Buchanan readies for "White Saturday" celebration

Black Friday may be over, but the city of Buchanan wants you to come to “White Saturday.”

“We wanted to create a shopping event with a lot of community involvement,” Redbud Hardware owner Tracy Dippo said.

Decorations throughout downtown Buchanan remind you it’s the holiday season, and the city’s “White Saturday” event is kicking things off.

“[We’re] trying to make it big and very special; worth coming down for,” Dippo said.

Dippo’s hardware store is in the heart of downtown in the Redbud City.

She’s also on the city’s promotion and marketing board; and is helping combine a holiday tradition with Small Business Saturday.

“It was a push by the chamber to take this event on,” Dippo said. “They had been separate events in the past, and we thought it could be even more successful if we combine the efforts.”

Small businesses line East Front Street in downtown Buchanan, and they’ll be the focus on “White Saturday.”

But on top of local deals and steals, the city is hoping a host of holiday activities happening throughout “White Saturday” will bring more families out to invest in their community.

“There was a time when Buchanan shrank back down to having very little opened for the local consumers,” Dippo said. “And I think people really appreciate having a vital, active downtown. And that can only happen if they support those businesses.”

Dippo said interest in Buchanan’s small businesses is on an upswing.

And she’s hoping this new and improved “White Saturday” will keep up the momentum.

“I think it’s just critical to show that you appreciate those business owners taking a risk and trying to make it,” Dippo said.

“White Saturday” goes from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, November 26.

Many local businesses in downtown Buchanan will be open and offering special deals and promotions throughout the day.

The Arts Center is hosting a “make an ornament with your children event” from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The library will be holding special Christmas story reading hours and a chance to write letters to Santa.

Fernwood is offering a “make a wreath workshop,” with fresh greens provided.

There will be various artisans selling their crafts under tents throughout downtown.

The Buchanan High School culinary arts program will be placed throughout downtown selling baked goods they’ve made and packaged for gifting.

At 6 p.m., the annual holiday children’s parade will begin.

The parade will end at the Downtown Commons, where a holiday lighting will take place.