Pink Friday has its second run Nov. 21

A successful event aimed at encouraging local residents to shop small and local during the holidays is back for another run Friday, Nov. 21 in Greenfield.

Greenfield Chamber Main Street is hosting another Pink Friday event after last year’s was a wild success.

“Last year there were people all over the square having a good time. People were saying they loved it and retailers were saying they loved it,” Chamber Promotions Committee Chair Gina School said. “We hope it grows last year because we got excellent feedback.”

School said weekends are busy for many people. That fact, coupled with the fact that Pink Friday is before Black Friday and Small Business Saturday even occur, are possible reasons Pink Friday has taken off so well. Greenfield was a pioneer town in participating in Small Business Saturday many years ago, but School is encouraged by how well Pink Friday has taken off.

Pink Friday this year will include a progressive craft. Shoppers can begin at NV Nutrition to receive a bag with a list of all of the supplies needed for the craft, which is a snowman. These supplies and materials can be found at various retailers. Once supplies are accumulated, shoppers can go to Hotel Greenfield’s lounge to receive assistance making the craft.

“I think it’s one of those let loose things at the end of the week where people can fit in pretty easily,” School said.

With a pig theme, several participating retailers will have a specially-painted piggy bank. People will be able to give money in their favorite piggy bank with all of the proceeds given to the local food and hygiene pantries.

A passport will also be available for shoppers, who can be entered to receive prizes for how full their passport is.

Pop-up vendors — some from the recent farmers markets, as well as others — will also likely be set up in some retailers’ storefronts for added shopping opportunities.

As a business owner, School expressed the importance of local residents shopping here as much as possible.

“The whole point of Pink Friday is to shop small and local first and to get people in the [local] stores first before the big box stores or going online,” School said. “People don’t realize how much money they’re spending driving somewhere. When they spend money here they’re investing money in Greenfield so we can keep expanding.”