Sales during the week of Thanksgiving are typically associated with long lines and crowded stores, but the Dawson Springs Area Chamber helped shoppers get a head start on their holiday lists with the “Jingle and Mingle” event. This event featured 14 businesses lining the downtown area in Owensboro, offering a wide range of items from beauty products to jewelry to hand-made gifts.
The owner of Bottle Magic Crafts, April Jennings, expressed surprise at the turnout, stating that they sold out of several popular items. She believes this surge in support for local businesses is a sign that more people are choosing to shop small and patronize local stores over major chains. Customers have expressed a desire for more personal and unique holiday gifts, seeking out items that are handmade and crafted with care.
Michele Hunter, owner of Idle Hour Jewelry, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that smaller, heartfelt gifts are often found at small businesses rather than big corporations. This shift towards supporting local businesses is evident in the feedback from shoppers, who are glad to see their money going back into their community.
For Debbie Scott, a long-time resident of Dawson Springs, shopping local is not just about finding unique gifts, but also about supporting the community, especially in the wake of the 2021 tornadoes that devastated the area. The resilience of the community has inspired a sense of unity and pride, with many residents embracing the “Dawson Strong” mentality.
This trend of supporting small businesses is not unique to Dawson Springs, as many other areas across the Tri-State will be hosting their own events on Small Business Saturday. These events provide an opportunity for shoppers to continue supporting local businesses and investing in their communities.
Overall, the success of the “Jingle and Mingle” event in Dawson Springs highlights a growing preference for shopping small and local during the holiday season. As shoppers seek out unique, handcrafted gifts and express a desire to support their communities, it’s clear that the spirit of giving extends beyond just the gifts themselves.