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Small Business Saturdays start today in downtown Lock Haven

LAURA JAMESON/THE EXPRESS Volunteer Jacque Newlen, left, and Stacy Englert, of Leadership Clinton County, unload potted plants to place on top of the parking meters in downtown Lock Haven. The plants were purchased and put together by Clinton County Voter Registrar Maria Boileau.

LOCK HAVEN — 2020 has brought a lot of changes for everyone but not all of them are bad.

Unlike in past years, Downtown Lock Haven Inc. is kicking off multiple Small Business Saturdays in an effort to draw attention to downtown businesses and encourage residents to shop local this holiday season. Typically, the organization holds only one Small Business Saturday a year to coincide with a national event sponsored by American Express.

However, with the COVID-19 pandemic creating financial hardships for many small businesses in the county, DLH adjusted its plans this year.

Small Business Saturdays will run from now until Dec. 19 with nearly 40 participating businesses offering special deals for the holidays.

Special events are also being planned each Saturday to coincide with Small Business Saturdays including Haven Holidays and the annual tree lighting at Triangle Park on Dec. 5. Santa and Mrs. Claus are expected to attend the event, with social distancing, so kids can have the chance to see the jolly fellow this Christmas season. Mrs. Claus will read a story or two for the children.

Jeff Donoughe, of Hooskow Chainsaw Carving, is expected to hold a live demonstration at The Station Gallery sometime on Dec. 5 before the events at Triangle Park.

DLH has also created a digital passport program giving folks a chance to win some great prizes.

Participants must upload a photo of a participating storefront or business logo to the Downtown Lock Haven Small Business Saturday event on Facebook. Each post containing a storefront or logo will be considered as one entry for the raffle prizes. Winners will be drawn at random after Dec. 19.

Businesses taking part in the passport are: A Little Bird, Amber Dragon, American Rescue Workers, Avenue 209, Beiter’s Home Center, Carmella’s Ink House, Databit Solutions, Dutch Haven, Ellie’s Ice Cream Shop, Embellish Salon & Formalwear Studio, Full Body Health & Fitness, Hangar 9 Restaurant & Lounge, It Is What It Is, Keller & Munro, Kelly’s Deli & Sub Shop, Lanning Music, Main Street Grill, Momoyo Otsu, Nerd Haven, OIP Lock Haven, Old Corner Grill & Bottle Shop, Salvation Army, Sand Piper Design, Simone’s Bakery, Skeleton Key Boutique, Stella A’s Bar & Grill, Sweeney’s Floral Shop, The Texas and YMCA.

“2020 has certainly been a challenging year. That being said, from the beginning Downtown Lock Haven Inc. and the City of Lock Haven have faced these challenges head on,” Marie Vilello, DLH manager, said. “From the Pedestrian Mall and music in the downtown and now with the new businesses opening up and Small Business Saturdays starting, we are very excited for the Christmas season and better things to come in 2021.”

Additional information about Small Business Saturdays as well as updates on events and happenings can be found on DLH’s Facebook page “Downtown Lock Haven Inc.”

Downtown Lock Haven Inc. is encouraging residents to shop safe and wear a mask while inside participating businesses.

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