Shopping Small Makes a Big Difference
Sasha Bush
The Ashland Beacon
With Christmas right around the corner, we are scrambling to find the perfect gifts for all our loved ones. One of the best places to find the most unique gifts is by shopping the small locally owned businesses within our community. Choosing to shop small and support local businesses helps to boost the local economy, create jobs, and foster a sense of community. Shopping small is also a great way to help support the livelihoods of our friends, family, and neighbors. Check out these up-and-coming events for your chance to shop small and find that perfect gift:
Hometown Christmas
Alona Gilliam and Revitalize Russell is once again wowing us with the perfect event to get you in holiday spirit. On Dec. 7, you can experience all the wonder of Christmas in downtown Russell with train rides, special appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus, food trucks and even a special Christmas parade. The fun starts at 5 p.m. and continues until 9 p.m.
Christmas in the Country
It’s time to shop local this Christmas with the Greenup County Farmers Market, third annual Christmas in the Country vendor event. This fundraising event is providing the perfect opportunity to not only support the Greenup County Farmers Market but also to support over 50+ local artisans, farmers, and food trucks. Word on the street has it that Santa Claus will also be making a special appearance as well. This event will take place at Imel’s, and you have two chances to come and see what it is all about. Friday, Dec. 8 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 9 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
West End Jeweler’s Gold Party
On Saturday, Dec. 9 from 5 -10 p.m., West End Jeweler will be hosting a super fun gold event. What exactly is a Gold Event? With the holidays approaching, the fine folks out at West End Jeweler wanted to offer you a fun way of trading in your old gold pieces for something new and shiny. All you have to do is bring your unwanted gold items to the store and have those items turned into store credit, which can be used toward the purchase of new items within the store. West End Jeweler offers the most unique pieces of jewelry around and currently have a huge selection of gold-filled, 14 kt, and 10 kt gold pieces within the store. The best thing about this unique jewelry store is they offer something for everyone at all price points ranging from $60 and up. You will definitely have a lot of affordable new and shiny pieces to choose from. So, mark those calendars because this is an event that you will not want to miss.
Christmas on Ferry Street
You won’t want to miss out on this exciting and magical event happening right on Ferry Street, which is located in downtown Russell. There will be live music as you walk down Ferry Street that is sure to put everyone in that holiday spirit. Eridanus Brewing will be offering specialty drinks, and all your favorite local shops will be having special offers and/or guests throughout the day. Special guests include the oh-so-popular and hip, Local Mercantile and their PINK bus, Sadie James Lemonade offering their specialty lemonades throughout the day, and a sneak peek of the up-and-coming West End Floral and Gifts with their flower bar. Don’t miss out on the perfect event to not only shop small but finish up all those last-minute Christmas gifts.
Boyd County Convention & Arts Center 5th Annual Craft Show
What better way to support your small locally owned businesses than by visiting the Boyd County Convention & Arts Center’s 5th Annual Craft Show. This event is one of the biggest vendor events of the year featuring over 70 vendors. You are bound to find something for that “difficult to buy for person” with so many great things to choose from. This show will have handmade crafts, woodworking, women’s and children’s boutiques, baked goods, jewelry, beauty products, and so much more. Santa Claus will also be making his appearance throughout the day. There will also be a special door prize given out to one lucky winner valued at $500.00. Several vendors donated raffles will also be taking place throughout the day. All proceeds from the raffle tickets will be donated to the Wildwood Church of God’s 2024 Guatemala mission trip for supplies to build a very special family a much-needed home. The magic of Christmas is all about giving, and what better way to give than to play a small part in something so big? This event will take place on Dec. 16 from 10 a.m. to 4.p.m. at the Boyd County Convention Center.
