In a world where a lot of our favorite local places have been closing, it's more important than ever to support the ones that are still here. The small, locally-owned businesses are what makes Missoula's downtown so special, so we've got to make sure that they're able to stick around.

To that end, the Missoula Downtown Association is holding two events in the coming weeks to encourage people to Shop Small and Dine Local. The Missoulian has the info about the events, which will both take place at the Paddleheads Post (formerly the MSO Hub, which is attached to Missoula's Visitors Center).

The first event is taking place on Saturday, November 27th - just after Thanksgiving - and the second one will be just a week later, on Saturday, December 4th. Both will run from 10 AM until 2 PM and feature free hot cocoa and promotions from local businesses participating in Small Business Saturday.

With so many shortages happening all over the country, doing your holiday shopping locally is probably a smart move this year - you won't be beholden to the potentially massive delays you could see from larger companies like Amazon, and you'd be supporting a beloved local spot during an uncertain time. That's a win/win!

Plus, you know, free hot cocoa. You can't go wrong with that.

Think you'll be checking out either of these Shop Small and Dine Local events at the Paddleheads Post? Have you started any of your holiday shopping yet for the season?

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