Many businesses in the Stark County area are participating. In downtown Canton, there will be a "Small Business Saturday Extravaganza" at the 4th Street Collective, 328 Walnut Ave. NE, where owners are invited to set up tables and represent their businesses. The event kicks off at 2 p.m. and will wrap up at 5 p.m.

After you wake up early on Black Friday to get the best deals that big box retailers have to offer, make sure to save some energy to support your local stores on “.” Fifteen years ago, American Express created a day for independent businesses — the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

Wedged between Black Friday, when many people storm big-box retailers for bargains, and Cyber Monday, when shoppers rely on their devices to find the best deals — Small Business Saturday encourages buyers to spend their money in locally owned shops, restaurants and other businesses.