CHINA GROVE — A nationwide Christmas tradition is coming to the shelves of local businesses this week.

Before Christmas every year, a watchful scout elf sits on shelves of homes across the world. He keeps an eye on children, reporting misdeeds back to Santa. For the next two weeks, a scout elf named Charlie will visit nine businesses in China Grove. He’ll also make a stop in town hall before returning to the North Pole. The Town of China Grove will reward three people who successfully find Charlie and snap a picture.

Each morning, the Town of China Grove will post a clue about Charlie’s location on its Facebook page. The elf will be in the same location for the entire day, said China Grove Event Coordinator Patti Price. One of the ten total locations is China Grove Town Hall, but the others are top secret, Price said.

The contest starts today and ends December 18, when Charlie returns to the North Pole.

By using the clues on Facebook, participants in China Grove’s Elf on the Shelf Contest must take a picture with Charlie — a selfie — and post it on the town’s Facebook page, according to the contest rules. Price said participants also need to drop a signed entry card into a mail slot at the front entrance of town hall.

The entry cards can be found on Facebook or at town hall. Price said someone from each business will sign the entry cards, which require a name, email and phone number. Each card is considered an entry into a drawing for one $100 and two $50 prizes, Price said.

Each entry card counts as an additional chance to win, but Price said only one person per family can participate.

Price said the Town of China Grove will have its drawing for prizes on December 19, at its Christmas in the Grove event.

There’s only one catch. Participants in the contest can’t touch Charlie or he’ll lose his magic.

For more information, visit the Town of China Grove’s Facebook page or email price at pprice@chinagrovenc.gov.

Contact reporter Josh Bergeron at 704-797-4246