Saving puchases for Small Business Saturday

Thousands of people braved the darkness of Black Friday this morning, but the shopping likely is not finished.

Some save purchases for Cyber Monday, but others -- ahem, me, ahem -- save room for Small Business Saturday. That's when I find more personal gifts for people on my list.

The day officially began last year. American Express and a bunch of small-business advocate groups coined the term and promoted the day.

My local efforts aren't usually confined to one Saturday, and it's a good thing. I'll miss the day this year; I'll be out of town. But I'll be back in time for the annual Downtown Christmas Open House on Dec. 2.

Old Town Cape every year organizes the event, complete with Santa, shopping spree giveaway and rides in a horse and sleigh. Jewelry stores, antique stores and art galleries are open from 5 to 9 p.m.

I am determined to win that downtown shopping spree this year. I can buy a lot of art for $1,500. Or sparkly jewelry. Or a comfy chair. I digress.

To enter the shopping spree contest, you sign up at a registration booth and drop tickets in boxes where ever you go. Although, in telling you that, I reduce my chances to win. Consider yourselves lucky.

The Visual Arts Co-op continues its tradition of erecting a wall of minis -- paintings and photographs about a foot wide or smaller that sell for $75 or less -- at the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri.

The group keeps a mini-case there year-round but increases the selection through the holidays. It replenishes the crop when pieces are bought.

It's a great way to buy art from an artist you (or someone on your nice list) enjoy, but can't afford all the time.