What to Wear for Jammin' on Janesville

The Randy Roadbot pin has been a popular fixture on many a lapel around the past couple of summers in Muskego as the mascot for Jammin' on Janesville.

However the 2013 version will also employ the use of technology along with the iconic orange barrel man. At first seeming like a random black squiggle, anyone with a smart phone will likely recognize the QR code on the new pin.

QR, which stands for quick response, is a scannable symbol that will direct you to a website. No doubt you've noticed these symbols in print advertising, and it's a way to connect people on the go to company websites. With a QR app on your smart phone - they can be downloaded for free - you simply point the phone at the symbol and scan. 

In this case, you will be directed to a website that will list discount offers from local businesses. Only these offers will be available with the pin, which will be sold for $5 at the Muskego Chamber of Commerce beginning in May. Keep the pin all season long, and during each of the three Jammin' on Janesville events, one such code will also win a prize package that will include items from each of the participating businesses.

For those businesses that participate, the goal will be to drive customers in to cash in on discounts and deals as construction ramps up with the nearing of summer. Tina Weiss, executive director, told Muskego Patch, that participation by businesses is key, but said that the newer technology could have some hesitant.

"I think some just aren't sure of how the program works, but we want to let the businesses know that we're here to explain how this will benefit them. Ideally, with a large business response, these prizes will be pretty substantial for the winning code," she said. The Chamber has also produced a video to help businesses decide on whether to participate.

Jammin' on Janesville will be held on the first Fridays of summer: June 7, July 5 and August 2 from 5 to 10 p.m.