The holiday shopping season is in full swing and we are being hit from all sides with a seemingly endless barrage of commercials and promotions. While there are a number of factors shoppers use to evaluate potential purchases, one that should be kept in mind is where products are made.
Shopping our local Main Streets is one of the best ways to get in the holiday spirit and help spark the local economy. The recent Small Business Saturday was a great opportunity to promote all of the terrific products our locally owned businesses offer.
This year, it is vital that we find ways to support our locally owned small businesses. The COVID-19 pandemic has left many businesses struggling to stay open. Additionally, the cost to do business has increased sharply with new safeguards and restrictions putting increased pressure on the bottom line for many.
Many of our local business organizations and chambers of commerce are sponsoring special promotions to assist small businesses and get the word out about their unique offerings. Whenever possible, I hope you are able to meet your holiday shopping needs at one of our many amazing small businesses.
Certainly, once you see what they have to offer, you will be visiting our small businesses year-‘round.
You can further add to the holiday cheer by making sure purchases include a “Made in U.S.A.” label. In fact, December is national “Made in America Month.”
President Ronald Reagan made the declaration in 1985 in an attempt to boost national pride and the national economy. In making the proclamation, President Reagan stated in part, “It is time for consumers both here and abroad to take a fresh look at what America has to offer.
Sarah Patterson, Oneonta, gift-wraps presents for Chrsitmas shoppers at the Southside Mall Saturday afternoon at the gift-wrapping station near Bath & Body Works. It’s an annual tradition to help benefit the Catskill Symphony Orchestra and will continue until Christmas Eve. Hours are Sunday 12-6pm, Monday 10am-8pm and Tuesday 10am-5pm. (Ian Austin/AllOTSEGO.com)
Nancy Johnson, Oneonta, gets some holiday shopping early from Liz Connor, right, Unadilla, who was manning the Spoonadilla booth of her father Mick’s hand-made wooden utensils at the 2nd Holiday Bazaar at the Unitarian Universalist Church earlier today. Other crafts included books, knit hats, jewelry, Christmas cookies and more. (Ian Austin/AllOTSEGO.com)
ANGEL TREE PROGRAM – Give the Gift of Christmas this holiday season. Adopt a family in need. Visit www.allotsego.com/angel-tree-program/ to learn how.
HOLIDAY MARKET – 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Find holiday gifts from 50+ vendors selling textiles, herbal products, jewelry, wreaths, more in heated greenhouse. Includes food/wine tasting, hot apple cider donuts, pies more. Sunnycrest Orchards, 7869 St. Rt. 10, Sharon Springs. 518-284-2256 or visit www.sunnycrestorchards.com
Whether you went to the Foxcare Center, The Unitarian Universalist Church, or first United Methodist, the place to be today was shopping at many of the holiday bazaars throughout town for that special gift. Above, at the Mandy’s Tees booth, Arlene and Watty George, Arkville present Mary Knapp, Oneonta, with her freshly made heat-press sweater at the craft fair at the Foxcare Center. At right, Janet Frankl and Mary Konstantine stand at the First United Methodist Holiday Bazaar with a table full of cookies they were selling to raise money for the 1st United Methodist Women’s missions locally and abroad. (Ian Austin/AllOTSEGO.com)
To Learn How You Can Help Area Families This Holiday Season CLICK HERE.
FESTIVAL OF TREES – 6:30-8:30 p.m. Family night. Take a wagon to see the holiday light displays, see Santa and his elves. Decorate trees with ornaments for wildlife, and watch holiday movies. Glimmerglass State Park, 1527 Co. Hwy. 31, Cooperstown. Info, www.friendsofglimmerglass.com
CHRISTMAS BAZAAR – 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Includes Christmas tree trimmings, knitted and crocheted items, holiday decorations, a white elephant sale, bake sale, and a luncheon. Elm Park Church, 401 Chestnut St., Oneonta. Info, (607)432-6552
