Shop Small Saturday kicks off holiday season

Holiday cheer is returning to downtown Arlington when Olympic Avenue will be cordoned off from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 27, for the Shop Small Saturday and Hometown Holiday Kickoff.

People can wander through downtown, shop at local businesses, enjoy roasting marshmallows at fire pits and witness the annual tree lighting.

“We’re excited to have our Small Business Saturday come around again,” said Rich Senff, owner of Action Sports and president of the Downtown Arlington Business Association.

The pandemic in 2020 prompted cancellation of the in-person Hometown Holiday events. A couple of virtual events of the tree lighting and Santa coming to town were produced, said Sarah Lopez, community engagement director for the city of Arlington.

Taking place after Black Friday, Small Business Saturday emphasizes shopping at locally owned businesses, which helps ensure money spent will stay within the community, said Diane Kreig, executive director of the Stilly Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Visitors will enjoy a festive atmosphere during the holiday kickoff. In addition to the fire pits, holiday-themed, lighted cars will be on display and businesses will be open later than usual. The highlight of the evening is the tree lighting scheduled for 5 p.m. in Legion Park.

“It’s going to be brighter than ever,” said Lopez. More of the park will be decorated with holiday lights. Arlington High School’s choirs will perform at Legion Park, too.

Mrs. Claus is scheduled to make an appearance and a craft bazaar will take place at Arlington Lifeway. The Charm Walk will provide an incentive for people to explore and shop at the local businesses around downtown.

Marysville will also hold Small Business Saturday on Nov. 27. An event originated by American Express to feature smaller, locally owned businesses, Small Business Saturday falls between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Participating businesses in Marysville will receive promotional materials and the Marysville Tulalip Chamber of Commerce will put the word out on social media about which businesses are participating in the event,” said Ivonne Sepulveda, president and CEO of the Marysville Tulalip Chamber of Commerce.

Arlington’s Shop Local is a segue into more Hometown Holiday activities that take place in early December including the parade beginning at noon, Dec. 4, a visit from Santa Clause and a Holiday Carousel.

For more information about Arlington’s Hometown Holidays, go to www.arlingtonwa.gov/HH or check out its Facebook page.