Sue Sitter/PCT A Christmas tree stands ready for lighting at Merchants Bank Square in downtown Rugby.

Rugby businesses and organizations have teamed up to offer a stress-free alternative to traffic bottlenecks at big box stores for shoppers on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 26.

Laurie Odden, executive director of the Rugby Chamber of Commerce, compiled a list of activities to go together with holiday bargains offered by stores located throughout the entire city.

The activities appeal to young and old alike, with the fun beginning for children at 1 p.m. with a free matinee showing of “Elf” at Rugby’s Lyric Theater, sponsored by the Jaycees.

“Then, from 2:30 to 5:30 are Grinchmas activities with the Rugby Jaycees,” Odden said.

A holiday tradition for the Jaycees, Grinchmas features visits from the green Dr. Suess character whose heart grows three times in size as he discovers the meaning of Christmas.

Odden said Stylin’ You Salon, 3rd Street Station, Christ Community Church and the Heart of America Public Library each planned to offer Christmas-themed fun for youngsters.

At 3rd Street Station, children can decorate sugar cookies with multi-colored icing. Christ Community Church will host an activity called “Reindeer Games.” Stylin’ You Salon will collect and forward letters to Santa.

At the library, children can gather round Mrs. Claus in her comfy chair to hear her read a Christmas story.

“Along with that, they’re doing a toy drive,” Odden said. “Bring a new toy to the Heart of America Library and your name will be entered into a contest to win one of two grand prizes.”

“They’re doing a toy drive to help the Lions Club and FBLA give gifts to everyone for Project Joy,” she added.

The former Joy Dental office space will be open to host an ornament making workshop as well.

She said participants in Rugby’s annual Parade of Lights will line up at Rugby High School at 5:30 p.m. The Parade begins at 6 p.m. and will follow a route from South Main Avenue north through Downtown Rugby.

“During the parade, there will be Christmas caroling and live music performed by the Village Arts Choir,” Odden said.

“The Feather, Hooves and Wool 4-H Club will be serving hot beverages, and the FBLA will be serving s’mores,” she added.

After the parade, Santa Claus will light a Christmas tree in Merchants Bank Square downtown.

“Shop downtown businesses and spend time with your children,” Odden said. “We’re hoping this gives people a nice opportunity to shop. Some businesses will be open until 4 p.m. Other businesses will be open even later.”

“I think a lot of them are running Small Business Saturday specials,” she added.

“I know Jodie (Kirchofner of Stylin’ You Salon) is planning some; Daunne (Heilman of Wild Minds Studio) is planning some specials; Ashley (Berg of Main Street Boutique) is planning some; Cindy (at Cindy’s Country Cupboard) is planning some and Jess (Brossart) at Market on Main is planning some,” she said.

“Stop in each store to find out what their Small Business Saturday specials are,” she added.