Supporting small, local businesses makes a significant difference in towns like Vicksburg, therefore to support small businesses American Express created Small Business Saturday in 2010.

The following year, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution in support of the event, which this year will be Saturday.

“Small Businesses Saturday is a wonderful opportunity to continue to support your favorite mom and pop shops,” Vicksburg Main Street Executive Director Kim Hopkins said.

And to encourage shoppers to come out and support local downtown businesses, Hopkins said free canvas totes will be given out while supplies last.

Saturday’s Small Business events will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and in addition to shopping opportunities, there will be live entertainment by Elite 6.

Santa will also be downtown and a Poinsetta will be given to the first 100 shoppers who spend $25 or more.

Shanon Shealy, owner of The Dragonfly, said she appreciates Small Business Saturday.

“I think it draws a lot of people out and about to shop local and shop small,” Shealy said, adding Small Business Saturday has historically been a great day for her business.

Also, with the addition of Christmas in the Park, coordinated by Vicksburg Main Street, Shealy said, shoppers will have a variety of activities to do. 

“I think overall with the whole weekend, with Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and all that is going on with Main Street, I think it will be a good weekend for downtown Vicksburg,” she said.

“The fact the U.S. business community has set aside a day to acknowledge the role of small businesses in our economic fiber is substantial,” Lorelei Books owner Kelle Barfield said. “It is important to honor the people who own these businesses in our town. It’s the only way they stay alive and frankly stay in business.”

While Barfield acknowledged the technology, convenience and resources online shopping provides for those living in small towns, there is still a need for small businesses, she said.

Those who support small businesses help provide jobs, taxes and the goodwill and ability to give back to their community, she said.

“People are so good in Vicksburg. I found that out in the case of the bookstore. So many people are good to honor the presence of a small bookstore in our town and support it,” Barfield said.

According to the American Express, Small Business Saturday spending has reached a reported estimate of $103 billion since its inception.

“Small Business Saturday offers great shopping and dining specials and every dollar spent local stays in our community,” Hopkins said.