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Each year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, historic downtown Paducah is bustling with holiday shoppers and Christmas cheer as our community turns out to partake in a Dickens of a Christmas Small Business Saturday. This annual event is organized by Paducah Main Street, a division of the Paducah Planning Department. The first Dickens of a Small Business Saturday was held in Paducah in 2013 blending the unofficial kickoff to Christmas weekend with the nationally recognized movement, Shop Small, which aims to celebrate small businesses every day to help communities thrive and stay vibrant.
“Shopping locally plays a vital role in helping Paducah thrive,” says Katie Axt, Director of Paducah Main Street. “Every year Dickens of a Christmas Small Business Saturday draws residents and visitors to downtown Paducah to showcase the variety of shops and eateries who call downtown Paducah home. When shoppers choose to support a local small business, they are supporting their neighbors, creating local jobs, and strengthening our community. When you shop local, more of your money stays local.”
A little rain didn’t stop residents and visitors to Paducah from spending the day with family and friends while getting a jumpstart on their Christmas shopping. 65 small businesses participated in Dickens, including nine new businesses that opened this year. Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their elves met with children and treated visitors to wassail at the River Discovery Center. Carolers were found at JP’s Bar & Grill, Hoopers Outdoor Center and the Smedley Yeiser. Those seeking to make a custom gift this year had the opportunity to create their own ornaments at MAKE or t-shirts at Minuteman Express, and write letters to Santa and the Yeiser Art Center. The Convention and Visitors Bureau treated visitors to hot chocolate, and the Jolly Trolley provided free trolley rides throughout the day.
If you missed Dickens of A Christmas Small Business Saturday, there is more holiday fun and opportunities to shop local this Saturday, December 7th! Take a free Victorian carriage ride through Downtown from 10am to 3pm, go on a Candy Cane hunt on the Carson Center Lawn from 12 to 2pm, and stay for the City of Paducah Christmas Parade at 5pm. The parade will kick off on 14th Street, go down Broadway, and end at 2nd Street.
About Paducah Main Street
Paducah Main Street is a division of Paducah’s city government dedicated to giving a vibrant downtown experience by promoting historic preservation, economic growth, and creative place-making for the Paducah downtown historic district and LowerTown Arts District. Paducah Main Street unites the community by utilizing the National Main Street Four Point Approach and focuses on community assets and partnerships to preserve and promote historic Paducah. Follow them on Facebook to learn more about their efforts and to see upcoming events for you to partake in Paducah!
