Start a year-round tradition. Support your hometown, the small business owner so they can keep their doors open.

Where do you buy gas? Where do you eat out? Whose community are you supporting? Shopping locally means supporting Auburn’s family-owned businesses, many of which can be found downtown.

There are specialty, retail items downtown you won’t find elsewhere. Buy gift certificates from your downtown hair salon or barber. Join a Pilates or a karate class. Eat out at downtown restaurants. Leave your server a nice tip and buy gift certificates while you are there.

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? She would love the services of a local, cleaning person for a day, to have a manicure or pedicure or get a much-needed massage.

Computer need a tune-up? Some young person is struggling to get their repair business up and running. Buy a bag of groceries for a special meal. How about tickets to see a play or ballet at the Auburn Avenue Theater? Buy the whole Bravo series.

Musicians need love too, and there are now downtown venues showcasing local bands and musicians.

Gift giving is about supporting and encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us.

Support a new American shopping tradition in the heart of Auburn, your downtown.

– Kathleen Keator, executive director, Auburn Downtown Association