SANDPOINT — Stacey Mueller, manager of the Cedar Street Bridge, watched area residents pack the bridge on Shop Small Saturday a year ago. 

As Mueller watched locals gather, reunite and support the small businesses that keep downtown Sandpoint alive, there was only one emotion that came to her. 

"Last year, I was in tears on Small Saturday,” Mueller said. “Our bridge was so packed with family and friends who were local. I hadn’t seen that; I’d been working toward it for that whole year.” 

With the sun set on Black Friday deals, the page turns back to Shop Small Saturday, a day where everyone is encouraged to spend money at small businesses. Mueller said after a rough year for downtown businesses thanks to a slower economy, the day serves as a light in the dark for small business owners. 

“When it gets busy down here, the energy level pumps up,” Mueller said. For everyone that has been, by faith, buying all this product for the people and then seeing it finally flow and go out that’s what generates ‘Oh my gosh, we still got it, we’re still going to be able to pay the bills.’” 

Leilani Williams, executive director of the Downtown Sandpoint Business Association, said one of her favorite things about the downtown region is the variety of products. The day doesn’t end with retail; shoppers are encouraged to visit local restaurants as well. 

"It’s everything. If we don’t come down and shop at our beautiful boutiques and restaurants, then there’s no way they can hire employees and keep their business open,” Williams said. “If we want a vibrant downtown, we have to support it.” 

This year, the Downtown Sandpoint Business Association has gathered a list of businesses that have special promotions and activities planned to get residents out to shop. At the bridge, Mueller said shoppers can enjoy an exclusive Grinch theme photo opportunity to kick off the holiday season while they browse the businesses. 

If you're feeling lucky, head to the Outdoor Experience where mystery deals ranging from 10% to 50% off will hang from the ceiling. Numerous other shops have special sales, and small giveaways planned, Williams said.  

"A lot of the business owners are just asking for the community to come out and support [the businesses],” Williams said. “We want to get to know our neighbors, get to know the people that are employing your sons and daughters and grandmas and aunties.” 

Williams said aside from supporting the local businesses, the day is also another opportunity for the community to connect with one another. She said that the level of support and familiarity with each other is what keeps Sandpoint feeling like Sandpoint. 

Mueller echoed a similar sentiment and said she’s tried building back the Cedar Street Bridge to be a place where residents can congregate.   

In addition to supporting the shops, 12 small businesses have partnered with nonprofits to create uniquely decorated trees as part of the Community Resource Envision Center’s Festival of Trees fundraiser. By purchasing a festival passport for $20, the locations of the trees will be uncovered and enter you into a grand raffle. 

Williams said if people visit all 12 trees and mark off their passport, they’ll be entered into a raffle for a $500 gift package from the local businesses.

"It’s a great opportunity to support your local businesses and also our local nonprofits,” Williams said. “The Cedar Street Bridge has Creations, a nonprofit art studio, so their tree will help build more income and knowledge for them.” 

More information about Shop Small Saturday and participating businesses can be found at sandpointdowntownshopping.com.