SAN LUIS VALLEY, CO., (November 20, 2016): This upcoming Saturday is a national celebration of our Small Businesses. Please consider shopping for some of the items on your holiday list at locally-owned and regionally-owned small businesses. The Local Multiplier Effect (LME) refers to how many times dollars are recirculated within the local economy. One hundred years ago, the LME was estimated to be in the 20s or 30s in thriving, industrial communities. This is significantly reduced in today’s economic climate. The consumer decision to purchase locally – when possible – can result in dollar turnover five, six, seven, or eight times. This can improve the economic vitality of our region. Come out and enjoy these fun holiday events!

Saguache hosts a December 3rd holiday bazaar that includes homemade fudge, craft-making, vendors, visits with Santa, and the tree lighting. More information can be found at www.saguachechamber.org

Monte Vista has a light parade on December 3rd and offers unique shopping opportunities. Check out www.monte-vista.org

Del Norte hosts December 2nd festivities of a light parade with fireworks at 6 p.m. and Merchant Open Houses from 6 to 8 p.m. More information can be found at www.delnortechamber.org

South Fork has a WinterFest two-day event from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on December 9th and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on December 10th at the Rio Grande Golf Club with sleigh rides, vendors, a bonfire, Santa and his elves, cookie-decorating, arts and crafts, and more. More information at www.southfork.org

Creede hosts the 27th annual Chocolate Festival and Creede Scoop Chase on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday (November 25th and November 26th). More information at www.creede.com

Lake City hosts a town-wide “missing mistletoe” scavenger hunt with prizes and an annual Christmas in Lake City with a fruit cake toss, ugly sweater contest, tree lighting and performances on December 3rd. The full calendar of events for the month of December can be found at www.lakecity.com

Alamosa has the 6th annual Christmas Light Parade on December 16th at 5:30 p.m. More information can be found at www.alamosa.org

RWEACT -- together with the Rio Grande National Forest and funded through the Colorado Water Conservation Board, the Department of Local Affairs, and the Office of Emergency Management – works to promote partnerships and actions that provide for public safety and resiliency of communities and watersheds of the Rio Grande Basin of Colorado. More organizational information can be found at www.rweact.org