SACO — Communities all over the country are gearing up for Small Business Saturday, an annual celebration that attracts more than 100 million customers nationally, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration.

This year marks the ninth annual Small Business Saturday celebration, which is held the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Last year, Americans spent $12 billion on this day at independent neighborhood retailers and restaurants, according to the SBA.

Small businesses make up about 99 percent of all businesses in Maine and employ nearly 57 percent of Maine employees, according to the SBA.

Saco, like many towns and cities across the state, has a collection of small businesses in its downtown that help build the character of the community, said Rob Biggs, director of local economic development group Saco Main Street.

There are plenty of reasons to shop local, said Biggs. Shopping at a small family business instead of a big box store brings more money into the community. Staff at small businesses are often more knowledgeable about the products they sell than those at large chain retailers, and over time, build relationships with customers, said Biggs.

“People like the experience of talking to a business owner who knows their products and knows what you want,” said Biggs. “In a day and age that’s so internet driven, it’s kind of nice to have a human experience.”

Saco Main Street is helping to showcase local small businesses this Saturday from 10 a.m to 4 p.m. in its observation of Small Business Saturday.

Saco Main Street will be handing out $5 “Saco Bucks” gift certificates to the first 200 customers who stop by the organization’s ice cream shop, Saco Scoop, at 209 Main St. beginning at 10 a.m. 0n Saturday.

The gift certificates can be used at participating downtown businesses and must be used on Saturday, said Biggs. The Saco Bucks promotion has been funded by donations from non-retail local businesses including law firms and accountants, said Biggs. Local retailers who are payed with Saco Bucks gift cards can turn them in to Saco Main Street and get reimbursed.

Saco Main Street is also hosting an ugly sweater contest. Those who come into The Saco Scoop in an ugly sweater on Saturday will be entered into a raffle to win a prize package worth more than $100.

In addition to ice cream, The Saco Scoop will be featuring winter-themed treats like made-from-scratch hot chocolate and will have samples of s’mores featuring fresh-made marshmallows.

Local businesses will have special promotions on Saturday such as discounts on certain items or a special menu item said Biggs.

Saco isn’t the only community to highlight shopping locally on Saturday.

The Kennebunk-Kennebunkport-Arundel Chamber of Commerce is hosting Pajama Day on Saturday, encouraging shoppers to come dressed in their pajamas. Participating merchants and discounts are listed at www.gokennebunks.com.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 780-9015 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.