Small Business Saturday a community tradition

DUANE CROSS
MCO Publisher•Editor

Small Business Saturday isn’t just about shopping in our communities. It has turned into a true hometown celebration. What started as a simple effort to support local shops after Thanksgiving has become one of the season’s most spirited traditions, bringing neighbors together to support the businesses that make our towns special.

First Community Bank has been part of that momentum since 2016, when it partnered with American Express as a Neighborhood Champion. Back then, just 30 local shops participated. Last year, more than 100 businesses across Lynchburg, Bell Buckle, and Wartrace joined in – a testament to how much the day has taken root.

A Day Built for Community

If you’ve joined in before, you know the feeling: the courthouse lawn is lively, small shops are even busier, and neighbors share smiles as they visit each store. This tradition continues on Saturday, Nov. 29.

Shoppers can stop by the FCB tent on the courthouse Square or visit any participating business to pick up a punch card. Each purchase gets a punch, and every punch is an entry into a drawing for two $200 gift certificates that can be used at any participating small business. It’s an easy way to thank people for supporting their neighbors.

Santa on the Square

No holiday kickoff feels complete without Santa, so he’ll be visiting the Square from 3 to 5 p.m. Families can stop by for photos and some Christmas cheer before heading to their next shop.

And Then … Movie Night

When the sun goes down and shopping is done, the celebration continues. First Community Bank is hosting a Small Business Saturday Movie Night at the Shelbyville Capri Theater, with free popcorn, a Coke, and a night at the movies, all provided by the bank.

It’s the perfect way to end a day focused on hometown pride: gather, laugh, relax, and enjoy time together.

A Tradition That Keeps Growing

What began as a reminder to “shop small” has become a community tradition that continues to grow. For First Community Bank, it’s a chance to make a real difference in the places they call home and to support the small businesses that keep towns like Lynchburg, Bell Buckle, and Wartrace lively.

As the bank says, they look forward to seeing everyone out and about, celebrating the people and places that make our community strong.