NORTH ANDOVER — Its namesake comes from a popular schoolyard game. But in this era of social networking, foursquare is played on a cell phone.
If Paul Boulanger has his way, come Friday, the entire town will join in the fun for what the selectmen have officially proclaimed North Andover Foursquare Day.
Foursquare is a location-based social networking service linking friends and the businesses they patronize. Think Facebook with a GPS component, all in a program users download to their cell phone.
It works like this: A Foursquare user walks into a business and "checks in" by entering in the location on their phone — along with an optional message or status that friends can view online.
"It's definitely driving commerce," said Boulanger, the owner of Turtle Lane Maple Farm in North Andover. "My friends also see where I'm spending my time and my money."
Boulanger is the organizer behind Foursquare Day in North Andover. So far, he said 14 businesses in town have agreed to offer promotions to Foursquare users who check in Friday.
"We're having a Foursquare crawl all over town," said Boulanger.
From 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., one business each hour will feature a special Foursquare Day promotion to its customers. The day will end with a Foursquare Day party at The Loft Restaurant, Route 125.
"Local businesses are really stepping up," said Boulanger.
Participating businesses include: Turtle Lane Maple Farm, The Loft, Joe Fish Seafood, Mad Maggie's Ice Cream, Bella Vita Salon & Day Spa, J&M Convenience Store & Wine, Taki's Pizza, Rose & Dove, Lobster Tail, NOVA SalonSpa, Beabe Gallery, Perfecto's Caffe, Burtons Grill, and McAloon's Liquors. Promotions range from discounts and special deals to free gifts.
Added to the mix is good-natured competition. With Foursquare Day being recognized across the country, organizers have paired up communities to see who can register the most "check-ins."
North Andover's opponent is Little Rock, Ark., population roughly 190,000.
Despite the obvious size mismatch, Boulanger is confident North Andover will prevail.
"This is definitely doable," said Boulanger. "It's all in good fun."
Boulanger said strong business participation, along with the Board of Selectmen's willingness to recognize Foursquare Day locally, is proof that North Andover is a tech-savvy town.
"Not only is this a fun project, but it also brings people to the community," said North Andover Selectman Rosemary Smedile. "This is all good for North Andover and I think it exposes the town in a fun light."
North Andover Foursquare Day
* 14 local businesses offer promotions to Foursquare users
* North Andover battles Little Rock, Ark., for most "check-ins"
* To participate: Go to www.foursquare.com and download the Foursquare application to your cell phone. Then, go to www.na4sq.com for a list of businesses and promotions and start checking in.
