A pillow that says “I love it here; Franklin, Indiana” at Vintage Whimsy on Tuesday in Franklin.
Noah Crenshaw | Daily Journal
Today is Small Business Saturday, where shoppers are encouraged to shop local.
Small Business Saturday is a shopping holiday created by American Express in 2010 to give small businesses a boost during the recession. It has since become a cherished tradition that promotes shopping small on this day and year-round.
To commemorate the holiday, an open house kick-off is planned in Franklin. Local retailers in Greenwood, Bargersville, Edinburgh and other small towns in Johnson County will participate in the big day, too, though there aren’t planned events in those communities. In Greenwood, local organizations are encouraging residents to shop local and partake in various deals Old Town businesses are having.
Here’s a look at some of the bigger events local organizations and businesses are having for the shopping holiday:
Start Here Open House
What: The Franklin Chamber of Commerce’s annual kick-off event. Officials will be handing out tote bags with store information, coupons and swag from local businesses. The first 100 people will get an envelope containing Chamber Cash, a coupon for money off a purchase at 19 participating small businesses. Refreshments and snacks will also be available.
When: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: Franklin Chamber of Commerce, 120 E. Jefferson St.
Custer Baker Craft Show
What: Come and enjoy some early Christmas shopping at this craft fair.
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Custer Baker Intermediate School, 101 State Road 144, Franklin
Shop Small Saturday Christmas Event
What: The first annual event at Apple Works will feature food, drinks, a family selfie station, live blacksmith demonstrations and a Holiday Artisan Gift Market. Kids activities include letters to Santa and making reindeer food. Santa and Mrs. Claus will make an appearance from 2 to 5 p.m. People can buy a raffle ticket for a chance to win a gift basket full of items from the market, or buy fresh-cut Christmas trees from Michigan.
When: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Apple Works, 8157 S. County Road 250 West, Trafalgar
Christmas at The Wildes
What: Families can find the perfect Christmas tree while enjoying live music, warm drinks and more. They can also shop from The Wildes Mercantile.
When: 1 to 5 p.m.
Where: The Wildes, 4919 W. County Road 300 South, Trafalgar
Cost: Tickets without a tree are $55; tickets with a tree are $125. To purchase tickets, go to thewildes.in.
