Small Business Saturday event returns

It’s no secret that small business owners were among the hardest hit during the pandemic.

That’s what makes this weekend even more important, as shoppers will look to take advantage of deals and support local businesses during Small Business Saturday, described as an American shopping holiday.

Those mom-and-pop and family-owned businesses that managed to weather the COVID-19 storm, which included restrictions and a temporary shutdown in 2020, will look to their customer base once again this weekend as Fallon businesses roll out discounts and incentives to stay local.

“We believe it to be the start of the season to promote staying local,” said Lucy Carnahan, the Fallon Chamber’s executive director. “We understand people are going to do Black Friday and head into the big-box stores. Saturday is an opportunity to support our town and businesses. We get quite the following.”

Fallon Chamber of Commerce and the Churchill Entrepreneurial Development Association are encouraging residents to stay in Fallon and patronize the small businesses.

Both agencies will host a welcome booth on Saturday at the Old Post Office (90 N. Maine St.), beginning at 8 a.m. With eight vendors on display, the first 150 shoppers will get a free bag that includes various goodies, including coupons. Afterward, shoppers will have the day to shop at 30 businesses participating in the Small Business Saturday event.

Carnhan said that advertisements will be available on the Chamber’s website and social media account ahead of the event to help shoppers plan their days. In previous years, shoppers have come from surrounding areas, including Reno, Gardnerville and Carson.

“They know we do these games and promotions. They can win prizes during all of this,” she added. “Free donuts and coffee almost gets everybody.”

Games include a city-wide Gurka photo challenge and bingo. The prize drawing will be at 5 p.m. and will feature several baskets, which include a couple of items from each participating business.

Hashtags for the day include #ChamberAtWork, #SupportFallonBiz, #ShopSmall and #GurkaInBiz.

For more information, and to view the participating businesses and their promotions during the event, visit fallonchamber.com.