Tri-State shop owners gear up for Small Business Saturday

HANNIBAL (WGEM) – Black Friday is just a couple of days from now and many buyers have already taken advantage of deals.

But, with Small Business Saturday trailing behind, economic leaders are urging people to save some of that money to support local shops.

“This is a special time for local businesses,” said Mark Twain Book and Gift Shop owner Michelle Huseman.

Huseman said every year she and her neighbors look forward to Hannibal’s Small Business Saturday where local shops have their own activity for patrons. Some of those featured this year will be Sip ‘n Shop, Santa in the Window, and fudge and cheese samples.

Huseman said this year she’ll collaborate with another local entrepreneur wood craftsman Steve Holt, who will be in her shop making hand carved Christmas gifts.

“It is just a nice time,” Huseman said. “We usually have a very good turnout.”

Other Tri-State communities will have special shop local Saturday events.

Economic leaders in Fort Madison, Iowa said they have new activities planned this year to draw people in for the city’s annual Mistletoe on Main.

“People can pet and feed and take photos with the cute little mini highland cows which is really exciting, that’s new this year,” said Ft. Madison Area Chamber of Commerce Director Savannah Collier. “Another thing new is that we’re going to have story time with Santa.”

Collier urges residents to shop local this holiday season.

“We always encourage people to shop all year, but I think it’s really important around the holidays,” Collier said. “The dollars spent in your local businesses kind of give back to your community more so than they do in the big box stores such as Amazon.”

Huseman said putting money back into the local economy also helps residents.

“And to make sure that money stays here,” Huseman said. “Because we are huge supporters of school projects and classes.”

Hannibal Small Business Saturday Schedule and Events:

Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum: Tour with Twain at 1 p.m., Tom & Becky Kid’s Birthday Party at 1 p.m., Tree Lighting Ceremony at Sundown

Native American Trading Co. Santa in the Window

Hannibal Arts Council: Holiday Art Market opens 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Haunted Hannibal Ghost Tours: Sip and shop

Alliance Art Gallery: Open 10 – 7 (extended hours)

Crescent Jewelry Co.: Refreshments

Java Jive: Piano performances by Ned Behrensmeyer throughout the day

Clemens General Store: Fudge and cheese samples all-day

Mississippi Marketplace: Join us for a weekend full of samples perfect for hosting the holidays this season

Mark Twain Book and Gift Shop: Steve Holt will be carving in the shop from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Fort Madison’s Mistletoe on Main Schedule and Events:

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

• Special sales and treats
• Carriage Rides
• Mini Highland Cows with Anderson Ranch Minis
• Storytime with Santa

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