Make It a Small Business Saturday in Sharon

SHARON, PA – The city is encouraging residents to turn out in force for its Small Business Saturday celebration on Saturday, Nov. 27.

The annual event kicks off with a special mascot ribbon cutting on the E. State St. Bridge, continues with shopping and store specials all day, and culminates with a special tree lighting and visit from Santa Claus at noon next to the FNB building at 7 W. State St. 

The city plans to honor the Sharon restaurant community during the tree lighting ceremony. 

“We knew it was important to hold our Small Business Saturday event to support our small business community which are still dealing with the effects of the pandemic,” said Bob Fiscus, city manager. “Saturday’s festivities will encourage people to come out and shop, grab breakfast or lunch locally and enjoy our city.” 

This year the city will honor its local restaurant community with representatives from four local restaurants lighting the tree. These include Joseph Altenor, owner of Haitian Sensation, Laura Ackley, manager of Donna’s Diner; Jen Krezeczowski, owner of Lulu Beans Café and Mike Lewis of Hangry’s Sub Shop. “We know what a tough year it has been for our restaurants and wanted to show our support for them” said Fiscus, adding that all Sharon restaurants are invited to send out a representative to the lighting as well. 

Holiday festivities throughout the day include a special mascot ribbon-cutting at 10 a.m. on State Street Bridge downtown between Gilbert’s Risk Solutions, 30 E. State St., and FNB Bank, 7 W. State St, sponsored by the Shenango Valley Chamber. 

Visitors can park on the street nearby or in the FNB lot across from Donna’s Diner. Then from 10 a.m. to noon, shoppers can enjoy store sales and take selfies with an elf who will be visiting the various Sharon retail shops throughout the morning. 

“We’re looking forward to starting our tradition of participating in Small Business Saturday,” said Amy Javens, owner of Cycle Life Studio, which opened in August on Chestnut Street and will be participating with specials, free cycling demos and a giveaway. “Our goal it to make shopping fun and to share our love of our new home in downtown Sharon with all of our business partners.” 

Other sales in Sharon stores include gift card specials at places such as Buhl Mansion Spa & Guesthouse, Professional Whites Uniforms and Donna’s Diner. 

The day’s events will continue with the traditional tree lighting and Santa’s arrival, but this year will be held at noon. “Though this has been done in the evening in past years, we made the decision to move it up during regular business hours of most of our shops so that it encourages people attending to stay and support our small businesses,” Fiscus said. “We have the Sharon High School Chamber Choir to kick it off.” 

Santa will arrive via fire truck and help light the tree along with the restaurant representatives. Afterwards he’ll stay and give out Daffin’s Candies to children. Later in the evening the ACT Sharpsville theater group will host the band 2nd Avenue Project at 7:30 p.m. in their new theater space at 40 S. Irvine Ave. The $10 tickets can be purchased at the door. 

“The City knows how important every dollar spent locally supports our business community especially after going through the pandemic,” Fiscus added. “We invite everyone to come out Saturday and support local.” 

Pictured: Santa Claus and his elf visit the Sharon Fire Department.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.