Shopping local has never been easier this holiday season as shoppers can travel throughout Claremore on a free Holiday Trolley on Saturdays in December.

Claremore’s Holiday Trolley was announced by West Bend Winterland as a way to encourage both shopping local and attending the activities at Winterland.

“We are thrilled to have the Holiday Trolley this year,” said Jessica Jackson, director of Claremore Main Street. “It will just make the whole Christmas experience better in Claremore – where you can shop, dine and enjoy Winterland seamlessly and without the hassle of a car.”

The Trolley will leave from the grounds of the Claremore Expo Center and make continuous loops to several trolley stops, including Ne-Mar Shopping Center and two stops in downtown Claremore – one on Missouri and the other in the Claremore Daily Progress Parking Lot. All trolley stops will have signage to make it easier to spot for pick-ups and drop-offs.

The Trolley will run from noon until 8 p.m. on Dec. 1, Dec. 8, Dec. 15 and Dec. 21. The complimentary service is made possible by West Bend Winterland, Claremore Main Street, the Claremore Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Claremore Merchant Association.

“Shoppers can ride as often as they like, or make several trips back to their vehicle at the Expo Center in case they need to drop off bags,” said Tanya Andrews, director of the Claremore Expo Center. “This is a great way to promote Shop Claremore, Shop Local and encourage residents and visitors to spend money in town. It’s a great service provided by our partners.”

Many of the merchants in historic downtown will remain open until 7 p.m. or later, and folks can always grab a great meal or libations while they are out and about.

“The merchants are excited to participate in West Bend Winterland and are glad to partner in the Holiday Trolley, which will provide shoppers a convenience we have not had in Claremore before,” said Sheila Giannelli, president of the Downtown Claremore Merchant Association.

A full schedule of the Holiday Trolley and West Bend Winterland can be found online here or by calling 918-342-5357.

Downtown Claremore’s second annual Shopper Breakfast will kick off the national Small Business Saturday for Claremore this Saturday, Nov. 24.

Small Business Saturday is the chance for holiday shoppers to make a big impact by shopping at small, locally-owned stores. Falling the day after Black Friday, it fits into the busiest shopping weekend of the year.

“Shopping locally and at small businesses makes such a big impact on our local economy and serves our local families,” said Jessica Jackson, director of Claremore Main Street. “That’s why we’re eager to host a Small Business Saturday breakfast with She Brews again this year.”

For the second year in a row, Claremore Main Street has teamed up with American Express to host Small Business Saturday events and shopping deals in downtown Claremore.

The day will start with the free Shopper Breakfast at She Brews Coffee House’s downtown location, 414 W. Will Rogers Blvd., at 9 a.m. The first 200 guests will receive a free canvas bag with store coupons and deals for the day.

She Brews will be serving coffee and breakfast goodies for free to shoppers, and many stores are opening the doors early for customers to get started right away.

Santa Claus will even be in town! He will be in North Block Common, 115 N. Missouri Ave., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for free photos, courtesy of Grant Gingerich State Farm and MoreClaremore.

While out and about, shoppers are encouraged to use the hashtags #SmallBizSat and #ShopSmall to join the nationwide conversation.

Small Business Saturday was created by American Express in 2010. It was created to be a day between Black Friday and Cyber Monday to promote small, locally-owned businesses.

Claremore Main Street is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to its mission to enrich downtown Claremore by promoting a healthy downtown economy and advocating for revitalization and historic preservation.

For more information, follow the Small Business Saturday event page on Facebook.