Fort Smith, Van Buren downtowns going big for Small Business Saturday | Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

FORT SMITH — Cooler temperatures should make the atmosphere ideal for hot drinks and a celebration of local businesses Saturday in downtown Fort Smith.

The Fort Smith Downtown Business Association is partnering with Main Street Fort Smith for this year’s Small Business Saturday events. Small Business Saturday is held each year on the Saturday following Thanksgiving.

In neighboring Van Buren, shoppers will get an early start with “Shop Small — Plaid Friday” on its historic Main Street.

On Garrison Avenue in Fort Smith, nonprofit development groups, business owners and community leaders invite shoppers to take advantage of everything from free beverages to choruses of Christmas songs to discounts on Small Business Saturday.

“It’s going to be a great way to have a family-friendly, fun event in our community to encourage (people) to shop locally,” said Amanda Hager, executive director of Main Street Fort Smith.

This is the first year that Main Street Fort Smith is helping bring the new Cocoa Crawl and tree lighting to Small Business Saturday downtown, Hager noted.

The goals of Main Street Fort Smith include support for business development, arts and culture, and special events, according to the nonprofit group’s website.

“We’re really just trying to make it as easy and accessible as possible to businesses and community members to engage with each other, and of course the hope is that you find something great as a Christmas or holiday gift,” Hager said.

COOPERATIVE EFFORT

The Fort Smith Downtown Business Association is partnering with Main Street Fort Smith for the evening’s events.

The association aims to boost economic development and cultural vitality downtown, according to its website.

Fort Smith’s planned events downtown for Small Business Saturday include:

2-5 p.m.: Cocoa Crawl with free hot cocoa, warm apple cider at participating businesses

5-6 p.m.: Northside and Southside High School choirs perform at Cisterna Park, 1001 Garrison Ave.

6 p.m.: Tree lighting at Cisterna Park

The first 100 people at Main Street Fort Smith’s office at 411 Garrison Ave. will receive a commemorative ceramic mug, Hager said, and all participating businesses will have disposable cups available for hot cocoa and warm cider.

“We’re really excited about it,” Hager said. “I think it’s just a perfect way to kick off the holidays. There are lots of other holiday things happening downtown.

“I think everybody’s just ready for the holidays,” she added.

Most of downtown Fort Smith falls within the community’s Entertainment District, allowing those age 21 and up to stroll from place to place while enjoying an adult beverage.

VAN BUREN STARTS EARLY

“Shop Small — Plaid Friday” from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday on Main Street gets Van Buren started early in putting the spotlight on local small businesses.

The diverse and creative spirits of local and independent businesses are the focus of Plaid Friday, according to organizers. The idea is for residents to wear plaid and shop locally on Van Buren’s historic Main Street.

Then, Small Business Saturday events will go from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., focused on Old Town Van Buren. The all-volunteer, nonprofit Old Town Merchants Association supports the local Small Business Saturday each year, said Joy Holman, vice president and events coordinator.

“We have over 30 merchants downtown that are open and participate,” she said.

Participating businesses include Whimsical Designs by Marcie, Main Street Threads Boutique, Main Street Mercantile, Serendipity Kids Boutique and Chapters on Main Bookstore & Coffee Shop.

Shoppers will find exclusive discounts and unique finds, including handmade crafts, boutique fashion and works by local artisans, organizers noted.

GROWING MOVEMENT

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, American Express founded Small Business Saturday in 2010 to boost local shops during the busiest shopping season of the year.

Since 2010, according to the SBA, shoppers have spent an estimated $201 billion at small businesses during Small Business Saturday, which follows the traditional Black Friday shopping for bigger retailers.

Last year alone, U.S. shoppers who focused on small businesses on this particular day spent about $17 billion, the SBA reported.