WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY) – Hot on the heels of Black Friday is Small Business Saturday and there were plenty of places to shop in Watertown.
The Paddock Club hosted local artisans, vendors, and cuisine as part of Watertown First’s 9th annual “Shop Local Saturday Holiday Market”.
Attendees had the chance to listen to Christmas carolers, mingle with Santa Claus, and visit a number of local businesses that aren’t usually open on Saturdays.
Organizers say the event bodes well for local vendors while an influx of customers are brought in every year.
“Three times more money shopping locally stays in your economy. We get to better our community. Streets, sidewalks, greenery, everything. It really brings an importance to shopping locally,” said Greg Stickel, Board Member of Watertown First.
Meanwhile, the North Country Prenatal/Perinatal Council teamed up with Garland City Beer Works to host its 3rd annual December to Remember Holiday Market.
Shoppers had a chance to browse through more than 30 vendors, both inside and outside the brewery.
The council’s executive director says this idea came to life as a way to help small businesses rebound from the pandemic and they have enjoyed seeing it grow each and every year.
“Small businesses have supported us for the 30 plus years that we have been in business so we decided it was really nice to be able to give back to them and this was a fun way to do. So we have arts and crafts activities for the kids, we have Santa, and then really, it’s an opportunity for them to showcase all of their talents and we have some really talented people here,” said Tina Cobb.
Cobb says all the proceeds from the event go towards the council’s imagination library as well as making sure all caregivers in the tri-county region have access to cribs and car seats for kids.
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