IRON MOUNTAIN — Numerous small businesses in the area are gearing up for the 15th annual Small Business Saturday.

According to information provided by the Iron Mountain Downtown Development Authority, Small Business Saturday was created by American Express in 2010, in response to the ongoing 2008 recession, to encourage people to shop at their local businesses. The first SBS was the Saturday after Thanksgiving, positioned between the well-known Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping days touted by mega-retailers and big-box stores.

Since then, it has gained widespread acceptance, in part because nearly two-thirds of all dollars spent at local and small businesses will stay in the local area.

The Iron Mountain DDA is inviting community members to shop local and shop small in celebration of Small Business Saturday.

“If you’re already thinking about your holiday shopping, the season is quickly approaching,” they said in a press release. “Small Business Saturday follows right after Thanksgiving, making it the perfect time to get out, support local businesses, and give our local economy a boost.”

A number of stores may be offering discounts and special offers on Saturday. Downtown Iron Mountain and the surrounding area offer so many opportunities to shop, dine, and explore throughout the holidays. And the best part? Shopping close to home means no long drives, no heavy traffic, and no trekking across massive parking lots — just a convenient, enjoyable experience right in your own community.

In Iron County, a number of local retailers will be offering deals and discounts in the Iron River and Crystal Falls areas. A list of deals is available on the Iron County Economic Chamber Alliance Facebook page.

The Iron County Museum will host a Shop Small Saturday and Craft Fair from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. There is free admission and refreshments will be served.

A number of crafters will take part and the museum gift shop will be open for shoppers. There will be raffle tickets available for 82 baskets that are will be raffled off as part of the 38th annual Christmas Tree Galleria. Tickets will be on sale until noon Dec. 14.

The Harbour House Museum in Crystal Falls is hosting a shop small hub from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. The gift shop will be open and they will have ugly sweater ornaments on their tree available.