The holiday season is officially underway, which means many local business owners in the Grand Rapids area and nationwide are encouraging customers to shop small before hitting the big chains. Founded by American Express and co-sponsored by the U.

Many businesses in the Stark County area are participating. In downtown Canton, there will be a "Small Business Saturday Extravaganza" at the 4th Street Collective, 328 Walnut Ave. NE, where owners are invited to set up tables and represent their businesses. The event kicks off at 2 p.m. and will wrap up at 5 p.m.

Wedged between Black Friday, when many people storm big-box retailers for bargains, and Cyber Monday, when shoppers rely on their devices to find the best deals — Small Business Saturday encourages buyers to spend their money in locally owned shops, restaurants and other businesses.