BUFFALO, N.Y. — We're in the holiday season! Thanksgiving and Black Friday have passed giving the green light for Small Business Saturday to begin.
Time is ticking, closing another successful year of promoting small businesses. Shoppers make their way to stores, perhaps to get their hands on appeal. Or to restock on their Buffalo Bills gear. Whatever it is, shoppers are booking it to get those last-minute deals.
We start with Buffalo Bills Fan of the Year Del Reid at his store, 26 shirts.
"It means so much to me- to us that people want to support us- that they like what we do. So support local. We give local," Reid says. He continues, "We're always offering new things. If you weren't able to come in today we will have Black Friday/Cyber Monday specials running all weekend, and we will have a lot more cool stuff coming up leading to the holidays."
Down in South Buffalo, Small Business Saturday and the first-ever South Buffalo Winter Fest gave a twofer for these South Buffaloians.
"That's the beautiful thing about this event. We're able to advertise a little more for this event. Although there are tremendous areas here in South Buffalo, Hertel, Elmwood Ave., those are the two you typically hear about as far as commercial destinations," says Chris Scanlon, South Buffalo Councilman.
The Irish Center hosted over a dozen vendors where you can get yourself knitted items, baked goods, or a smile to brighten your day.
"There's so many great businesses and so many great people here. So this event is highlighting all the great stuff that's happening and getting people to come out night after night and day after day to support our businesses," says Executive Director of The South Buffalo Community Association, Michael Weidrich.
Or maybe you wanted to hop on the free trolly and take a ride to the Genesis Center at Shea's Seneca. Where it held an annual Christmas in the Park party.
"Daily, see the need- people in need who are suffering. This particular year, our parents are having a very difficult time providing for their children. So, we are here to help those families, offset their costs of how expensive Christmas can be," says Co-Director of the Genesis Center, Milania Lullo.
Winter Fest will be going on for the next two weeks. Starting in December, it will be Restaurant Week in South Buffalo.
Here's a list of participating vendors, restaurants, and a list of events.