Chamber Christmas Celebration Moved to Small Business Saturday
By Echo Menges
Refusing to abandon Christmas Celebration plans altogether, the Knox County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has kicked the annual celebration plan into high gear opting to move the event to Small Business Saturday, November 28, bringing activities outside and changing the times to daylight. This was a bold move by organizers who only gave themselves, and everyone else, about a week-and-a-half to plan.
Several area vendors and businesses pushed for the event to continue to help with finances, after a year of canceled special events.
Opting to wait to make any solid plans until mid November, Chamber representatives voted to move it up to be in conjunction with Small Business Saturday and press for safety, personal responsibility and advise everyone participating to follow state and CDC Guidelines, wear masks, participate at your own risk, and use common sense.
“This could be the only opportunity for some of our businesses to bring in more of the revenue they need,” said Chamber Secretary/Treasurer Shannon Downing.
The Knox County Christmas Celebration will be held in the Courthouse Courtyard in Edina from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. the Saturday following Thanksgiving with a visit from Santa at 3:00 p.m. on main steps outside of the courthouse.
The group is hoping food truck vendors will also participate because the annual Soup Supper has been suspended this year. Chamber representatives will offer hot chocolate in the courtyard instead.
Vendors and local businesses can learn how to participate on the Knox County Chamber of Commerce Facebook page and are welcome to host events in conjunction – as long as guidelines are followed and safety is prioritized.
Businesses around Edina just finding out about the event are readying for open houses or “in conjunction” events of their own.
“I like that we’re doing it on Small Business Saturday. It’s earlier and gives people the chance to support local businesses first. Supporting local businesses is at the core of what a Chamber of Commerce does,” said Chamber Vice-president Dr. Lisa Bosch.
