Several years ago, Small Business Saturday was created to promote shopping at local small businesses across the country.

In an editorial I wrote at that time, I noted it was encouraging to see one day devoted to local entrepreneurs, but it was important to remember that small businesses are the life-blood of our local economy and they are open for business year round.

That is why I ​am so proud to join ​in the formation of a new effort titled​ Celebrate Shelton, created by two local small business owners, Nicole Heriot Mikula and Mike Skrtic, ​with support from the City of Shelton, the Shelton Economic Development Corporation​, ​and the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce.​

Celebrate Shelton will present three events to highlight small business​es​ in Shelton: Downtown Handmade Market, Small Business “Crawl”, and a Community Tree Lighting.
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The Downtown Handmade Market is a five-date vendor festival held at the Conti Building at 415 Howe Ave., Shelton.

Please join us for a Black Friday Kick-Off celebration on Friday, Nov. 28 starting at 6 p.m. with live music, handmade artisan vendors, and hors d’oeuvres. Tickets are $5 at the door (kids 14 & under are​ free to enter​).

The market continues on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 29 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Dec. 6, 13 and 20 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission ​on those dates ​is free.

The Small Business “Crawl” is a comprehensive glossy magazine that includes special offers from small businesses ​in our area. With 150 locations in Shelton ​distributing the magazine, I hope you will pick one up today and share it with a friend​.​​

The Community Tree Lighting sponsored by Webster Bank, Valley Community Foundation and Center Stage will be taking place on Saturday, Dec. 6 at 5:30 p.m. at the Veteran’s Memorial Park in downtown Shelton.

There will be c​​​​​​aroling ​with Center Stage, hot cocoa and sweets by the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley — and Santa Claus has confirmed his attendance! Children are encouraged to create their own handmade ornaments to decorate the tree with their families.

I commend the ​two ​organizers for putting these activities together, centered around small businesses in our community during this holiday season.

Please Celebrate Shelton by visiting ​www.CelebrateShelton.com​ and joining in these events. It is my hope that this can become a year-long effort.

The writer is a Shelton resident who is also a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission.