Volunteers for Downtown Lock Haven, Inc. hang garland on light poles along East Main Street ahead of Haven Holidays and Small Business Saturdays. LAURA JAMESON/THE EXPRESS

LOCK HAVEN — We’re mere days away from one of the biggest shopping days of the year… and we aren’t talking about Black Friday.

Though many businesses in downtown Lock Haven will also take part in the annual event the day following Thanksgiving, it’s Saturday when the magic will happen.

A multitude of businesses in and around East Main Street will be rolling out the carpet for you to check even more items off your holiday shopping lists… all while supporting local folks in your community.

Downtown Lock Haven, Inc. will kick off Small Business Saturdays on Nov. 29 with its annual Haven Holidays event.

Those near and far are encouraged to come to Lock Haven to shop local this holiday season.

“Small Business Saturdays in Lock Haven are crucial for our local businesses, who thrive on the support of the community they call home,” said DLH Board President Laura Jameson. “Every dollar you spend here in Lock Haven supports those who own and work at these stores and, in turn, is filtered right back into the Clinton County community.”

The non-profit’s board of directors and new manager, Rick Schulze, are looking for another great year for Haven Holidays.

Businesses will be offering a variety of steals and deals for stocking stuffers, gifts and more each Saturday starting Nov. 29 and running until Dec. 20.

Those coming out on Saturday will also have the opportunity to have their photo taken with Santa, Mrs. Claus and his reindeer in the East Main Street Parking Lot from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Pictures are being taken by AP Photos and don’t cost a thing, though donations are accepted.

DLH and generous volunteers will also be holding a special gift wrapping event at its office, 205 E. Main St., from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. that day.

Those who want to avoid the hassle of wrapping their local purchases can stop by during that time, show a receipt for the items from a local business or businesses and have your gifts wrapped free-of-charge. Donations to DLH are accepted during this time.

After shopping and dining in and around the city’s Central Business District, be sure to stick around for the annual Haven Holidays parade, starting at 6 p.m.

Following the parade, Lafayette Lodge #199 F&AM — Lock Haven is hosting a tree lighting ceremony in Triangle Park. The lodge members were hard at work on Sunday preparing the tree for the event, and will also be providing hot chocolate during the parade.

To keep up with all things Haven Holidays and Small Business Saturdays — including weekly deals from local businesses — be sure to follow Downtown Lock Haven, Inc. on Facebook or visit their website, www.lockhaven.org.