This Saturday is Small Business Saturday, and the Lehighton Downtown Initiative encourages everyone to celebrate and support small businesses and what they do for the community.

The borough has many small businesses, which is why it’s participating in the national Small Business Saturday campaign started by American Express in 2010.

Small Business Saturday has become an important part of all small businesses during their busiest shopping season, Christmas. Patrons will see some of their favorite small businesses with signs, stickers, balloons and more.

With Christmas fast approaching, patrons are asked to take some time to do their holiday shopping at these local businesses.

Yvonne Stoudt, owner of Beautiful Hidden Treasures in the 100 block of Bankway Street, said she’s eager to participate.

“It’s been a little slow this summer, more so because of a lot of construction going on right here, and when Jim Thorpe blocked off their left turn for people to come through to Lehighton,” Stoudt said. “I appreciate being included in this, and I know they’re trying to better the downtown.”

Stoudt added that on Saturday she will offer a Merry Christmas Multiple Choice for which there will be different number amounts off the customers’ total bill, but they won’t know what that is until they’re done shopping.

They will choose a number between 1 and 4, and between 1 and 12, and she will have a chart to see what their actual discount will be.

“The economy has a lot to do with this year’s business,” Stoudt said. “So any business is great.”

Dawn Powell, manager, Renewed Life Furniture & Marketplace in the 300 block of North First Street, said it’s an opportunity for customers to see what the business is all about.

“For us, it means a lot because we have multiple small businesses within our one small business, with over 20 vendors, Powell said.

Christina Yurasits, owner of Blended Bakery in the 100 block of South First Street, said she’s stoked that there is an emphasis on small businesses such as hers.

Yurasits said her business plans to offer an in-house bakery special on Saturday in which customers can buy five cupcakes or doughnuts (can mix and match), and get one free. They can also spend $25 in gift certificates, and get a $30 gift certificate in return, she said.

“I love the fact that there is a focus on Small Business Saturday and (kind of) putting us on the map,” Yurasits said. “Often times, the focus is on big box stores and shopping on Black Friday, so it’s really nice for us to have that kind of spotlight as a small business.”

And in nearby Jim Thorpe, Mulligan’s Unique Toys & Gifts at 38 Broadway is having a fundraiser for the Dimmick Memorial Library with a Christmas display created by Robbie’s Balloons of Lehighton. This display will feature a life sized Christmas tree, a life sized Santa, and other treats.