CORNING, N.Y. (WENY) -- Small Business Saturday is a nationally recognized day, but several shopping spots right here in the Twin Tiers were celebrating as well. Stores on Market Street in Corning opened their doors with a variety of sales and special products for today's event.

One goal of Small Business Saturday is to encourage people to holiday shop after Thanksgiving. But more importantly, it helps emphasize the concept of shopping locally.

Some participants in Corning's Small Business Saturday say bolstering and buying from companies on Market Street are vital to building the region's economy.

"In terms of Small Business Saturday, I try to think of how we purchase and to do it sustainably," said Jennifer Sekella, a local face painter, body artist, and owner of Painted Love. "So I don't purchase things, if I can avoid it, from companies like Amazon because they don't put stuff back into my community. As much as I possibly can, I try to shop local. I dine local as much as possible. And, of course, I want people to hire me. Well, if I want to get paid then I need to invest in the economy."

Not only is Corning benefiting from Small Business Saturday, but the Crystal City is also home to the Parade of Lights for the night. Guests will be able to see Market Street all lit up to ring in the holidays and showcase what history it has to offer.