Illinois Local Holiday Market ties Small Business Saturday to Route 66 centennial

Illinois Local will stage its sixth annual Holiday Market on Nov. 28 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, bringing more than 70 small businesses, live entertainment and family activities to Small Business Saturday. The event has also been certified as part of the Route 66 Centennial celebration, adding national visibility for participating vendors and the Springfield area economy.

Why it matters: - The Holiday Market is designed to turn Thanksgiving weekend foot traffic into sales for Illinois small businesses. - The event can also send visitors to shops, restaurants, hotels and attractions across Springfield and nearby communities. - The Route 66 Centennial designation adds a national tourism hook to a local shopping event.

What happened: - Illinois Local will host its sixth annual Illinois Local Holiday Market on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 28, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. - The market will take place in the Orr Building at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield. - More than 70 Illinois small businesses and organizations are set to participate. - Illinois Local has marked the event as a Route 66 Centennial Certified Project. - The event is also supported by the Illinois Small Business Development Center for Central Illinois. - Illinois Local is an American Express Neighborhood Champion.

The details: - The market is family-friendly and includes holiday shopping, food, live entertainment, children’s activities and community programming. - Organizers say the event draws thousands of visitors from Central Illinois and beyond. - Many attendees are expected to be in Springfield visiting family and friends for Thanksgiving. - The market sits along the historic Route 66 corridor at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. - Participating vendors and organizations include businesses and causes tied to communities along the Mother Road. - Admission is $5 for ages 13 and up, and children 12 and under are free. - More information is available at holiday market details.

Between the lines: - The Route 66 Centennial connection gives Illinois Local a way to position the market as both a shopping event and a heritage celebration. - The timing on Small Business Saturday aligns the market with one of the biggest retail days of the year for independent merchants. - Vendor testimonials suggest the event has become a meaningful sales driver, not just a community gathering. - Honeydew Candle Co. called the market its biggest and most successful event of the year. - Little Lincoln’s Toy Shop said the market has become one of its favorite seasonal events and brings new customers into the store.

What's next: - The Illinois Local Awards will be presented at the Holiday Market at 3 p.m. for the first time. - Four awards will recognize members for business achievement, community contribution, social media engagement and support of the Illinois Local community. - Finalists include Bailey Family Insurance, Ceramics Made by Rosie, Doc's Just Off 66, Happy Hour Pilates and Knob Hill Landscape Co. for Business of the Year. - Community Hero finalists are Prairie Land Buzz Magazine, Journey Like June, Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway, The Teal Owl and Trimble's Produce Farm / Farmer Scott's Premium Popcorn. - Best Use of Social Media finalists are Magelitz Clinic Conservative Medicine, Happy Hour Pilates, Sunflour Bakery, Honeydew Candle Co. and Dayna's Dance Revolution. - Ambassador of the Year finalists are Noah Schlosser, Cheri Plummer, Brandy Mikus, Tammy & Gordon Fidler and Bethany Simmermaker. - Bailey Family Insurance sponsors the awards, and Ceramics Made by Rosie designed them. - Families can also expect Santa from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Bluey & Bingo from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., free holiday crafts and performances by Springfield Youth Performance Group, Dayna’s Dance Revolution, Springfield Theatre Centre and Music Therapy Connections. - Little Lincoln’s Toy Shop will host a children’s play area.

The bottom line: - Illinois Local is using a holiday shopping event to drive seasonal sales, spotlight independent businesses and connect Springfield to the Route 66 centennial conversation.