Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
Worland – Those looking to holiday shop are lacing up their snow boots to hit the Black Friday sales or charging their devices for Cyber Monday. On Saturday, people are encouraged to shop locally and to support more independent businesses.
Small Business Saturday started in 2010 as a registered trademark of American Express, the company publicized their initiative using social media, advertising and public relations. Small Business Saturday is about supporting local businesses and creating jobs in communities all across America.
Though Black Friday and Cyber Monday are usually known to feature big chain stores and larger businesses, Small Business Saturday contradicts them by encouraging shoppers to recognize brick and mortar businesses that are small and local.
The Worland-Ten Sleep Chamber of Commerce has gotten behind the initiative the past three years. Shoppers who shop at small, local businesses are entered in drawings for gift certificates and prizes. According to small business owner and Worland-Ten Sleep Chamber of Commerce president Deb Larkin, over $1,000 in gift certificates and prizes were handed out last year. This year, the tradition will continue.
Starting this Nov. 24 through Dec. 1, those who spend more than $20 at small, local businesses will have their names entered in a drawing for different prizes. Names will be drawn in Pioneer Square before the Parade of Lights.
In commemoration of Small Business Saturday, the local businesses will have sales going on throughout the week. This year 24 local businesses are participating. This is Worland’s third year in observation of the holiday.
See pages 8 and 9 for participating businesses and more on Small Business Saturday.
Also celebrating Small Business Saturday is Thermopolis and the Hot Springs County area. A majority of local businesses in Thermopolis will be opening at 8 a.m. this Saturday with sales. Also shopping in Thermopolis on Saturday will be Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus at Hazel N Pearls at 4 p.m., at that time, they will also be crowning the snow king and queen at that time.
Thermopolis will also be recognizing Shopping Late on Dec. 11 at 8 p.m.
Other events coming up in the Washakie County area include:
The Parade of Lights on Dec. 1 at 6 p.m. with the theme “Movies of Christmas.” The parade will include pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus from 3 to 5 p.m. in Pioneer Square, a free chili supper and a fireworks show to end the parade with.
Breakfast and Pictures with Santa Dec. 1 from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Worland Senior Center.
The 33rd annual Festival of Trees, sponsored by Worland Pinnacle Bank on Dec. 7 - 8 at the Worland Community Center Complex.