Ironton aLive is once again a part of Small Business Saturday, an event held the Saturday after Thanksgiving to promote shopping at small, locally owned businesses.

This year, it falls on Nov. 25 and will feature a visit from Santa Claus.

“It’s not just a great event for retail shoppers, they will also be shown appreciation by restaurants as well,” said Sam Heighton, the executive director of Ironton aLive. “We will once again support Small Business Saturday and all Ironton businesses shoppers will be treated to the spirit of Christmas with gifts and prizes from our friendly merchants. Prizes of $300, $200 and $125 in Ironton Bucks will be won by some lucky shoppers in our passport contest.”

Passports can be picked up at participating merchants or at the Ironton City Center.

Santa Claus will arrive at the Ironton City Center at 10 a.m. via the Christmas Trolley.

“Youngsters can give him their Christmas wishes and have a free photo with the jolly old guy,” Heighton said, adding that people can ride the trolley until 2 p.m. to other retailers and decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus at the Chatroom Cafe. They can also enjoy a free cup of soup there.

All shops will be having specials and Consigned Books will be celebrating its one-year anniversary with refreshments. Unger’s Shoe Store will have a balloon pop and Merle Norman will be serving cookies and drinks.

One activity begins before the event.

“Leading up to Small Business Saturday, we’ll be hiding an elf around town and give hints on our Facebook page,” Heighton said. “A name will be drawn at our Christmas concert on Dec. 16 at the Ironton City Center for the grand prize.”

Last year, more than 112 million consumers shopped or dined on Small Business Saturday.

“This Nov. 25 it is the goal to make the most of the day with incentives and good deals,” Heighton said. “So shop small, shop Ironton, support the businesses that support your community.”