The Saturday after Thanksgiving is Small Business Saturday , an event to help showcase small businesses.

The Blue Island Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry will kick off the morning with a Small Business Saturday Breakfast, complete with specials and goody bags for the first 50 shoppers at  De Mar's Coffee Shop-Restaurant. The bags will contain coupons, treats, special deals/discounts and much more. RSVP at  https://www.facebook.com/ events/2416946521927315/.

Arrive early to be sure and get your bags before you head out shopping and dining - the event is from 8:00 - 10:00 a.m.

In this special edition of Things To Do, we've explored the ways you can shop small and make a big difference this Small Business Saturday!

From all the members of the Blue Island Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry,
have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

Grab some cash from First Midwest Bank before you stop by Bob's Auto Body to pick up a gift certificate for car detail service for your favorite ride or your favorite's ride. Stop by De Mar's then shop uptown til you've worked up an appetite fit for Double Play 's annual ode to the most popular sandwich on the south side: Italian Beef! Dinner spots are nearby too - try Tenochtitlan for fresh, authentic Mexican fare. Finish the day with a little gaming at Kathy's Corner or Betty's Place .
Stop by the Blue Island Public Library to check out their incredible raffle baskets and if you were lucky enough to snag a goody bag, you'll have a FREE ticket to enter to win the one you love most! The library is also toy collection spot for Blue Island Robbins Neighborhood Network this holiday season - all new, unwrapped toys welcome! Look over the library's upcoming class schedule and tech annex before checking out Blue Island's historic architecture by foot.
Pick up some homemade organic treats for Fido at Bow Wow's Pet Laundry and then head Iversen's or La Dolce for a special treat for any humans on your list. Stop by the lanes at Eagles or Burr Oak Bowl for some Saturday fun and gift cards, and you'll be ready for a few slices of Beggars famous pizza before you know it.
Enjoy breakfast at DeMars (and a stellar parking spot if you’re driving) before enjoying a little Avon (did someone say free samples popping?!) shopping. Turn up the size on the shopping dial when you're done and head over Napleton Lincoln to test drive their 2020 models!
Right across the street from DeMars, you can pick up a Winter class schedule from Moraine Valley Community College’s Blue Island Campus and a newsletter from PCIL. After you've finished shopping Western Ave, don't head home before grabbing a sandwich, wrap (coupon in the bag!) or dinner to go from D'Masti.
Post breakfast and uptown shopping, it's time for food and drinks at your favorite spot on Olde Western ( City Limits , Natural Law , Giuseppe’s , Rock Island Public House , Front Row , Mario’s or Blue Island Beer Company ) Be sure to check your goody bag for special offers and discounts good for food, drink, and merch at Rock Island Public House, Natural Law, and Blue Island Beer Co!
After you've stopped by De Mars for breakfast, head over to Meyer Eyecare to check out their latest selection of frames and sunglasses. Then, head north to Flowers by Cathe and use your 50% off clothes coupon to snag some adorable seasonal fashion. Blue Island Bonus: Flowers by Cathe is stocked with the best merchandise for your favorite Blue Islander - near or far!
Stop by the Blue Island Park District office at Memorial Park and register the littles for a host of upcoming Holiday events in Blue Island – Santa Train, Breakfast with Santa, and a Gingerbread House workshop.
After breakfast, shop Western Avenue and take a walk along the Cal-Sag Trail before lunch at Pollo Locuas . Navigate back to uptown to pick up stocking stuffer gift cards from entertainment complex, The Vault.
Antique shop and check out the latest real estate listings in Blue Island from R.W. Ruthenberg Real Estate & Insurance , Superior Real Estate , and Corona Realty Group . Stop by Cuzin’s to check out their newest menu selections and dance the night away to great live, local bands most every weekend.