There are numerous reasons why Small Business Saturday is a way better time to shop for the holidays than the consumer-driven miasma known as Black Friday. First off, small businesses are inherently local and it’s a fact that purchasing from an independently run shop or vendor based in the area is better for the economy than buying from a chain store. Second, small businesses often have unique gifts that are handmade and crafted by the owner themselves, making for a gift giving experience that’s way more special and authentic. Third, you never hear of anyone dying while shopping on Small Business Saturday but you always hear of an incident or two where someone loses their life while scrounging for a pointless discount on Black Friday. There are a variety of places you can go in order to partake in Small Business Saturday on November 25, including Buttonwoods Brewery’s Holiday Bazaar. From 12 noon to 6pm, the establishment located on 530 Wellington Avenue in Cranston will have a variety of artists selling some pretty cool things while the bar will have plenty of libations available for consumption.

This occasion marks the fifth time Buttonwoods Brewery has held their Holiday Bazaar in their space known as The Annex on a yearly basis. While having people come in to indulge in their beers, the brewery also enjoys the fact that they can provide a place for creative types to set up shop where people can purchase their one-of-a-kind products.

“This year's annual Holiday Bazaar will have the same concept as our previous holiday markets,” Buttonwoods’ Tasting Room Manager Jennie Paquin says about the event. “We host it on Small Business Saturday to put the spotlight on small local makers and artists who are connected to the brewery in some way. We invited back some familiar vendors you may have shopped from at our other markets, like Edgewood Cheese Shop, Bold As Love, who are formally known as Papermoon Marketplace, and Revibed Vinyl. We’re also welcoming some new friendly faces, which include Rustic Roots Mercantile. As usual, you can expect to spend an afternoon in our cozy tasting room while enjoying one of our 15+ beer options, delicious seasonal foods from Screaming Unicorn and perusing gifts and goods from our eight local vendors!”

For anyone who is looking for a cool variation on vinyl records, Revibed Vinyl has been making damaged ones into trays, wall art and home decor. Folks who are fans of woodworking and handmade objects should check out what Monty’s Workshop has going on while Bold As Love is ideal for anyone who is looking for either a card or a gift for their favorite weirdo. Rustic Roots Mercantile will have wall art and home decor available and if you’re a connoisseur of cheese and cured meats, then the Edgewood Cheese Shop is an absolute must. To know about all the vendors that will be present at Buttonwoods Brewery this Saturday afternoon, the best way is by showing up.

If you’re the type who likes to pay attention to updates before attending, follow Buttonwoods Brewery either on Facebook at facebook.com/ButtonwoodsBrewery, Instagram at instagram.com/ButtonwoodsCraftBrewing or Twitter at twitter.com/ButtonwoodsBrew. If you’re looking for a gift for your craft beer loving friend or relative, check out the merch area when you arrive at the brewery for log on to buttonwoodsbrewery.com. Make sure to spend Small Business Saturday in ideal fashion at the Holiday Bazaar, it’s the best way to support local creatives while having a beer in your hand.