MISSOULA, Mont. – The Downtown Missoula Partnership is inviting the community to celebrate Small Business Saturday on November 29, kicking off the holiday season with family-friendly events and opportunities to support local businesses.
“Our Downtown is the Heartbeat of Missoula, and one of the reasons it is so strong is because of all the small businesses,” said Linda McCarthy, Executive Director of the Downtown Missoula Partnership. “We encourage Missoulians to “Put Your Money Where Your Heart Is” and consider supporting our community by shopping small, dining locally, and utilizing locally-owned professional services during the holidays. When we support local businesses, our entire community thrives.”
The event will feature the Shop & Dine Local Headquarters at the Paddleheads Post from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., where visitors can grab swag, learn about special promotions and get free hot cocoa coupons to Bernice’s Bakery.
Residents are encouraged to purchase the Downtown Missoula Gift Card, accepted at more than 200 locations, to keep dollars circulating locally. These gift cards can be bought at the Downtown Missoula Partnership, Paddleheads Post, or online.
The day also marks the start of the Downtown Holiday Window Decorating Contest, running through December 18. Community members can stroll through Downtown, enjoy festive window displays, and vote for their favorites online starting November 29.
Following Small Business Saturday, the celebrations continue with Holidays on Higgins on December 6. Activities include Santa’s grand entrance at the Missoula Public Library, stationary floats, the Missoula Makers Collective Market and the lighting of the Downtown holiday tree.
Families can also look forward to the Teddy Bear Tea Parties on December 13-14 at the Residence Inn by Marriott. Free horse-drawn carriage rides will be available on select dates in December.