Nov. 25—While Black Friday draws many to big box stores searching for deals before the holidays, several towns are encouraging residents to stay local this weekend and participate in Small Business Saturday.

Small Business Saturday is an annual shopping holiday that serves as a counter to Black Friday and Cyber Monday, which sandwich the day. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the event was launched in 2010.

While Black Friday and Cyber Monday usually offer deals at big box retail stores and online e-commerce sites, supporters of Small Business Saturday encourage residents to get some of their holiday shopping done by shopping locally at smaller businesses and storefronts. Per the National Retail Federation, 58.1 million Americans are expected to visit local independent shops Saturday.

According to the state Department of Economic and Community Development, Connecticut is home to about 80,000 small businesses that employ more than 62,000 people, and many Connecticut towns in the region are hosting their own events to further encourage local spending.

"Small businesses in Connecticut are a big part of what make our towns and cities great, adding character and spirit in addition to creating jobs and keeping our local economy strong," Gov. Ned Lamont said this week while touring local storefronts in Westport. "I continue to be impressed with what our small businesses owners are doing to operate in a continuously changing and complex world, serve their community, and make a good living."

'Holiday on Main' in Manchester

The Downtown Manchester Special Services District is celebrating Shop Small Saturday by hosting a holiday event on Main Street. "Holiday on Main" is set for noon to 3 p.m. and features giveaways, games, crafts, hot chocolate, caroling, and an appearance by Santa.

"We have a lot going on downtown to support our businesses," said Downtown Manager Joy Press.

Press said many storefronts are decorated for the holiday season and volunteered to host activities throughout the day.

Children and their families can mail a letter to Santa at one of the "North Pole Post Offices" at Foran's Nutrition, Silk City Coffee, Life Family Chiropractic, Bistro on Main, and The Firestone Art Studio & Cafe. Santa will arrive at around 3:15 p.m., escorted by the Manchester High School Winterguard.

There also will be two outdoor holiday markets with local vendors. Those arriving downtown Saturday can start at the Forest Street Parking Lot to pick up a map and tic-tac-toe game board at the welcome tent. Participants can complete shopping challenges on the board to win prizes.

Businesses at the Manchester Mall, Firestone, and other Main Street storefronts have their own promotions and pop-up shops scheduled as well.

Amanda Andersen, owner of Sweet Pepper in the Manchester Mall, said buying local helps buyers support and connect with the artisans and business owners in their towns.

"I think now, more than ever, it supports a sense of community," Andersen said.

Shopper Jennifer Zappulla of Manchester, who was shopping at Sweet Pepper on Friday, said places like Manchester Mall are a "great thing."

"Right now, we're living in the age of giant conglomerates, and I think it's a nice step back," Jennifer said.

Amanda Zappulla, who was with Jennifer, said buying products from a retailer like Amazon feels impersonal and disconnected.

When buying local, "I feel like you buy a memory too," Amanda said.

Press said that with global supply chain issues shopping at small businesses is a great way to get holiday shopping done.

"These businesses really are counting on people to support them this year more than ever and to shop local," Press said. "They're super excited to be part of the holiday shopping season this year."

A special edition of the Spruce Street Farmers Market inside the gymnasium and cafe of Nathan Hale School, 160 Spruce St., is also set from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Organizers said there would be 30 Connecticut farms, prepared food vendors, and artisans at the market. The Hungry Lion Food Truck will be outside, and Finn Rowan will be playing live music during the event.

SNAP and EBT will be accepted and doubled up to $10.

Other Small Business Saturday vendor markets in the region are:

—Tardif Farms, 89 Flanders Road, Coventry, is celebrating local small businesses beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday with an event featuring local vendors selling baked goods, crafts, and other handmade items. There will be raffles, hot drinks, food samples, and more, according to organizers.

—From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Scout Hall Youth Center, 28 Abbe Road, East Windsor, more than 30 local vendors and small businesses will be lined up selling everything from baked goods to clothing and jewelry.

—Several small businesses are converging on 50 Main St., Hebron, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a holiday pop-up shop putting the spotlight on local vendors. Businesses involved are selling handcrafted goods as well as collectibles, toys, books, and more.

Journal Inquirer reporter Joseph Villanova contributed to this story.

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