This Saturday is an opportunity for everyone to contribute to our local community and our local economy, all at one time.

Saturday is Small Business Saturday.

Small Business Saturday is an American shopping holiday held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving during one of the busiest shopping periods of the year.

First observed on Nov. 27, 2010, it is seen as a counterpart to Black Friday which feature big box retailers and Cyber Monday that highlights e-commerce stores.

By contrast, Small Business Saturday encourages holiday shoppers to patronize brick and mortar businesses that are small and local.

In 2010, the holiday was started as a grassroots measure by small business owners and  was promoted by American Express via a nationwide radio and television advertising campaign. That year American Express even bought advertising on Facebook.

Through the use of conventional and social media, the event has grown and blossomed into something that many of us talk about, Facebook and Tweet about, and anticipate with excitement.

We offer each other ideas about where to go to find creative, homemade gifts and goodies. Locally-owned businesses offer special deals and many even bring out the punch and cookies to get consumers to drop in.

The Silverdale Chamber of Commerce incorporates Small Business Saturday into a host of events including the annual Christmas tree lighting in Old Town Silverdale, along with the arrival of Santa and other events for the kids.

The Bremerton Chamber of Commerce, too, supports Small Business Saturday and merchants in downtown are inviting shoppers to make it a day.

Go ahead, stand in line on Thanksgiving Day, and the Black Friday Day-After, for the best buys possible at the department stores and the national chain discount houses.

And on Monday, stay home and buy online.

But get out on Saturday and support your local businesses. Find someone on your list who would enjoy something handmade by a local artist.

Check out that antique store for something different. Or stop by the local hardware store for some “man” gifts. And grab lunch at a local cafe.

Your actions will help the local business owner, will put money in the local economy, and will help you feel a part of the community.