GOSHEN COUNTY – The holiday shopping season kicked off in full swing this past Saturday with Small Business Saturday, and Torrington’s downtown streets were buzzing with activity. 

Held annually on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, the event encourages the community to support small and local businesses – cornerstones of our local economy. These businesses not only create jobs but also provide vital services which keep our community thriving. But for many, the holiday shopping season is crucial to powering through the slower months ahead.

This year, Go Goshen and the Main Street Program took the celebration to the next level, distributing Support Local tote bags to shoppers who came out to explore downtown Torrington. 

Inside the bags were a treasure trove of exclusive deals and special offers from some of Goshen County’s favorite businesses, including Wyoming Hemp Co., Fort Laramie Bar & Grill, Wild Hare, Bloedorn Lumber, The Style Exchange, and Fort Laramie American Grill.

Tonya Madsen, a local resident who received a bag at Old Moose Coffee, said she was surprised and pleased by how many offers were inside the totes. She mentioned a deal from Bates Bros. Coffee, a business she was not familiar with but was excited to learn more about. Extra surprises were also placed randomly in the bags, including water bottles, gift cards, and Goshen Bucks, which can be used like cash at many Goshen County businesses. Libby Montgomery was lucky enough to receive a tote with $50 in Goshen Bucks.

Also included in the bags were Shop Small Passports, where shoppers can get a stamp from local merchants. Once the card is filled, it can be submitted for a chance to win giveaways through Go Goshen. The Passport drop box is located at 21st and Main, and submission must be made by 4 p.m. on December 19.

Leann Mattis, Community Development Director at Go Goshen, said the Main Street Program distributed over 200 Support Local tote bags. 

“This year’s Small Business Saturday was a huge success,” she said, “and it’s all thanks to our amazing community. Hundreds of shoppers filled our downtown streets, celebrating and supporting our amazing local businesses.”

The Shop Small campaign is far from over. This Saturday, December 7, Fort Laramie will be hosting its own Shop Fort Laramie event starting at 9 a.m. 

The event promises to be a festive day filled with specials at Fort Laramie businesses, a silent auction in the Community Center, a handmade gifts and crafts show in the Senior Center, and a fundraiser for the Fort Laramie Volunteer Fire Department. 

Santa himself will be making a special appearance from 1-3 p.m., and Chuck Brooks’ famous Medicine Hat Ponies will be offering pony rides for kids and families.

Mattis encourages the Goshen County community to continue to invest in the businesses which help make Goshen County what it is. She says, “Support your neighbors. Celebrate local. Shop small. Thank you for helping make our downtown vibrant and thriving. See you on Main Street.”