Nov. 25—Small businesses took center stage on Saturday during Small Business Saturday throughout the area.

Many businesses and groups of businesses offered special deals to kick off the holiday shopping season for small businesses.

The Lift Bridge Community Association is selling coupon books for $15 that will allow shoppers to get special deals at participating merchants, said Carlisle's in the Harbor owner Toni Carlisle. The coupon books are good for the entire month of December.

She said Friday was a great shopping day even though the focus on small businesses didn't kick in officially until Saturday.

In downtown Ashtabula, a Stop Shop took place at Space on Main and at the Park Avenue Winery on Saturday.

Alica McLaughlin, owner of the Space on Main said a variety of vendors featuring t-shirts, sweat shirts, cups and other items sold their creations. Evie's Luau food truck was also parked on Main Avenue for people to grab a snack while checking out the street.

Catherine's Christmas was a busy place on Saturday afternoon as people searched for that unique Christmas item. Melissa O'Connell, owner of the shop, said the store opens in late August before business picks during the fall.

"We gear up at the end of October," she said.

The Christmas season is obviously a busy time as well. "Yesterday (Friday) was the best we've had in many years," O'Connell said.

She said many people expressed their desire to shop small businesses.

"It makes you feel so good," O'Connell said.

A new Geneva business was still celebrating its grand opening a week earlier.

"It's been great, the community has been so supportive," said Jeff Butram, owner of Bin Bargains, which opened on Nov. 18.

The business has gray bins that feature different prices daily with different items available each day, Butram said. He said there were long lines opening weekend, but everybody handled themselves well.

The Jefferson Area Chamber of Commerce also sponsored a Passport to Shop program, allowing those who shop at a lot of stores earn an opportunity for prizes.

Those making it to 14 different businesses or organizations in the village by Dec. 2 will get three entries for a grand prize raffle basket. The passports must be delivered to the Findary Vintage Market by 4 p.m. on Dec. 2.

Tina Fuller, owner of Findary Vintage Market, said customer traffic was good on Friday and Saturday. She said there was a large demand for vintage Christmas items.

While FVM is a small business, 25 vendors work under the same roof.