In Fairfax City, Small Business Saturday is an opportunity for area residents to embrace their community spirit, while discovering the products and services offered by local merchants. It also lets people show their appreciation for the hard working entrepreneurs who help make the City so special. 

This year’s event is this coming Saturday, Nov. 25, starting at 9:30 a.m., at Old Town Hall, 3999 University Drive. It’s made possible by a partnership among Fairfax City Economic Development, the Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce (CFCC) and the Old Town Fairfax Business Association. (OTFBA). 

According to Tara Borwey, programs manager with Fairfax City Economic Development, “Our City’s Small Business Saturday celebration aims to emphasize the significance of supporting small and locally owned businesses during the holiday season.”

At the event’s Welcome Station, attendees may capture memorable moments of their children with Santa from 9:30-11:30 a.m. They’ll also have the opportunity to pick up a list of Fairfax City’s small businesses that are offering special deals that day.

In addition, shoppers will be offered small treats, coffee and cocoa to go, while supplies last, as well as free, Small Business Saturday tote bags to enhance their shopping experience. The Welcome Station will be open until 12:30 p.m., so people are encouraged to stop by it early.

Afterward, said Borwey, “We encourage families to explore and shop small in Fairfax City.” They may also compete for raffle prizes. Whenever people make a purchase from a participating business, all they need to do is submit one proof of purchase to have their name entered into a raffle. Prizes include 10 Fairfax City Flex eGift Cards, each valued at $50 and redeemable at participating Fairfax City businesses. 

Proofs of purchases should be emailed to economicdevelopment@fairfaxva.gov by Monday, Dec. 4, at 5 p.m. Winners will be drawn on Tuesday, Dec. 5 and notified via email. Added Borwey: “This is your chance to make a difference and support local businesses, while potentially winning some fantastic prizes.”

Noting that small businesses are an integral part of neighborhoods and communities, OTFBA Executive Director Tess Rollins said these business owners “will do what they can for their customers, because they work and serve where they live.” 

“I have a passion for small businesses, entrepreneurs, makers, artisans and other creatives,” she continued. “I believe that every person who has ever started a small business is brave. They’re brave to try, to discover and to do more than dream. They’re brave to show up.” 

Therefore, said Rollins, “My focus is on how to assist small business owners increase their visibility to become or remain viable.” So on Small Business Saturday, she urges shoppers to “Give love to small businesses. They’ll open their doors to you. Let’s do our part by shopping and supporting them, so they can keep those doors open.”