Those looking to do some holiday shopping this weekend should consider alternatives to major retailers like Walmart and Amazon.

That’s because Nov. 26 is Small Business Saturday, a day established as an alternative to Black Friday and Cyber Monday, to encourage shoppers to visit local small businesses for their holiday needs.

Mayor Ed Burtner proclaimed Nov. 26 Small Business Saturday in Winchester, encouraging local families and visitors to Winchester to shop at locally-owned businesses.

“Small businesses in our community create jobs, boost our local economy and preserve our neighborhoods,” Burtner’s proclamation read. “Small business is the backbone of our community.”

However, the day will be celebrated in communities across the country, not just in Winchester.

The tradition began in Massachusetts in 2010 and every year since has been sponsored by American Express.

In 2011, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a resolution in support of the shopping day, and now communities in all 50 states participate.

In 2015, 95 million people went to local businesses on Small Business Saturday to shop.

To find Winchester businesses participating in Small Business Saturday 2016, visit shopsmallnow.americanexpress.com. The website shows about 100 businesses in the Winchester and Clark County which will participate.

Contact Seth at sett.littrell@winchestersun.com.