On the sunny Saturday morning after Thanksgiving, Nov. 25, just one month until Christmas, the whole town of Whitewater showed up for their small businesses. This event, Shop Small Holiday Market, is an annual event hosted the day after black friday, as a way to support the businesses on the Main Street, and to give people the opportunity to purchase their gifts locally. The location was set at Cravath Lakefront Park, and all the small businesses lined up to sell their latest goods. These vendors included The Book Teller, Dales Bootery, Associated Bank, Whitewater Cinemas, First Citizens State Bank, Center Cafe Street, Revamp Nutrition, Steve-Os, BaristaCats Cafe, and many other stores and businesses. The event took place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and included live music, elves workshops, and food. The main event of this year was the meet and greet with Santa Claus, and the carriage rides that were taken downtown. 

This event was completely free and family friendly, with activities based on the holiday season, and unique items being sold for anyone looking for gifts. The motto for this year’s event was “ushering in the holiday season by supporting all things local,” as the way of transitioning from the major box stores on black friday, to something more sustainable and community oriented.

The Whitewater community is local business oriented throughout the year, but having the market puts all their vendors on one long strip with tables, and places for them to not have to do as much traveling around town. The tables were set in a line around the pavilion, and were all opened at 10 a.m. sharp. 

The energy and atmosphere of the event was upbeat, hopeful for the holiday season, starting with the transitioning weather from the fall to cold december, there were warm treats and hot chocolate to keep the people warm. The energy given was inviting and community orientated. 

“The best part of this event is that it is a community event to showcase what everyone has and to keep a mixture of children and adults entertained,” said Jerrica Newby, the owner and operator of ReVamp Nutrition. 

Newby explains that the main events were the meet and greet with Santa that kept the energy high, with the children anticipating his appearance. The vibe was cozy and comfy due to the fireplaces that were all around. The weather this year held up better than before, and the event was larger than last year. Newby is already excited for the next annual event. 

“This is an awesome event to have with the Lakefront park and walkway for businesses to set up and have people learn about what we (local businesses) have to offer,” said Stephen Fairchild, of Steve-O’s Flip Flop and Tank Tops, a local business just off Main Street. 

This is his second year, and he is involved because he is part of the Chamber in Whitewater. Farchild explains that he is relatively new to the area, as this is his second year being in the community. The ability for his business to get the exposure while combining the holiday season was the reason he joined the event. 

To find out more information about this event and more annual events the Whitewater Chamber puts on each year, visit: Whitewater Chamber Shop Small. Members of the community are able to put their letters to the North Pole through the month of December and happy beginning of the holiday season to everyone.