After the turkey is carved and gobbled up on Thanksgiving, the Black Friday shopping craze isn’t the only game in town: there’s also Small Business Saturday. 

Danville is one of several cities across the state that will be participating in the event, where customers are urged to shop local stores and support small businesses that don’t get the attention other stores get on Black Friday. 

“Small business Saturday means celebrating community and supporting people who are just like you,” Marketplace Gray owner Kelly Gray said. “It’s special because it’s personal and the support local businesses get directly influences the community in a positive way.” 

Those who shop in Danville on Saturday will have an opportunity to gain “Shop Small” merchandise and promotional materials, according to the Heart of Danville. 

During Small Business Saturday, there will be some of Santa’s elves making appearance at different locations around Danville who will be giving out free sets of Elf on the Shelf figurines. The Heart of Danville says several businesses will be giving away free Shop Small bags to their customers. 

Local shops in Danville will also have their own sales and specials going on all day long. 

A local store on Fourth Street, Marketplace Gray will have lots of Christmas goodies available on Saturday, Gray said. 

“We have lots of farmhouse, vintage and rustic decor, as well as ornaments, candles and unique one of a kind gifts,” she said. 

Gray said Marketplace Gray also has gift certificates available for those who are hard to shop for. 

This is the seventh Annual Small Business Saturday across America. According to American Express, the first ever Small Business Saturday was launched on Nov. 27, 2010.

It was started to help encourage people to support small, local businesses in their communities.  

In 2011, the United State Senate passes a resolution to officially recognize Small Business Saturday, according to American Express, and In 2012, all 50 states championed the day.

Earlier this month, the Danville City Commission passed a proclamation given to the Heart of Danville that officially declared the Saturday after Thanksgiving Small Business Saturday in Danville.