The rush of the holiday season is upon us and once the hysteria has died down over all the Black Friday deals it’s time to set our sights locally for Small Business Saturday.

Plenty of small businesses are located throughout Vicksburg along Frontage Road and downtown. Vicksburg Main Street director Kim Hopkins signed up downtown with the official Small Business Saturday through American Express and was able to get some of the official gear and promotional signs for the day.

“(Merchants) will have the bags to give out for Shop Small,” Hopkins said.

Part of shopping small is local discounts. Hopkins said Main Street would be giving out catfish coins good for $5 off a purchase at participating stores downtown. Shoppers can present their numbered, wooden coin to merchants Saturday to receive their discount.

“It’s just a promotion that we’re doing to help merchants and get people to shop downtown for Shop Small,” Hopkins said.

Many stores will start their sales and discounts on Friday for a full weekend of deals. The Cinnamon Tree will have some buy one get one half off deals while Paper Plus will have many items marked 25 percent off.

“Hoping to have a lot of people,” Cinnamon Tree owner Karen Ruggles said, adding she hopes the weather holds up. “If it isn’t raining. It’s suppose to rain.”

The merchants downtown will also be donating a gift that will be put together in a drawing for one lucky winner. The drawing will happen in a couple weeks on Dec. 15, but those who shop downtown starting Sunday can fill out an entry form to get their name in the drawing.

“Looking forward to it,” Ruggles said. “We’re ready.”

Sunday will be the 19^th Annual Old Fashion Christmas Open House from 1:30 to 5 p.m. This event kicks off the holiday shopping season with the downtown stores extending their hours to be open every Sunday until Christmas.

The first 100 shoppers to spend $25 or more downtown will receive a poinsettia that can be picked up at The Bluff, 1509 Washington St.

“Bring in your receipt and you get a free poinsettia,” Hopkins said.

Santa will also be on hand at The Bluff from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday to talk to children about their wish lists. While waiting to see Santa, children are welcome to join in cookie decorating activities with icing.

“It’s a great weekend for us,” Hopkins said.

An Elf on the Shelf will be hidden weekly in different locations downtown starting Sunday. Whoever finds the hidden elf can turn him in at the shop where he is located for a goody.

Shoppers are encouraged to park in the north and south parking garages.