Area tourism and commerce promoters, including Downtown Whitewater, Inc., and the Jefferson Area Chamber of Commerce each have released statements reminded area shoppers to patronize small and local businesses this holiday season.

Information released by Discover Whitewater, Inc., notes that the Whitewater City Market provides holiday shoppers with an opportunity to visit 22 farmers market vendors as they set up shop inside the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library, 431 W. Center St., Whitewater.

The indoor market includes shops offering “locally-sourced treasures,” including everything from “treats” to “unique gifts,” according to a recent holiday-oriented news release.

More specifically, the release listed honey, maple syrup, artisanal soaps, and jams, among other products, available to shoppers during the holiday market.

The indoor farmers market at the library is held between the months of November and April, Saturdays, between 10 a.m. and noon.

Two “holiday specific” markets also will be offered at the Cravath Lakefront Park, situated in the city’s downtown area, 341 S. Fremont St. The first will be held Saturday, Nov. 25, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., followed by a second, held in the park’s community building, Saturday, Dec. 23, between 10 a.m. and noon. 

According to the Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce website, along with opportunities to shop, this Saturday’s event will feature live music and a “Little Elves Workshop” and play area. Santa will be made available for conversation and photos between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., and food trucks will be on site between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Trucks will provide food, wine and beer.

“We’ve curated an indoor season that encapsulates the spirit of the holidays. It’s not just about shopping; it’s about supporting our local farmers, artisans, and small businesses that bring vibrancy to our community,” volunteer and Market Co-Manager Lisa Dawsey Smith was quoted as saying in the release.

According to the release, “national data underscores the profound impacts of farmers markets.”

It cited the following information, which, it noted, is sourced through farmersmarketcoalition.org: 

• Preserving rural livelihoods: These markets provide a stepping stone for budding farmers, empowering them to start small and flourish.

• Economic stimulus: Local growers generate job opportunities, creating a substantial impact on the economy compared to non-local sales.

• Enhanced access to fresh produce: Studies reveal lower prices for quality produce at farmers markets, driving increased accessibility, particularly for SNAP households.

• Fostering healthy communities: Farmers actively engage with patrons, sharing insights on farming practices and nutritional information, contributing to healthier lifestyles.

• Championing sustainability: The commitment of farmers to organic standards ensures a sustainable approach to agriculture, benefiting both consumers and the environment.

Likewise, the Jefferson Chamber of Commerce has released information encouraging the community to support local businesses this holiday season.

According to the release, “‘Small Business Saturday’ takes place every year the Saturday after Thanksgiving.”

Citing fundera.com, a small business lender in San Francisco, Calif., as it’s source, information released by the chamber notes that “this year, on Saturday, November 25^th, according to Fundera, $68 out of every $100 spent at a local business will remain in the community.” 

The chamber stated within its release that in small communities like Jefferson, it is especially important to support local businesses.

“Jefferson’s downtown has attracted many new businesses within the past two years. Support for these businesses includes anything from shopping in stores, eating at restaurants, following them on social media or just stopping by to learn more. Even some of the businesses that are considered to be chains, help to fuel the Jefferson economy. The majority of these business owners live, work, raise their family, and invest in the community,” the release read.

“Before hitting the checkout button on your computer, I would challenge you to think: Is this something that I can buy from a business in Jefferson? Every person needs a local business at some point, whether it’s a drug store, clothing boutique or grocery store. If we don’t support the businesses in our community now, they won’t be here when we need them,” Jefferson Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Megan Cooper was quoted as saying in the release.

Additionally, Cooper suggested that shoppers take some time before or after the Holiday Parade of Lights on Saturday, Dec. 2, to visit Jefferson’s downtown shops.

An earlier story about Jefferson’s Holiday Parade of Lights, as published on WhitewaterWise’s sister site, Fort Atkinson Online, is here: https://fortatkinsononline.com/jefferson-chamber-of-commerce-seeking-entries-for-holiday-parade-of-lights/.