By Kimberly Gasuras
While many people are battling the crowds during Black Friday sales, others are preparing for Small Business Saturday.
Founded in 2010 by American Express, “Shop Small” is now an annual shopping tradition that was created to support small businesses and celebrate communities across the country.
Ally Suter of 2 Begin Again Boutique in the Southern Lights Shopping Center on Marion Road in Bucyrus is one of many local small business owners participating in Small Business Saturday, that is celebrated every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
“I am offering sales and specials from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday,” said Suter.
Suter is also offering a “make and take” opportunity for customers to create their own old world lighted garlands in her new classroom area.
While small business owners across the county will be offering sales and specials like Suter, a Shop Local Showcase will be taking place at The Pickwick Place, located north of Bucyrus at 1875 N. Sandusky Ave.
The event will feature arts, crafts, and an array of other items by local artists, crafters and other small business owners from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Admission to the event is free.
Lisa Riedel of the L. Ellen Glass Art Studio near Galion will be participating in the event and offering one-of-a-kind stained and fused glass creations.
“They make excellent Christmas gifts. I will also have some awesome holiday floral arrangements,” said Riedel, who has been working in stained glass for about 20 years and began doing fused glass a few years ago. “Typically, I only do private sales but decided to participate in Pickwick Place’s event in support of all the great things they are bringing to our community.”
The Galion-Crestline Area Chamber of Commerce is encouraging area residents to support local businesses and a Holiday Sip and Shop will be offered by businesses in the Uptowne area of the city from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.
Several Galion businesses are participating in the event including The Topia Boutique, The Candi Bar, H & K Watkins, The Roseberry House and The Brush and Palette Art Gallery.
The Eighteen-O-Three Taproom will have the Ohio State-Michigan game will be on the big screen, door prizes will be offered by several of the Uptowne businesses and shoppers can participate in the Kiwanis Kids Toy Drive.
For more information about the Shop Local Showcase at The Pickwick Place, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/124671804889620/permalink/129976724359128.