Support Our Local Businesses on Small Business Saturday

For many people in our community, their favorite shopping memories have occurred when visiting a small business downtown. There is something special about shopping at a local store where the owners greet you by name, swap stories with you, and ask about the kids. You can’t find that experience everywhere, but you can find it here. Small Business Saturday is an opportunity to recognize local small businesses for the positive contribution they make to our lives – during the holidays and all year long. 

Why We Support Local Businesses on Small Business Saturday

Ideally, community members would shop locally all year long in order to create the greatest impact on our local economy. Small Business Saturday is a reminder to do so, and a fun reason to visit local shops and retailers to see what they offer. According to the National Federation of Independent Businesses, small businesses support on Small Business Saturday helps them start the holiday season strong. This is critical since the majority of small retailers report generating the most sales during the holiday season. Nationally, the campaign is working. For instance, from 2010 to 2018, $103 billion in sales has been generated for small businesses on Small Business Saturday.

Support of small retailers during the holiday season can make or break their year. Simultaneously, supporting local businesses has a ripple effect. According to the Small Business Economic Impact Study, small businesses keep the majority of their revenue within the community. In addition, every dollar spent at a small business supports another 50 cents in local business activity. As an added incentive, every ten jobs created at a local business, support an additional seven jobs within the community. These are compelling reasons to direct holiday spending away from online and big box stores and into the small businesses that add vibrancy and character to our community.

Join Us in Supporting Local Businesses this month (and throughout the year!)

Small businesses add character to our communities and are an incredible local resource. They create jobs, strengthen the economy and create unique experiences and memories for our families. Join us in supporting them by shopping small on November 26th this year, and right throughout the year!

Bright Friday Night in Long Prairie celebrates the holiday season and the never-say-die spirit of Small Businesses

Long Prairie is known for its popular festivals and events, with fun-filled events like Prairie Days, celebrated Downtown on Central Avenue. This year, on November 25th, the popular event Bright Friday Night will be celebrated again, on the Friday evening after Thanksgiving. There will be Downtown activities like music, caroling, a lighted parade, and after the parade family activities like Open Skate,  and of course, Santa will make an appearance and be present at River of Life Church for photos; to add a lot of joy to the evening. Long Prairie’s small business and store owners can take part in Bright Friday Night and celebrate the town’s everlasting entrepreneurial spirit.

Unique arts and crafts show on Small Business Saturday

On Saturday, 26th November, you can witness the 30th Annual Long Prairie Arts & Crafts Show & Sell event, where 150 exhibitors will display an impeccable array of arts and crafts. Admission is free, come and partake in this wonderful event!