Monticello prepares to enjoy ‘Shop Small Saturday’

     Monticello businesses, Monticello Main Street, and the Monticello Area Chamber of Commerce (MACC) is preparing for the biggest shopping day of the year…Shop Small Saturday!

   On Saturday, Nov. 30, Main Street and MACC "encourage all businesses to be open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.," urged Main Street Director Brian Wolken.

   Monticello's Shop Small Saturday slogan is "Say Hello to Monticello."

   On the morning of Shop Small Saturday, Wolken and MACC Director Megan Beaman will be set up inside the downtown pocket park from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. distributing Shop Small swag bags. Some bags will contain Chamber Bucks, others will have various promotional items inside.

   "One random bag will have a $50 Chamber Bucks certificate inside," teased Beaman.

   Beaman shared a story (nightmare) of late-night/early-morning Black Friday shopping as a kid that scarred her for life. To this day, she is not a fan of Black Friday shopping; in fact, she loathes it.

   "This year, say hello to Monticello, skip the hassle and join the MACC, Monticello Main Street, and local retailers in Shop Small Saturday!" she boasted. "Imagine, instead of a sleepless night of chaos, a peaceful morning that starts with a delicious breakfast at a local Monticello eatery. Handcrafted, warm food paired with a smooth cup of coffee. Followed up a short stroll to main street (First Street) to visit local retailers, ready to assist in any shopping needs and provide a pleasant conversation, all the while enjoying the quaint community Monticello is known for."

   The MACC Ambassadors gifted $400 in cash prizes for Shop Small Saturday.

   "When an eligible purchase is made at a participating business, you can enter to win one of seven $50 Chamber Bucks certificates," explained Beaman. "Raffle winners will be announced the chamber's Facebook page on Monday, Dec. 2, at 10 a.m."

   Last week on Nov. 22, Main Street and city employees spent the day setting up the city Christmas Tree at the corner of E. First Street and Main Street. The tree was donated by Josh and Kerri Chapman on Stone Bridge Road. Following your downtown shopping on Nov. 30, stick around for the 4:30 p.m. tree-lighting ceremony.

   The event will include a story read by an employee of the Monticello Public Library, singing carols, and possibly an outdoor movie (weather permitting).

   "The money spent in the community stays in the community," noted Beaman. "For every $1 spent at a local business, 68 cents stays in the community."

   For questions about Shop Small Saturday, contact Beaman at 319-465-5626 or chamber@macc-ia.us.