Douglas County commissioners proclaim Small Business Saturday at their Nov. 17 meeting. Douglas County Photo
Saturday marks the 15-year anniversary of Small Business Saturday, an annual nationwide shopping event launched by the American Express credit card company to support local retailers and highlight the many ways that small businesses enhance their communities.
Also known as the “Shop Small” movement, Small Business Saturday encourages consumers to shop and dine at locally owned establishments. This celebration of small business is a great time to explore the Carson Valley’s unique array of retail and restaurant offerings.
Shopping at a locally owned brick-and-mortar store invites personal interaction and connection between customers and neighborhood proprietors and benefits the local area through revenues generated by sales tax. Many small business owners further support their communities by making donations to area charities and non-profit organizations, participating in special events, and forming partnerships with other local businesses (www.uschamber.com).
Main Street Gardnerville’s Candy Cane Main is a month-long campaign that also promotes shopping local during the holiday season. The annual event kicks off with a Cookie and Cocoa Crawl on 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 7.
Preregistration cost is $15 and includes access an interactive map of participating businesses; Tahoe Sleigh Ride electric carriage rides; photos with Santa by Savannah Almeida; a cookie box to store treats; a limited edition, commemorative tote with area coupons and promotions; and more. Registration proceeds help fund MSG’s Facade Improvement Grant.
To sign up for the Candy Cane Main Cookie and Cocoa Crawl, visit mainstreetgardnerville.org and look under the “Events - Annual Events” tab at the top of the page.
Elks craft fair coming up
The Tahoe-Douglas Elks host their second annual Christmas Craft Fair 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 7 from at the Lodge, 1227 Kimmerling Road in the Gardnerville Ranchos. In light of Pearl Harbor Day, funds raised from this event will support veterans’ programs sponsored by the Elks.
Entry is $2 per person; children 10 and younger are free. 27 local vendors will showcase their hand-crafted wares, and visitors can peruse a selection of cottage food creations including biscotti, bread, chocolates, freeze dried candy and fruits, and fudge. Nevada Kettle Corn and the Lady Griller food truck will also be there.
Children can enjoy visits with Santa and take part in face painting. BP’s Bookshelf author Isabel Pfister will offer story time each hour starting at 11:30 a.m. Raffle prizes will be available, with winners called about every 20 minutes.
“Elks invest in their communities through programs that help children grow up healthy and drug-free, by undertaking projects that address their immediate needs, and by honoring the service and sacrifice of our veterans.” The Tahoe-Douglas Elks Lodge No. 2670 is committed to supporting veterans, seniors, and youth throughout Douglas County. Learn more at tahoedouglaselks.org.
Amy Roby can be reached at ranchosroundup@hotmail.com.
