Small Business Saturday, the Saturday after Thanksgiving, provides an opportunity for consumers to help the local economy by shopping local and keeping the money in the community.

The first ever Small Business Saturday took place on Nov. 27, 2010, and last year, 88 million people took part nationwide.

This Saturday, Ironton aLive will host a day of activities downtown for Small Business Saturday to go along with the small businesses providing deals.

Santa’s Trolley will run continuously for free from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. making numerous stops along Park Avenue and South Third Street including Merle Norman at Ironton Hills Plaza, Holiday Inn Express for story telling, BC Tools for inflateables, the Rotary Fountain where s’mores will be available, the Transit Café where children will be able to decorate cookies with elves, Peddler’s Restaurant, Barker Shop, Spare Time Recreation and the Ironton City Center, where Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for photos.

“This is the third year Ironton aLive has been a part of Small Business Saturday,” Sam Heighton, acting executive director of Ironton aLive, said. “We had a good crowd last year and we expect that to increase.”

Heighton added that he hopes to see a lot of children out this year with all of the activities geared toward children.

More than 30 Ironton merchants, restaurants and vendors have signed on this year to provide special coupons and savings for the day.

“Support for Small Business Saturday has continued to grow, with more individuals and local organizations pledging to support the day. We added a few Internet and home-based businesses this year,” Steve Call, Ironton aLive member, said. “Our goal is to get folks out, on our streets, in our shops and having fun. In addition to spending time in Ironton, we want them to spend their money here.”

There will also be a shopping contest with a drawing where first place will win $500, second $250 and third $100 in Ironton Bucks.

“This is a big project for Ironton aLive,” Heighton said. “We’re encouraging people to come out, shop small and keep the money in Ironton.”