You may or may not have noticed it on your calendar — Black Friday is coming up this week.
For those of us who live in small towns, the idea feels a bit foreign. We don’t have the big box stores offering door-crasher deals at 5 a.m. (and honestly, that might be a blessing).
But that’s not the day I want to focus on. Instead, let’s talk about the quieter, more meaningful celebration that follows: Small Business Saturday.
Small Business Saturday takes place the day after Black Friday, and it’s all about championing local — encouraging people to shop small at the start of the holiday season. The concept started back in 2010, when American Express created the campaign as a way to help support small, independent businesses that are the heartbeat of our communities.
So, how does one spend Small Business Saturday in a mountain town like ours?
Well, lucky for us, this year it lands on the same day as the Holiday Kick-Off Parade & Tree Lighting Ceremony — which means it’s the perfect opportunity to spend the day out and about in our community. On top of that, several local businesses are offering special promotions, giveaways, and festive surprises throughout the weekend.
Now, I’m not saying you need to go out and spend hundreds of dollars — let’s be honest, that’s not realistic these days. Supporting local doesn’t have to mean maxing out your budget. It can be as simple as starting your morning with a coffee from your favourite café, grabbing breakfast with a friend, or picking up a small gift (or two) from one of our local shops. Even small purchases — or simply showing up, browsing, and saying hello — make a difference to local owners who pour their heart into what they do.
What I love about shopping local in Golden is that it feels personal. You’re greeted by name when you walk in. You can actually chat with the owner about where their products come from or get genuine advice on what to buy for someone special. You get to take your time — wander from shop to shop, run into familiar faces, and feel the hum of a town getting ready for the holidays.
To me, that sounds a lot more enjoyable than fighting through crowds or refreshing a dozen online shopping carts. No lost packages, no shipping delays — just real people, real products, and a real sense of community.
So this weekend, skip the stress of Black Friday. Bundle up, grab a warm drink, and spend the day exploring the incredible businesses that make Golden what it is. Whether it’s picking up a thoughtful gift, trying a new local restaurant, or simply showing up to the parade and cheering with your neighbours — every little bit helps keep our community thriving.
Because when you support small businesses, you’re not just buying a product — you’re investing in your community.
