Staff Report

ROCKFORD –  The annual holiday local shopping tradition, A Local Holiday Market returns Saturday, Dec 7, at Rockford University’s Regents Hall, 5050 E. State St.

Presented by Winnebago Buy Local the holiday-themed shopping market is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and will be filled with only locally owned vendors.

In its ninth successful year, A Local Holiday Market helps support local grass roots businesses in one convenient location.

“We feel uniquely blessed that our community looks for new and exciting opportunities to buy locally year-round,” said Lauren Davis, Director of Winnebago Buy Local. “But during the holidays, I know that convenience is key, so we load up the room with dozens of local businesses, pump up the music, bring in local entertainment in the form of choirs and holiday characters, give out tote bags and coupons to area restaurants, and provide the community with a way to ‘Support-Local’ during the busiest shopping time of the year. Not only is the energy high, but the day is lighthearted and magical, and it brings to light the amazing businesses we have in our community.”

Davis said by supporting local businesses during the holiday season, an average of $.64 of every dollar spent stays in the local economy. She added that supporting local businesses allows a community to retain more of its wealth, helping it become a unique place to live, work, and visit. 

The first 200 families to enter A Local Holiday Market 2019 will get a free reusable shopping bag. These commemorative, reusable shopping bags contain several gifts from businesses.. Starting at noon, there will be additional valuable lunch coupons made available for our attending guests to use at local participating restaurants and cafes to help continue with their day of local-support, even after they shop at the market event. 

The event is free. 

Winnebago Buy Local is a Rockford-based nonprofit that supports locally owned businesses to benefit the region.