WILKES-BARRE — By Nov. 26, the turkey may be gone, Black Friday deals may be wrapped, and decorations may be hung. But, one thing is for sure: local businesses will be set for Small Business Saturday.

John Maday, president of the Downtown Wilkes-Barre Business Association, has worked with the Diamond City Partnership and Chamber of Commerce since 2013 to promote the idea behind Small Business Saturday. Started by American Express in 2010, Small Business Saturday promotes spending money locally and supporting small shops during the busiest shopping days.

“This time, with assistance from the F.M. Kirby Center, we created an event out of it. We recruited businesses who will offer deals or percentages off. We’ll be passing out maps to the businesses that will be participating so shoppers know where to go.”

Nearly two dozen downtown businesses will welcome shoppers Nov. 26 and invite them to take advantage of discounts and promotions at restaurants, shops and services.

“The idea is keep people in town,” Maday said.

And there are many reason for everyone to stick around.

Anne Rodella, director of sales and marketing for the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, said Small Business Saturday helps facilitate community spirit.

“Small Business Saturday has such a community feel to it and we brought that community feeling into the Kirby,” Rodella said.

From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., inside the Kirby Center is a Holiday Art Market, 71 Public Square (12), with craft vendors, artists and massage health care. The Kirby offers 15 percent off participating shows. Bodyworks by Maria Genetti offers discounted chair massages and gift certificates from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Iorio’s Fine Jewelry offers an extra 10 percent off sterling silver jewelry and watches from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Kirby will show “It’s a Wonderful Life” at 1 p.m. Admission is $3. After the movie, at 4 p.m., a Christmas tree lighting will take place along with a sing-along and an appearance by the man himself, Santa Claus. Coloring stations for children and adults will be set up all day.

If you find yourself more on a shopping mission the downtown area is bound to have something for everyone.

Prepare for a snowy winter with a new coat from Top of the Slope, 100 S. Main St., with a 10 percent discount on all outerwear from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (21); Knot Just Any Day, 124 S. Main St., offers $1 discounts on greeting cards from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (18); Marquis Art & Frame, 122 S. Main St. offers 20 percent off custom picture framing and 30 percent off regularly priced art materials from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (19); Tuxedo By Sarno, 77 E. Market St., offers 25 percent off retail suits and tuxedos and half off tuxedo rentals for wedding parties plus a free tux for grooms with five paid rentals. Check it out between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., (22).

Musical Energi, 24 S. Main St., offers 10 percent discounts off used records, CDs and DVDs from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (20); Butler Eyecare, 34 S. Main St., offers 50 percent off sunglasses with purchase of eyeglasses from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (7); Bee Hive Gift Shop, 41 S. Main St., offers 20 percent off purchases, refreshments and a free gift with purchase from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (5).

Stick around for lunch, (or fuel up before you begin) at any of these local eateries: Alpine Downtown Eatery, 10 W. Northampton St., offers 15 percent off all orders from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (1); Anthracite, Not Just A Newsstand, 1 E. Market St., offers 10 percent off any prepared food from the food counter (2); Dino’s Pizza Express, 41 S. Main St., offers half off an 18-inch cheese pizza with the purchase of another 18-inch pie from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (9).

El Zocalo Mexican Restaurant, 21 Public Square, offers $5 off purchases of $25 or more from noon to 9 p.m. (11); Frank’s Pizzeria & Ristorante, 198 S. Main St., offers 10 percent off orders of $15 or more from 11 a.m. to midnight (13); Januzzi’s Pizza, 20 E. Northampton St., offers 10 percent off dine-in food orders from 11 a.m. to midnight (17).

After you’ve finished shopping, toss your bags in your car then head out for dinner or some adult recreation. Buy a draft beer at Donahue’s Irish Pub, 215 S. Main St., and get your next one free from 5 to 7 p.m. (10); Bart and Urby’s, 119 S. Main St., offers a free appetizer with the purchase of a meal from 4 to 10 p.m. (4); Hottle’s Restaurant, 243 S. Main St. offers a free dessert with the purchase of a meal from 5 to 10 p.m. (15);

The Crimson Lion, 37 E. South St., offers a free hookah refill (8). The lounge, has more than 50 flavors. Some of the newest flavors include white bear, a pineapple white gummy bear flavor, brownie, and Jack the Ripper, a fruity floral mix or try a seasonal flavor.

Hair Lounge on Main, 60 S. Main St., offers a 10 percent discount on all services from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (14).

Use this map when you’re out shopping or dining Nov. 26.
http://www.theweekender.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/web1_editedmap.jpg.optimal.jpgUse this map when you’re out shopping or dining Nov. 26.

Stock up on holiday needs in downtown Wilkes-Barre during Small Business Saturday on Nov. 26.
http://www.theweekender.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/web1_shoppingbags.jpg.optimal.jpgStock up on holiday needs in downtown Wilkes-Barre during Small Business Saturday on Nov. 26.

Small Business Saturday launched in 2010 with help from American Express. It has been recognized in Wilkes-Barre since 2013.
http://www.theweekender.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/web1_shop-small.jpg.optimal.jpgSmall Business Saturday launched in 2010 with help from American Express. It has been recognized in Wilkes-Barre since 2013.
Submitted photo

By Sarah Haase

shaase@timesleader.com

Reach Sarah Haase at 570-991-6111 or email her at shaase@timesleader.com