Hailey
Small Business Saturday is always a special day for the people of Emporia, and this year was no different. Even though the weather was rainy and windy, the community still stepped out to support their local shops.
The celebration kept old traditions alive while adding new activities to make shopping more fun. The goal was simple: help small shops grow, bring families together, and celebrate the spirit of local business.
Community Support Even in Bad Weather
Small Business: The weather did not stop Emporia residents from visiting their favourite small stores. Local businesses partnered with Emporia Main Street to offer special deals, introduce new products, and encourage people to shop locally.
Popular places like The Sweet Granada, Gravel City Roasters, and Mulready’s welcomed many visitors throughout the day.
By offering new discounts and limited-time products, shops gave people more reasons to walk in and explore. This helped small businesses attract more customers and build stronger connections with the community.
The Popular Elf Scavenger Hunt Returns
One of the most exciting parts of Small Business Saturday was the Elf Scavenger Hunt, a tradition that families love every year. The hunt ran from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and made shopping an adventure for kids and adults.
During the hunt, participants searched for a small elf hidden inside selected local shops. Everyone who found the elf was entered into a drawing to win four $50 gift cards. The scavenger hunt encouraged families to visit different stores, enjoy the fun, and support local businesses at the same time.
After completing the hunt, people were invited to the Granada Theatre for a free screening of the popular movie “Elf.” This made the day even more enjoyable and gave families a chance to relax after exploring shops.
Growth of the Event Over the Years
Small Business: According to Sarah Megredy, the Marketing and Outreach Coordinator for Emporia Main Street, the event has grown a lot over the years. New activities, such as the free community movie, were added as more people began participating.
More than 25 local businesses joined the event this year, showing how much the community values and supports its small shops. As participation increases, organizers continue to bring fresh ideas that make the event more exciting each year.
Here is a simple table showing the growth:
| Year | Number of Businesses | Key Activities |
|---|---|---|
| 10 Years Ago | Few stores | Basic local shopping |
| 5 Years Ago | 15+ stores | Early Scavenger Hunt added |
| 2025 | 25+ stores | Scavenger Hunt + Free movie |
Local Shops Appreciate the Support
One of the long-time participants, The Sweet Granada, has been part of Small Business Saturday since the very first event.
Owner Kim Redeker shared that Emporia residents always support local shops because they understand how important small businesses are for the entire town. She believes that when small businesses grow, the whole community becomes healthier and stronger.
New Ideas Keep the Event Fresh
Every year brings something new to Small Business Saturday—special deals, new products, or community activities. These changes make people excited to participate again and again.
As the event continues to grow, Emporia shows that community support can make a big difference for local businesses.
Small Business Saturday in Emporia is more than just a shopping day. It is a celebration of community strength, local support, and the hard work of small business owners.
With fun activities like the Elf Scavenger Hunt, great store deals, and a free movie, the event continues to grow and bring people together. As long as Emporia keeps supporting its local shops, this event will only become bigger and better in the coming years.