Niles Main Street officials are asking area residents to make a difference this holiday season by shopping at local businesses.

This year’s Holiday Homecoming event coincides with Small Business Saturday, a national promotion that asks people to

Readers World’s Tom Majerek is hoping for a lot of business when the holiday shopping season officially kicks off this weekend. Daily Star photo/CRAIG HAUPERT

support small businesses.

“Shopping locally is hugely important because if you want to have a great downtown, you have to support your downtown businesses,” said Lisa Croteau, Niles Main Street DDA program manager.

Since its inception in 2004, Holiday Homecoming has been drawing hundreds of people to downtown Niles for entertainment and shopping at the beginning of the holiday season.

Holiday Homecoming runs from 4 to 7 p.m. downtown. Niles Main Street will be providing free refreshments, including hot cider and cookies. Free carriage rides around the downtown’s 100 block will also be provided.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive by horse-drawn sleigh to light the lights and the trees downtown. Children can t visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus near the tree on the corner of Second and Main streets.

“It should be a great time for people to have some fun and follow through with a commitment to shop at local businesses,” Croteau said.

Downtown businesses will be open during Holiday Homecoming and many will be offering discounts and specials during the holiday season.

According to Croteau, Trailhead Mercantile, Majerek’s Gift Shoppe and Readers World and Inspired By You will be offering a discount from now until Christmas if you bring in a receipt from another downtown business.

“With the economy the way it is, people are starting to realize there is a connection between shopping local and improving the local economy,” said Bryan Williams, owner of Trailhead Mercantile. “Basically when you are shopping local, you are giving money to your neighbor, and it stays right here in the community.”

For more ideas on shopping locally this holiday season, visit Niles Main Street at uncoverniles.com.