Small Business Saturday: At least three events planned in Monroe County

Suzanne Nolan Wisler, The Monroe News
·4 min read
Two French Hens, 101 W. Front St., is among the businesses participating in Saturday's Small Business Saturday in downtown Monroe. (Photo: PROVIDED BY TWO FRENCH HENS)
Two French Hens, 101 W. Front St., is among the businesses participating in Saturday's Small Business Saturday in downtown Monroe. (Photo: PROVIDED BY TWO FRENCH HENS)

Saturday is Small Business Saturday, and at least three local events have been planned in Monroe County. Here are the announcements:

Downtown Monroe Small Business Saturday

Many downtown Monroe businesses will take part in Small Business Saturday, sponsored by the Downtown Monroe Business Network.

The event kicks-off the holiday shopping season, and is Santa Claus’ debut in downtown Monroe. It will run from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., although participating stores may have different hours.

The DMBN has 90 business members.

“We have a few more retail businesses this year to add to the mix,” said Paula B. Stanifer, event coordinator for the Downtown Monroe Business Network.

Typically, a few hundred shoppers come downtown on Small Business Saturday, Stanifer said.

Among the businesses taking part this year is Two French Hens.

“It is our second year being open this day,” owners and twin sisters Holly Yaegar and Heather Johnson said.

The store, located at 101 W. Front St., sells home décor and furniture.

Like many participating stores, Two French Hens will have specials and treats, just for Small Business Saturday.

“We will be offering a gift for the first 10 people with a purchase of $20 or more. Spend $50 on a gift certificate, get an extra $10. (We will also have) 10 percent off the entire store on Small Business Saturday,” the owners said.

Cookies and chocolates will be served.

“We appreciate our customers supporting our dream and supporting downtown Monroe,” the owners said.

Santa will make his 2022 debut during Small Business Saturday.

Santa in an Igloo was a new attraction for downtown last year. Santa will arrive in Monroe at 11 a.m. and will see children until 3 p.m. in an igloo on E. Front St. Santa will give children goodie bags, which will include flyers, coupons and items from downtown stores.

Santa also will be available in the igloo from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursdays in December. Some area stores will have extended hours on Thursdays.

“Everyone loved the unique igloo idea, and having Santa return to downtown Monroe. Families were able to visit with Santa for more than just a few minutes. They were not rushed out. Santa visited with about 100 children last year. The Downtown Monroe Business Network is pleased to be bringing back those childhood memories of visiting Santa in downtown Monroe that their parents and grandparents remember,” Stanifer said.

Small Business Saturday also will feature The Coffee Grind food truck and strolling music from the Floral City Harmonizers.

Santa in an igloo, which debuted in 2021, will return to downtown Monroe this year. Santa's first apperance is during Small Business Saturday. (Photo: PROVIDED BY DOWNTOWN MONROE BUSINESS NETWORK)
Santa in an igloo, which debuted in 2021, will return to downtown Monroe this year. Santa's first apperance is during Small Business Saturday. (Photo: PROVIDED BY DOWNTOWN MONROE BUSINESS NETWORK)

Knights of Columbus Craft and Vendor Market

A Small Business Saturday Craft and Vendor Market will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Monroe Council 1266, Knights of Columbus, hall, 202 W. Front St.

Among the vendors are Colorstreet, Scentsy, Mary Kay, Snappy’s, LuLaRoe, Build a Bracelet and several crafters. Also offered will be raffles and food.

Admission is $2 for adults.

Tables are $45. For more information, text (313) 686-4141 or email joyful123@wowway.com.

Shoppers visited downtown Milan in 2021 for Pop on Main Street, a Small Business Saturday event.
Shoppers visited downtown Milan in 2021 for Pop on Main Street, a Small Business Saturday event.

Pop on Main Street in Milan

Pop on Main Street, a Small Business Saturday shopping extravaganza, is returning to downtown Milan. Hours are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Among the stores taking part are Magnolia, Textiles, Needful Things at Ink & Dye, Fudge Beauty, Plum Tree Yarn Shop, Lavender Lane, The Paper Moon Shoppe, Latham’s Hardware, Adventure Inc., Northern Chicks and The Owl.

“The event features special deals and promotions, artisans and vendors and food trucks,” organizers said. “Spend the day downtown for you chance to ‘Get Caught Shopping Local’ for a chance to win a gift card to local businesses.”

Attendees also can get their “Win the Window” card stamped when making local purchases.

New this year is flash events. Several stores will offer one-hour-only deals throughout the day.

The first 150 shoppers to visit Milan Main Street, 3 E. Main St., will get a free “Pop on Main” canvas tote and a gift card.

Also offered will be a gift-wrapping station and a vendor market on Tolan Square. The S’max and Cheese truck will be downtown from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Milan Garden Club will sell handmade arrangements of live greens. Up North Greens will sell wreaths on Main St., near Rotary Alley.

For more information, visit  https://www.milanmainstreet.info/pop-on-main-street.

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Small Business Saturday events planned in Monroe County