Support local economy during the holidays

With the hectic 2016 campaign season behind us, what better time for the holidays to come and remind us of working together?

As Thanksgiving and Christmas draw ever closer, plans are made for travel, if necessary, and when to start shopping for presents. To this latter, we remind people to take advantage of the shopping opportunities here in Thermopolis. Several businesses will be open early on Nov. 26 for shoppers’ convenience. Before taking your lists online or out of town, take advantage of what shopping locally can afford you.

First, there’s the obvious. Shopping local ensures that the money spent comes back into the community. This can help businesses to keep their doors open, and in some cases allows them to offer special prices on their items.

Second, for those still considering going out of town, be sure to factor in your gas, meals and, if needed, stay over costs when planning your trip, then ask yourself if you’re really saving anything. There are at least a couple local stores that can act as delivery sites for online orders.

Third and last, shopping local helps make sure you can be in town for the holiday festivities Nov. 26, including the crowning of the winter royalty and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. This year, there’s even a demonstration from the fire department — those who were there might remember the spectacular exhibition they put on during the weekend of the Gift of the Waters Pageant and Big Horn Basin Folk Festival.

So, we encourage you, before you put your foot to the gas or your finger to the mouse, be sure to look at some of the shopping opportunities here for you. Let’s all do our part to help keep our local economy strong.