For the City Times

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – Since 2015, the Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce Small Business Saturday has become a tradition by showcasing local businesses. On Nov. 30, with passports in hand, hundreds of shoppers took to small businesses in the Wisconsin Rapids area.

Shoppers were hopeful of winning the Heart of Wisconsin Small Business Saturday Grand Prize Basket, valued over $300.

Steph Schmid, chamber director of marketing, visited all 20 businesses that embraced Small Business Saturday.

“I loved seeing all the people excited to shop at our local businesses. Each store made you feel welcome. Businesses went the extra mile to greet you with a smile, hot chocolate, and a jelly donut” stated Schmid.

Shoppers traveled from business to business purchasing gifts for loved ones, showing their support for their favorite local boutiques and discovering new stores they hadn’t experienced.

Mr. & Mrs. Claus made a special appearance at Hometown Pharmacy welcoming families and gathering Christmas wishes.

“The joyfulness, friendly greetings, and local support left you feeling all warm and fuzzy. It was truly a hometown experience,” Schmid explained.

The Heart of Wisconsin promoted Small Business Saturday with the Passport Program and a Shop Small Selfie contest. Bonnie Jean Barrette won the selfie contest with her selfie at Local on 1st. The winners of the restaurant gift cards were Lurline Getzloff and Amanda Lancour. Getzloff won a gift card to Anchor Bay Bar & Grill, and Lancour won a gift card to Chat-R-Box Restaurant. The lucky winner of the grand prize basket was Kathy Larson. Larson visited 16 local businesses on the Small Business Saturday Passport.

According to the 2019 Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey, from American Express, United States consumers garnered a record $19.6 billion in sales on Nov. 30.