3-19 is a Local Holiday! Support Small Businesses on ‘Buy319′ Day

Today (March 19th) is the perfect day to check out one of the Corridor's awesome local businesses and restaurants! According to the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, today is Buy319 Day.

"When we choose local, we invest in our own community’s success."

That's a quote from the Buy 319 Day press release, courtesy of Jule Day, who is the Director of Marketing & Communications for the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance. We all know the positive impact that supporting small businesses can have on a community, and today is a day to really drive that point home.

To show your support on Buy319 Day, here are some of the recommendations from the CR Metro Economic Alliance:

• Make a purchase at a local business and share it on social media using the hashtag: #Buy319
• Buy a Buy319 Gift Card HERE - they can be used at any of the participating businesses listed HERE
• Enter the social media giveaway for a chance to win one of three $100
  Buy319 Gift Cards - just comment on a Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance Facebook or Instagram post explaining why you support local

As the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance says, "every dollar spent locally stays in our community, fueling jobs, businesses, and economic growth." Get out and support your favorite local business today!

One of my favorite ways to support small businesses is by visiting farmers markets and craft/vintage markets in the area. You can check out a list of 2025 Eastern Iowa farmers markets HERE. Here are some of the craft/vintage markets happening this spring:

• Odd Mama's Indoor Market (March), Cedar Rapids
• Odd Mama's Indoor Market (April), Cedar Rapids
• Spring Arts & Crafts Show, Coralville
• Simply Made Market, Tiffin
• Spring Flea Market, Antique, and Collectible Show, Monticello
• What Cheer Flea Market, What Cheer
• Vintage Market Days, Cedar Rapids
• Marion Arts Festival, Marion
• Good Makers Market, Tipton

You can also check out some of these great local shops, courtesy of recommendations on social media and Google ahead of Small Business Saturday in 2024: