November is here and that means the holidays are near! This holiday season, make the choice to shop with purpose by shopping local! Every time you support a local business, you’re doing more than checking another gift off of your gift list. You’re helping fuel local jobs, strengthen community connections, and support the businesses that make Devils Lake feel like home. 

Think about your favorite traditions.. the coffee shop with the best cocoa, the store where you always find that just-right gift, the restaurant where celebrations become traditions. Local stores aren't just stops on your list, they're a part of what makes the season special.  Our local shops, restaurants, and businesses are the backdrop of our memories, and the holidays wouldn’t be the same without them.

That’s the spirit behind Small Business Season: celebrating the people and places that make our community special. From November 1st to December 31st, we’re celebrating small businesses in the Lake Region with Small Business Season! And this year’s theme says it plainly: Every Purchase Has a Purpose. Your local spending fuels jobs, strengthens the economy, and keeps neighbors connected. The impact doesn’t stop at the counter. It ripples across our schools, teams, and community causes.

Get ready to explore, engage, and enjoy! Watch for festive happenings and community challenges, including the Holiday Showcase, Tree Lighting Ceremony, Santa at the Lake Region Heritage Center, Holiday Crafts at the Lake Region Public Library, the Downtown Cookie Crawl, and more!

 

Ready to make this holiday season extra meaningful?

This Small Business Season, we invite you to discover meaningful gifts and one-of-a-kind treasures like: 

  • Giving the gift of time together using local businesses like Reslock's to create a custom punch card or coupon book — think “10 punches for family dinners” or fun, personal coupons like “father-daughter cocoa date,” or even “free hug.”
  • Curating a "themed basket" using products and merch from local storefronts — think "Cozy Soups and Dips" from LaMotte's or a "Countertop Coffee Bar" using syrups and beans from Crossroads. 
  • Turning dining local into a game! Think restaurant bingo or a foodie scavenger hunt with an Italian Soda at The Liquid Bean, breakfast for dinner at Mr. & Mrs. J's, date night at Anna's, dessert from MaryAnn's Place.  It’s a fun way to share meals, make memories, and support local flavors all season long (and see how many local bites you can try before the new year)!

 

This holiday season, we hope every purchase has a purpose for our community. Share your experiences on social media, tag your favorite businesses, and leave positive reviews. Your voice helps small businesses shine. Together, we can make shopping local something you think of first. Let’s show our appreciation for the neighbors who keep our community strong.

Shop local, dine local, love local.

 

P.S. Are you a local business owner? Let us help share your story! We’re featuring local businesses all season long through spotlights and social posts. Send your story and holiday cheer our way!!