Submitted
RUSSELL — Russell residents, as well as those visiting Russell, will enjoy a full weekend of fun and fellowship, shopping and sharing Nov. 27 to 29.
The Plaid on the Plains celebration encourages shoppers to shop at locally owned businesses during the holiday season and all year round.
The festivities start on Plaid Friday, the small business alternative to Black Friday.
Plaid Friday was first celebrated in 2009 in Oakland, CA, a city known for strong “shop local” campaigns. The Plaid Friday movement has grown across the nation, and even more so in the Russell area.
Starting in 2010, Encore Antiques & Collectables hosted Plaid Friday events and in 2014 Encore encouraged local businesses to become involved. The Russell County Convention & Visitors Bureau stepped in to support the local Plaid Friday efforts.
Small Business Saturday was first observed in the United States in 2010, and encourages holiday shoppers to patronize brick and mortar businesses that are small and local. The first event was sponsored and promoted by American Express via a nationwide radio and television advertising campaign.
Encore first celebrated Small Business Saturday in 2011 and was named a Small Business Saturday Neighborhood Champion for the fourth year in a row.
Sunday Funday will include a variety of events, allowing families to enjoy time together and find a few final bargains.
Encore Antiques & Collectables serves as the headquarters for Plaid on the Plains.
Shoppers are encouraged to start their Plaid on the Plains adventures at Encore to pick up a plaid shopping bag and the 2020 Shop Sheet.
The Shop Sheet will provide an overview of each participating business as well as a schedule of area holiday events. Outreach assistance is provided by the Russell County Convention & Visitors Bureau and KRSL Russell Radio. Office Products, Incorporated - Russell (OPI) provides print and copy services.
“At Encore, we encourage folks to wear plaid when they’re out and about as a visible reminder to think local first,” said Sheryl Krug, co-owner of Encore Antiques & Collectables and local Plaid on the Plains coordinator. “On Plaid Friday at Encore, we offer discounts to all shoppers, but reward those shoppers wearing plaid with a gift.”
Other Russell retailers and organizations will be offering a variety of promotions.
For additional information, contact Encore Antiques & Collectables at 785-445-8480 or stop by 590 S. Fossil in Russell.