After the Lighted Boat Parade then it's time for the Main Street Christmas Party and we will be there and we hope to see you there.

Rock Hall Parade of Lights

That time of year when Santa arrives by workboat followed by the lighted boat parade. Then a short ride to main street to let the kids meet santa and mom and dad to do a little christmas shopping.

Small Business Saturday

I don't usually put something like this out there however I read this the other day and thought it made some sense and since "Small Business Saturday" will be here soon November 26, 2011. I thought I would put this out there.

Christmas 2011 -- Birth of a New Tradition As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods that will be sold by the big chain shores nation wide. Merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor.

So....lets help make this year and many years from now be a little different. This year Americans should give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans who know's what you purchase could make a difference to your neighbor. There is no longer an excuse that nothing can be found that is produced by American hands and or sold by your local small retail store. Maybe you have to look a little harder but just look around. I know this to be true because I run a store that 80% of what we sell each year is "MADE IN THE U. S. A."

It's also time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper? Everyone, yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber? Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement and who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.

You say thats all good but you wanted to get a flat-screen or other electronics that just aren't made here, that's OK but look to your neighborhood electronics store before you go looking in that mega store, remember your neighbor is more likly to answer your question than the guy that says, what number are you? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.

There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this isn't about big National chains.... this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open. How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day. My computer could use a tune-up, and I know I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.

OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.

I know you say American made cost more, not always, in some cases it may even cost less. Besides maybe instead of buying 6 gifts you get 2 really well made gifts that will be loved for a long time to come. Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre. Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands and go have a listen. And don't forget to leave a little something for the mailman, trash guy or babysitter they work hard all year too.

You see, Christmas should no longer be about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas should be where we begin caring about our neighbors, our towns and our communities and encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine.

This SHOULD BE the new American Christmas tradition, think SMALL BUSINESS.