The San Marcos Main Street program will host Small Business Saturday on Nov. 28 to encourage residents to do their Christmas shopping at local businesses. During the event, which runs from noon-5 p.m., downtown businesses host giveaways and sales. Shoppers can also have gifts wrapped for free at the San Marcos Main Street office, 317 N. LBJ Drive. Main Street Manager Samantha Armbruster said the event is aimed at encouraging residents to support local businesses. Small Business Saturday is part of Main Street’s Heart of the Holiday series of events promoting holiday activities downtown. “I think a lot of the Christmas spirit is lost when you start shopping online,” Armbruster said. “There is something to be said about going store to store—seeing the decorations, hearing the Christmas music. That makes [Christmas] special.” Last year 10 downtown businesses participated in the event. This year there are about 30 official participants, Armbruster said. Carol Powers, who co-owns Paper Bear at 218 N. LBJ Drive along with her husband, David, said her store is planning sales on jewelry and other items. Powers and Paper Bear Manager Cathy Natal said they have been trying to get word out to the customers that they are open for business during the holidays. Carol and David were considering selling the business, which they have owned for 38 years, earlier this year. While the couple was considering selling the business a rumor got started that the store’s inventory had been emptied and they never restocked it. Carol said the store's inventory has been completely restocked with "premo" items. “We’ve been telling everyone who walks in the door to tell all their friends that we’re still here, and we’re going to be here through Christmas,” Powers said. Leanne Latham, owner of Candy, Sweets and Treats, 241 N. LBJ Drive, said she is planning sales on various holiday-themed items throughout her store. Latham said supporting downtown businesses helps foster continued improvement and development in the area. “Without supporting your local businesses, your downtown is not going to be able to thrive,” Latham said. “Downtown gives just as much back to the community as the community gives to it.” After Small Business Saturday concludes, the city and county host a lighting ceremony for the Square. Christmas lights on the courthouse lawn will be turned on during the event, which begins at 6 p.m. “The fact that you’re going to come down here and see the lighting and all the music and all of this stuff in a historic downtown setting, that’s not just shopping small,” Armbruster said. “That’s shopping deluxe.”