By Jim Hagerty
Reporter

ROCKFORD – A successful holiday shopping tradition makes its return to Rockford for the ninth year this weekend. 

Winnebago Buy Local’s “A Local Holiday Market 2019” will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 7, at Rockford University’s Regents Hall. The holiday-themed market features ware from only locally owned businesses aims to help shoppers support their favorite homegrown businesses all in one location.

“We feel uniquely blessed that our community looks for new and exciting opportunities to buy locally year-round,” Winnebago Buy Local Director Lauren Davis said in a release. “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.”

The first 200 families through the doors Saturday will receive a free reusable shopping bag to use when buying throughout the year. Because the commemorative bags are reusable, they help the environment, Davis said, and they contain several gifts from local business. Guests will also receive lunch coupons for participating local restaurants and cafes.

Live entertainment will be by the Rockford Christian School choir.

“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 added.

According to stats compiled by Winnebago Buy Local, more than $.65 of every dollar spent with a local business stays in the local economy, allowing communities to retain wealth and become unique places to live, work, and visit. 

The event is sponsored by PC Tech 2U, Meg’s Daily Grind, Iverson Painting, and Meemic-Redd Insurance Group.  Rockford University is at 5050 E. State St. Regents Hall can be found by following the candy cane path.