While purchasing gifts for the holidays, shoppers are reminded to think of local retailers. Today is Small Business Saturday, a day observed across the United States to promote shopping at small, local businesses. Sarah Sadrakula, Director of Main Street Washington, says shopping small helps the local community as the business owners are part of area communities and help throughout the year with events, volunteering with organizations and in other ways, such as paying local property taxes.

Annually Main Street Washington hosts the Twilight Shop and Stroll to promote locally owned businesses. It is an evening where shops in downtown Washington stay open later and have holiday sales and specials. Due to inclement weather earlier this month, the event was pushed back and will be held on Thursday, December 3rd.

Fourteen businesses are taking part this year and Sadrakula adds there are a variety of items that make great gifts for everyone from grandparents to pets. The KCII Big Red Radio will be providing Christmas music during the event from 5 to 8 p.m.