $250 in gas plus road-trip related items like snack food, GPS, etc.

 

KEEP COOL FOR THE REST OF THE SUMMER

Sell this to a supermarket of local ice cream store. Callers win “one free anything” and qualify for ice cream for the rest of the summer (one quart or one item a week through Labor Day).

 

SUMMER SCHOOL

Sell a schedule to vocational college to give away free tuitions to listeners who can use the summer to learn something new. Also works for restaurant, photographer, etc.

 

MYSTERY WEEKEND GETAWAY

Give clues on air or online as to a location where a family will win an extended weekend getaway: shore, lake, city, etc. Making them identify hotel where they will stay will extend the game. Sell the promotion to banner sponsor or to participating sponsors.

 

TANK TOPS

Sell a Quickie Mart on giving you a gasoline discount/buying a schedule and top listeners’ tanks off on Friday mornings so they’ll be all ready to get away on the weekend (you can put a max of 5-10 gallons if you like).

 

YOUR OWN ANTIQUE ROAD SHOW

Give away gas, lodging, money for a 2-day antiquing trip.

 

YOUR FAIR-Y GODMOTHER

Poof – here are your tickets to see a hot act at one of the fairs. Listeners call on cue.

 

BEST MOVIES OF THE SUMMER INCLUDE – YOURS!

Sell a big box or electronics store on giving away digital video camera and software. Team with a videographer sponsor who gives instructions/film editing tips to the winner.  Sell a movie theatre on giving away pairs of tickets as qualifying prizes.

 

ENJOY CHEW-LY (rhymes with July)

Sell multiple restaurants on being the ‘restaurant of the day’ which includes hourly live 10’s as a salute, a prominent place on your homepage with links, and discount coupons good for anytime over the next 30 days.

 

JU-LIE AROUND YOUR HOUSE (YARD, POOOL, ETC)

Sell appropriate merchant a registration contest where the prize is something to lounge in/on (couch, lounge chair, etc).

 

GO FISH

Sell a charter boat company a package that includes fees for 10 people to spend a half-day fishing with rig, bait, etc included. Include additional freebies so that you can sell it to more sponsors.

 

TRY IN JULY

Sell this to multiple groups of sponsors: restaurants, entertainment businesses, home improvement groups, etc; listeners are encouraged to try something new/try a new business in July. Put three businesses from the same category in each 30: “Here are three new restaurants to ‘Try in July’”. Run one an hour. Offer discount coupons online as well as links to these businesses.

 

BE A GUEST BATBOY, WATERBOY, ETC

Sell a sporting goods store on sponsoring a contest where kids register to be a guest batboy (water boy, etc) for the day at a local ball club or at a college where the football summer camp is just opening.

 

TOPLESS WEEKEND

Listeners call at the sound of the lifeguard whistle to qualify to win the use of a convertible for a weekend trip to the beach, lake, etc. with lots of add-ons.  Give small gas cards as qualifying prizes. Sell to car rental business, quickie mart that sells gas, upscale carryout that provides picnic lunch, etc.

 

SUMMER RERUNS ALL YEAR LONG

Sell a box store, cable or satellite company a promotion where listeners qualify to win a DVR upgrade or, if they have that already, a credit for 52 on demand movies – one a week for a year.

 

GUESS WHO’S IN IT AND WIN IT

Give away a week’s stay at a beach or lake house/condo by having listeners keep track of the clues as to what singers will be ‘going’ with them. Qualifiers win that artist’s latest CD and placed in the grand prize drawing.

 

HOMETOWN VACATION

Use this as a working title for an umbrella sales promotion that ties in multiple clients who provide services that you might use on vacation – hotel with a pool, restaurants, amusement park, picnic supplies, etc.

 

GO JUMP IN THE LAKE – YOUR OWN!

Sell a swimming pool dealer on a free pool installation (your own backyard lake). Non-homeowners could receive a lake vacation.

 

FREE DAY AT THE BEACH (LAKE, ETC)

Give away enough gas to get to the location where you supply food, games, music. It’s all free but you need to win your invitation – good for everyone in immediate family or up to 5 additional friends.

 

THE “LITTLE THINGS THAT YOU MISS” GIVEAWAY

Give away things listeners have had to give up for gas (designer coffee/teas, movie tickets, dinner out, etc). Good sales tie-ins.

 

“IS IT HOT ENOUGH FOR YA?”

Partner with a heating/air conditioning company to give away a new high-efficiency furnace…complete with air conditioning.

 

MY CAR’S COOLER THAN YOUR CAR

Freeze car keys in blocks of ice, which are placed into coolers (which are printed with the station’s logo). Twelve listeners qualify for a chance to pick one of a dozen coolers. They have to get the keys out of the blocks of ice, then see whose key starts the car. Partner with a car dealer to give away the car, and partner with other companies to fill the other coolers with runner-up prizes like gas cards, sunscreen, drinks, etc.

 

DOG DAYS OF SUMMER PUPPY PARADE

Host the “WXXX Puppy Parade.” Partner with a pet store, vet, etc. to award prizes for the biggest/smallest/cutest/ugliest dogs.

 

YOU’VE NEVER SEEN SUMMER RE-RUNS LIKE THIS

Sell electronics/cable/satellite companies a promotion that includes giving away an HDTV, making even those re-runs you’ve seen before look fresh and new.

 

BLUEGRASS ON YOUR GRASS

Arrange for country/bluegrass band to play at one listener’s home. Tie in multiple sponsors such as food, beverage, landscaping, maid service, etc. Listeners register online or via an on-air trigger; sponsor location/van stop registration a do-able add-on.

 

EAT HERE, GET GAS

Old gag takes on new meaning. Listeners who dine at participating sponsor restaurants qualify to win gas cards. Also supply a “no purchase necessary” way of winning.

 

DO YOU LIKE THE BEACH OR MOUNTAINS?

Sell resort at each on providing a 4-night stay. Listeners register online and listen for their names to qualify. Also sell to other merchants who provide qualifying prizes.

 

IN TOWN VACATION

Sell in-town upscale hotel, restaurants, luggage stores, clothiers, etc. on providing an in-town vacation, including a weekend stay, use of pool and facilities, coupons to dine out, admission to local attractions, etc.

 

ILLEGAL CONTEST

Sell mattress dealer promotion where listeners remove tag from their mattress and bring to store where they register to win new mattress set awarded at remote.

 

CLUELESS ON VACATION

Give clues to vacation destinations and send listeners there. Or give clues to things you’d take on vacation and award those while qualifying these listeners to win trip to nice vacation spot (target department store for qualifying prizes, funds vacation).

 

POOL FOOLS

Team with billiard parlor and two companies that sell pool tables and swimming pools. Listeners call at the sound of the splash to win an hour of pool playing and are qualified to win one of the grand prizes – a pool table or swimming pool.

 

NOT TOO LATE TO LOOK GREAT

ell a weight loss center and a gym on a special package for listeners who still want to lose weight before summer’s over. Qualifying prizes include one-week gym passes. Also tie in beachwear store and award free bathing suits to those who meet their goal weight.

 

A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS

Sell promotion where listeners qualify to win digital cameras with grand prize destination (award disposable cameras as qualifying prize).

 

DAY AT THE PARK

Sell to snack distributor and a theme park. At the trigger, listeners win seats on the station bus for a trip to a nearby theme/amusement park with refreshments on the ride.

 

(KXXX) ALL-STAR BALLOT

Major League Baseball has their All-Star Ballot online, and you can have one too where listeners vote for their favorite country all-stars. Play the big winners back the weekend before the All-Star game. Or, sell this promotion to a sporting goods store, registering voters online and in store to win tickets and transportation to baseball’s All-Star Game and to a concert by a country “all-star.” Other sales tie-ins: Denny’s (Grand Slam Breakfast), sports bar, local sports team that provides best seats in the house and opportunity to throw out the first pitch.

 

ON THE BEACH

Sell one or more co-sponsors on printing station/sponsor beach towels and giving away a trip to resort as a grand prize. Alternate grand prizes: week rental of beach/lake house, cruise, home pool or spa.

 

MERCURY BLUES CLUES

Team with a Mercury Dealer to give away a car, taking qualifiers each time you play Alan Jackson’s “Mercury Blues.” Give “clues” as to when the song will play each day.

 

 “GOLD” FISH FISHING TOURNAMENT

Sell this as part of a remote to a jeweler, coin dealer, bank, etc. Fill a tub with Goldfish crackers (all gold, one a different color). Attach a cup to a fishing poll. Blindfolded contestants “fish” for the colored fish to win gold coin, jewelry, etc.

 

GO FISH

Sell this to a sporting goods dealer, boat or marine supply store, bait and tackle shop, etc. Fill a large glass container with goldfish and invite listeners to guess how many fish are inside. Winner receives a new rod and reel set, fishing equipment.

 

SECRET SUITCASE

Sell a resort on giving away a week’s stay. On air, give clues as to the 10 items in the Secret Suitcase (items appropriate for a vacation to this location). First to correctly guess all 10, wins trip (alternate: identify items one at a time with all correct guesses entered in a drawing to win the trip). Other sales tie-ins: luggage store, clothing store, service center, kennel, drug store, etc.

 

TEN FOR THE ROAD

Sell a schedule to an auto repair/service center/car dealer that offers a free “10-Point Pre-Vacation Check-Up” for listeners who’ll be driving on vacation. Optional: give away a week’s stay at a resort within driving distance.

 

BIKE RALLY FOR CHARITY

Arrange rally to benefit favorite charity. Tie in bike store, sporting goods store, energy drink, etc.

 

STAY HERE, GET GAS

Sell resort on giving away free gas cards, thus paying for listeners’ gas to drive to get there. Award free weekend stays for four as part of the sales package.

 

BIGGEST SUMMER MOVIE BLOCKBUSTERS GIVEAWAY WEEKEND

Weekend where listeners win DVD/download certifications for collections of the biggest movies of summers past plus a pair of tickets each week through Labor Day to see the biggest movies of this summer. Sell to movie theater, soft drink company, big box store, etc.

 

FREE GAS FRIDAYS

Help ease the expense of weekend getaways with the family by giving away prize certificates for $20 of gas.

 

SUMMER OLYMPICS

Sell a weekend remote to a large farm store, orchard, etc. Invite families to attend and participate in family-friendly events like watermelon seed-spitting contest, “no hands” apple eating, wheelbarrow race, slug races, etc. Include live music if possible.

 

GIRLS’ GOLF

Host several ladies’ nights at a driving range with contests. Tie in sponsors who buy a schedule and offer prizes for furthest drive, best putting, etc.

 

COOL OFF WITH FAMILY DAY AT THE MOVIES

Co-host a weekly, Saturday morning screening of a current movie that’s specially discounted for families, or that features half-price movie snacks.

 

HOW I SPENT MY SUMMER VACATION
Listeners send in postcards from wherever they go on vacation this summer. The morning show randomly picks one each day and reads it. Listeners get a prize just for having it read on the air. After Labor Day, draw from all the postcards and award a minivan, tank of gas, vacation supplies and even lodging for next summer. Trade three months’ worth of mentions for big prizes like use of minivan and lodging location.

 

HELP KEEP YOUR TOWN COOL

Every time the temp hits your frequency (or designated number), crew goes out to distribute cool beverages. Visit hot zips, large construction sites, high traffic areas.

 

REMOTE THEME: CHRISTMAS IN JULY
Remote idea for the month. At all remotes this month, set up a Christmas tree, Christmas music, and decorations and serve free snow cones. Listeners register to win gift certificates to use now for Christmas gifts. Might even get TV coverage the first time around if you sell a remote to a high visibility location.

 

GOLF BALL HUNT

Imprint golf balls with your logo and hide them in a sporting goods store (different location each day for the length of the flight). Listeners are given clues to their whereabouts. Found balls are turned in for discount and instant registration for a grand prize golf weekend for two, including a round of golf for two plus a new set of clubs from the sporting goods store. All finalists meet at the store for a putt off.

 

BASKET CASE CONTEST

Sell this idea to multiple sponsors who can contribute different Picnic Basket items (food, drinks, paper products, amusement/movie passes, cash, flatware, the basket itself). Give these away on the air with rotating sponsor mentions. Consider a grand prize of a weekend getaway to a picnic-friendly location.

 

THIRSTY THURSDAYS
Each week broadcast live from a different happy hour location. Offer specials and register listeners to win a grand prize that will be drawn for at the end of the promotion. Don’t forget to arrange for free taxi service.

 

MORNING SHOW DAY CAMP

Moms and dads call or fax why they need their 4^th – 6^th grade kids to attend. Winning kids get dropped off at the station at 8:00am Friday, hang in the studio for the last hours of the morning show, are taken to local water park/movie and to McDonald’s, get picked up at the station at 3:00pm. Parents sign release forms.

 

SUMMER-LONG WEEKEND KICK-OFF PARTY

Take the station/mascot out to prime locations each Friday at 5:00pm, laying claim to be “Your Official Friday at Five” station. Give away station T’s, discount coupons for attractions, and register listeners for end of summer grand prize.

 

SUMMER FUN WEEKEND

Bundle up free and discount coupons for area attractions and sell to a pool retailer or other large client. Register listeners all weekend, each recipient of the coupons is entered in the drawing for an above ground pool with accessories.

SUMMER SIPPIN’

Sell promotion to clients who supply station with soft drinks, fruit juices, water, etc. that jocks deliver to construction sites, places where people are working outside. Good talk-about value and plenty of mentions for client. Also tie in cooler makers, ice distributors, etc.

 

INSTANT VACATION REQUEST

Station has arranged for several vacations to give away. Listeners email or text which vacation they want, listen for their names and call back to qualify and receive qualifying prize. The contest ends with a winner for each vacation chosen at random. Sell to clients who retail appropriate “add-on” prizes like luggage, sportswear, etc.

 

HAVE SOME FRIENDS IN FROM OUT OF TOWN

Everyone likes to see friends over for the summer, but who wants to be bothered with cleaning the house and figuring out ways to entertain your guests? Give away stays at a local hotel along with coupons to area attractions and activities.

 

SUMMER FILM FEST

Work with movie theater to host a once-a-week showing of a family film. Try during the early evening on a slow night. Admission is free or deeply discounted.

 

BOWLING

A bowling alley is a cool place on a hot day. Arrange for a tournament, station day at the lanes, etc. Can be adults or mixed family teams.

 

ULTIMATE SUMMER SHED

Line up one sponsor who’ll donate a large shed and others who will donate a major item to be put in to it: lawnmower, grill, canoe, etc. In July and August, tow the “WXXX Ultimate Summer Prize Shed” around to remotes and appearances and register listeners to win shed and its contents. Award on Labor Day.

 

POOL PARTY

Hold a summer pool party at billiards hall. Offer trophies and prizes, perhaps including a family membership at a community pool.

 

TEE PARTY

Idea for driving range, golf course, pitch and putt, etc. Hold station day with discounted fees, a portion of which could go to a charity. Invite local celebrities and media. Merchants contribute prizes for Closest to the Pin contest.

 

WE’LL LEAVE THE POOL OPEN FOR YA

Co-sponsor weekend pool parties with nice area hotel/motel that caters mostly to Monday-Friday guests. Supply music, cookout, fun and games. Give away deluxe weekend hotel getaways, meals in their restaurants, etc.

MADE IN THE SHADE

Winning “Made in the Shade” prizes like umbrellas, coolers, soft drinks, sunglasses, etc., qualify listeners to win vacation. Tie-in discounters, pool/outdoor furniture stores, eye wear.

 

SNOW SKI THIS SUMMER

Offer trip to Southern Hemisphere location where it’s snowing. Potential sponsors include ski retailer, airline, travel agent, luggage store, four-season resort.

 

TRADE-UP FOR CHARITY

Station collects used summer items (grills, etc.) and gives to a charity to repair and resell. Each donor qualifies for new summer-oriented items (grills, hammocks, barbecue-type food). Sponsors: home improvement centers, discounters, meat markets.

 

“ROADS” SCHOLARS

Tie-in with cellular phone company where listeners use their cell phones to call in and answer trivia questions. Prizes could be free cellular phone service for a month. Or, create car dealer promotion where students (or their parents) with all A’s and B’s receive special discounts.

 

FISHING FOR LISTENERS

Work with fishing pier, charter boat company, or local municipality where you can stock a lake, and hold weekend fishing tournament. Prizes for different age groups, biggest/smallest catch, etc.

 

PROCRASTINATORS’ VACATION

Trade room and board at a vacation spot and award trips there. Stage as a contest for listeners who haven’t decided on what to do for vacation (of course everyone can win). Tie-ins include travel agents, restaurant chains, food stores, gas stations, auto service centers, etc.

 

GUIDE TO SUMMER FUN

Distribute free guide that list events in the area. Include discount coupons to participating sponsors and bounce back prize registration form.

ALMOST NO RE-RUN WEEKEND

TV stations may be re-running shows, but all weekend WXXX won’t repeat any song – except one. Name it on a postcard and win giant TV, year’s worth of video rentals, satellite dish, or other re-run-related prize.

 

THROW IN THE TOWEL

Tie into remote at pool dealer, water-park, bathing suit store, even concert venue with lawn seating. Give away station beach towels with logo on them.

 

WISH YOU WERE HERE

Database marketing idea. High visibility talent who is on vacation sends picture postcards from his/her vacation spot to listeners in the database. Pre-print simple note in a font that resembles real handwriting. Liquidate costs by selling to vacation-oriented business, i.e. travel agent/photo shop that offers 20% off printing/developing with card.

 

BEAT THE HEAT

Give away a “cool” prize (ice cream, movie tickets, pool passes, etc.) each day the summer temperature reaches a certain degree (equal to the frequency?). Multiple sales opportunities for product tie-ins, perhaps selling in conjunction with a remote.

 

THE HEAT IS ON WEEKEND

Multiple sponsor tie-ins with listeners winning “hot” items: hot new CDs, grills, dinners at Mexican restaurant, tickets to hot concert. Alternately have a “REALLY COOL WEEKEND” with cool items like freezer full of ice cream, sunglasses, cool new CD, tickets to see cool movie or show.

 

IF YOU CAN’T TAKE THE HEAT…

Can’t take the heat? Register listeners to win a trip to a much cooler place or “cool” new clothes, frozen treats, beverages, etc.

 

COOL REMOTE

Bring large ice sculpture to remote. Listeners guess how many hours/minutes it will take to melt completely. Closest guess wins shopping spree with sale prices until ice is fully melted.

SIX DAYS OF SIX FLAGS (OR SIX FLAGS AND SIX PACKS)

One week, listeners win six days’ worth of admissions to a Six Flags theme park and qualify for grand prize of a trip for four to the Six Flags location of their choice or trip to each of the “Six Flags” theme parks as part of a 6-day vacation. Or use six-packs of soft drinks as qualifying prizes. Sponsors: Six Flags, soft drink companies (even Motel Six?!).

 

BUILD A GRILL REMOTE

Qualifiers put together un-assembled grills from a sponsor who gives one away to the first person who can assemble it.

 

 

Non-summer events…

 

iPAD A DAY GIVEAWAY (iPad Thursdays)

You can do this with any hot electronics item.

 

SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE

Collect supplies that can be donated to underprivileged kids or to schools in general, many of which are suffering budget cuts. Plan this in July to hold in August. Potential tie-ins: office supply stores, convenience stores with change jars, etc.

 

BE ON TV WITH WEEKEND HAPPENINGS

In conjunction with a local TV station, create a 3-minute “Here’s What’s Happening This Weekend” segment, hosted by your best “camera friendly” talent and using your contacts and access. Aim for 5-6pm news Wednesday or Thursday nights. Benefit for TV: solid local story with no staff requirement; benefit for you: credibility and TV time.

 

PLAN NOW FOR LABOR DAY COUNTDOWN

Sell vendor (beer, 7-11, etc.) on providing ballots where listeners can vote for their favorite songs of all time to be played back over Labor Day weekend. Collect info and add to your database for fall use. Tie in website, too. Those who vote are registered for CD jukebox.

 

SHOW US A SIGN
Offer cash and prizes to listeners who show a sign that they listen to the station (very effective guerrilla-ing competitor’s event. Signs include bumper stickers, hand mades, posters, etc. Offer upgrades on tickets (first five rows), give them twenty bucks, etc. Try creating and giving away “butt stickers.”