Small Business Saturday full of treats and cheer
Shoppers and their pups couldn’t resist the lure of Small Business Saturday, scouring downtown Vacaville for eats and treats throughout the day.
From pups in strollers to those cuddled against shoulders to big dogs on the prowl, cute canines roamed Main Street to side streets, their human companions along for the ride.
As doggies got in their steps, men, women and children happily followed along, many in search of Christmas gifts and cool stuff you just need in your life.
Dozens of vendors proffered their wares, thanks to Rise and Redemption, which had several indoor shopping stations, and the Downtown Vacaville Business Improvement District, which invited veteran sellers to set up along several thoroughfares.
For their part, shoppers were masked and motivated, enjoying being outside their homes for a fun seasonal field trip.
Yezzel Corona and Mateo, 5, waited patiently to enter Rise and Redemption. Social distancing requirements meant only a certain number of people could be inside at one time.
As Mateo played in the shadows of the building, Corona shared the reason for their downtown outing.
“Just because it’s small businesses,” she explained. “We support small businesses.”
Over at Clipper Cargo, owner Ted Neima painstakingly sorted through piles of jewelry that he then placed on sale tables. The gorgeous baubles came at bargain basement prices — either $2.99 or $4.99 for rings, brooches, necklaces and bracelets.
“We had to ration them in today,” he said, of visitors, excited that so many came to browse.
And to talk story. He’s long been a community
fixture and at least a handful of friends dropped by to say hello in the brief time this reporter was on the spot. He had a kind word for everyone, including his research and evaluation staffer, Morgan McVey.
Though the crowd seemed slimmer this year, she said, the demographic was different.
“More young people this time, more of the young crowd,” McVey noted. Which is great, she mused, because perhaps they’ll become repeat shoppers.
“It’s just nice to get people into downtown,” she added.
Mason Garibaldi ,8, charmed a lot of people at the booth he shared with his dad, who has the catchy website www.kissmylicorice.com.
Mason weaves bracelets of various thicknesses and colors. They’re fun and stretchy and for all genders.
“I make them with my grandma,” he shared. “We use rubber bands on the loom.”
He was 4 when he made his first bracelet and 7 when he made his first sale.
His grandma is taking a brief rest so he’s been making some on his own and enjoying the process.
Asked how he got into the sales business, Mason’s reply was simple.
“My dad sells stuff and I want to be like him,” he answered.
Mason has a very noble and important reason for his entrepreneurship at this time.
“I’m sav in g up for Christmas presents,” he said.
Those needing a break headed over to the Taco Addiction food truck or to the courtyard of the Sonoma Springs Brewing Co. More vendors awaited, as well as sweet treats, beer and ample seating.
Meanwhile, local businesses welcomed the increased foot traffic and eateries were bustling with diners in good cheer.
Brooke Fox, DVBID executive director, expressed satisfaction with how the event turned out.
“Every year this event grows,” she said. “It’s nice to see so many people out.”