Small Business Saturday encourages local shopping this weekend

Biddeford and Saco downtown organizations are encouraging people to shop small on Saturday.

Small Business Saturday, held the Saturday after Thanksgiving, was founded by American Express in 2010 and has been cosponsored by the Small Business Association since 2011.

The SBA reports that Small Business Saturday has brought in a boost in customers to the nation’s small businesses. Since 2010, an estimated $201 billion has been spent at small businesses across the county during the annual Small Business Saturday.

Biddeford

Heart of Biddeford is combining local shopping with festive seasonal activities in downtown Biddeford with the Holiday Stroll on Saturday.

There will be a scavenger hunt for kids from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit participating downtown retailers to get clues about where François, the mascot of WinterFest, is hiding. He’ll have surprise for the lucky youngsters who find him.

There will be hot cocoa stations throughout downtown and photos with Santa, and a Toys for Tots toy drive. Stop by Heart of Biddeford's information booth at 205 Main St. to pick up downtown maps, information and a Holiday Stroll checklist. For a more detailed list of Saturday’s events, go to the Heart of Biddeford website.

Saco

Saco Main Street is hosting Saco Bucks Saturday. The local downtown group from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday will be handing out $10 vouchers that can be used at participating locations. The vouchers will be distributed at four locations: Post Office Park on Main Street, Pepperell Square, Shaw's shopping plaza next to Wag N' Wash and outside of Social House Kitchen.

Saco Bay News Publisher Liz Gotthelf can be reached at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.