ZEKE WRIGHT

Staff Writer

HOOSICK FALLS, N.Y. -- It's not just this Saturday, as a glut of promotions have been developed to keep holiday shoppers "shopping small" and local through the rest of the season.

In Hoosick, the area community coalition has renewed its annual "shop local" campaign with the Hoosick Holiday Shop Local Challenge. As part of the challenge, HAYC3 organizers are asking people to take photos of themselves and friends in groups shopping at any local Hoosick establishment through the week of Dec. 7 to 14.

"Each year we try to do something for our local businesses," said Aelish Nealon, the coalition's executive director, who pointed to the support local businesses provide in the community, either through donation or investment.

Participants in the shop local challenge are asked to "friend" HAYC3 on Facebook and then upload their shopping photos to the coalition's page at www.facebook.com/hayc3.org -- the funniest photo wins a $50 gift certificate to the winner's choice of any business in the village. The winner will be announced Dec. 17.

In Cambridge, community members have organized a Cash Mob for next Saturday, Dec. 1. A national phenomenon, the concept for the "cash mob" is simple: Bring $20 to your favorite local business and help support the area economy.

"I just felt like the community could use a good plug," said Cambridge resident Colleen McDonald, who initially heard about the cash mob formula on a national news program. An employee at Battenkill Books, she said local stores offered a lot in the way of unique gifts. Many will also be offering unique specials Dec. 1.

While the original plan was to revolve through particular stores on the morning of the event as a roving mob, greater-than-expected interest from residents and businesses have caused the event to evolve. "We just decided to cash mob Main Street" in no particular order, McDonald said.

The mob ostensibly begins at 10:30 a.m. at 15 East Main St., although the shopping is not scripted and participants may bring more than $20 along, McDonald added.

For more information, search Facebook for "Cambridge Cash Mob."