That's when a month-long Tommy the Turtle mystery shopping tour begins.

The brain child of the Toronto Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by the Lakes Mail, the project involves the town's leading shops and store owners.

"This is a particularly special shopping tour where you don't have to actually buy anything to qualify for entry to win one of the prizes," explained town-coordinator Keryl Fedrick.

"All you have to do is visit the participating shops and stores and take the Lakes Mail chart with you," she said.

"The idea is to get the shop or store staff member to validate the fact that you called in by stamping the coupon on the form with their business stamp.

"Window shopping is fun but you can be sure the participating retailers will make every effort to provide some top bargains so it will be a great opportunity," Ms Fedrick said.

Entries close April 26 and the owner of the first fully stamped form received by the chamber will receive a $500 voucher to be spent at their store of choice.

Second prize is $250 and there are five $50 vouchers.