Mark Your Calendars - Small Business Saturday is Around the Corner

It's time to get ready for another joyful and festive Small Business Saturday. On November 30, local retailers will begin to usher in the Christmas season with great shopping, specials, and a sneak peek into this year's hometown holiday fun.

Falling right after Thanksgiving and Black Friday, when shoppers attack big box stores with gusto at five o’clock in the morning, this annual event is more than just a shopping day—it's a chance to celebrate and support the small businesses that make Fallon unique. First launched by American Express in 2010 and cosponsored by the Small Business Administration (SBA) since 2011, Small Business Saturday has grown into a nationwide campaign, encouraging shoppers to "Shop Small" and keep their dollars local. 

Lucy Carnahan, Director of the Fallon Chamber, which sponsors the event along with the Churchill Entrepreneur Development Association, said she has been involved since 2015. 

Shoppers can start the day at 8 a.m. at the Old Post Office at 90 N. Maine Street and pick up complimentary Shop Small bags filled with coupons, game pieces, and a list of participating businesses. As always, Business Bingo and Gurkha in Business will be part of the festivities, offering fun prizes and incentives to check out what Fallon's local retailers are offering. The Tipsy Tumbler will be serving its signature drinks outside the Old Post Office to keep the holiday spirit flowing. 

Looking back on last year's success, Carnahan said, "We had an amazing turnout. Shoppers really showed up to support our local businesses, and we're excited to see that energy continue this year." With over 100 bags handed out by 9:30 a.m. in 2023, organizers anticipate more community involvement this year. 

Supporting Fallon businesses is about more than just shopping—it's about fostering a sense of community and keeping dollars circulating locally. It's about creating job opportunities, generating local tax revenue, and helping Fallon's small businesses grow and thrive. Every purchase you make on Small Business Saturday directly and positively impacts our local economy. 

While you're out and about, swing by The Fallon Post office at 25 S. Maine Street (formerly Cranberry Cottage). There, you can enter a drawing for a year's subscription to the newspaper or a copy of Leanna Lehman's political fiction novel, "Vote for Remi." The team is also working on launching an exciting holiday surprise. It's a perfect opportunity to connect with the paper's staff and say hello. 

Get in the spirit and join the shop small fun on November 30. Make this year's Small Business Saturday another celebration of Fallon's local merchants. Grab your bags, play some bingo, and enjoy kicking off the holiday season while giving back to the businesses that make it all possible.