Sierra Club, Alton Main Street announce the end of annual Green Gift Bazaar

After 22 years of hosting and over a decade of co-hosting with Alton Main Street, the Green Gift Bazaar has served its purpose and will not be held again this year.

The event began in 2002, when Small Business Saturdays weren’t yet a widespread movement and Black Friday was the primary focus of the holiday shopping season.

The Sierra Club and Alton Main Street would like to thank all of the artists, makers, hosts, volunteers, and participants for many years of dedicated participation in the Green Gift Bazaar. “We truly appreciate the time, effort, and passion local artists and makers invest in their craft. Sustainable, local art has the power to make the world a better place,” organizers noted in an official announcement.

The organizers further noted their appreciation of the support from hosts over the years, including St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Jacoby Arts Center, Southwestern Illinois YWCA, the Riverbender.com Building, and Post Commons.

The Sierra Club and Alton Main Street are continuing to explore new ways to celebrate and promote their vibrant community.

“Alton Main Street will highlight Small Business Saturday by creating an informational program featuring refreshments, giveaways, discounts, free gifts with purchase, gift card specials, in-store activities, etcetera, from dozens of downtown retailers and restaurants,” said Alton Main Street Executive Director Sara McGibany. “Plan a day of shopping with your friends to celebrate the occasion; you can pick up a copy of the program the week leading up to Small Business Saturday at any participating location.”

For a directory of shops, restaurants, services and more, visit online at downtownalton.com/business-directory/. There are many ways available to support local artists, makers, and farmers; consider supporting these businesses on Small Business Saturday and all throughout the year.