Rowan County residents will have the chance to support small businesses in their community while shopping for holiday gifts this weekend and throughout December.

On Black Friday, Downtown Salisbury Inc. will launch its “Shop the Block” campaign, which promotes shopping at locally-owned businesses. The next day is “Small Business Saturday,” the nationwide shopping day dedicated to supporting mom-and-pop shops.

Paula Bohland, executive director of Downtown Salisbury Inc. said each dollar spent in a locally owned business has an exponential impact on the community.

Friday night from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. will be “Holiday Night Out” in downtown Salisbury, shoppes will be open late and some will have events and special sales.

AnnaCraig Boutique, which sells fashionable apparel and jewelry, on West Innes Street will have special sales, and Authors will visit the Literary Bookpost Friday night and Saturday.

Farther up South Main Street at Caniche, customers who spend $100 Friday will get a $20 gift card. The store will have discounts up to 25 percent on Saturday.

The Candy Shoppe has deals on chocolate Advent calendars and will open on Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. during the holiday season. They’ll also be selling hot cocoa and mini pretzels during today’s Holiday Caravan Parade.

When you need a break from the shopping, stop by Salisbury Wine Shop between 5:30 and 7:30 Friday night for a Black Friday wine tasting.

And those are just a handful of Salisbury’s downtown stores that will have special offers for customers during the holidays. Visit www.downtownsalisburync.com for information.

Over in Spencer on Saturday, customers who spend $50 or more at Barnhardt Jewelers will receive a free gift, and $100 gift cards will sell for $75. The store will be open from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.

And nearby in Spencer is the Little Choo Choo Shop, which sells miniature trains. It will have regular business hours Friday and Saturday.

At Coleman Music on South Main Street in China Grove, all starter kits will be on sale Friday and Saturday. Shoppers in town can also visit Dale’s Sporting Goods, a true mom-and-pop shop.

Up in Woodleaf, Jacob’s Western Store has specials planned for Friday.

The historic Village Shops in Gold Hill will be open this weekend, but the real fun is set for Dec. 12-14 during “Christmas in the Village.”

Friday the shops will be open until 8 p.m. They will also be open Saturday and Sunday. Santa will visit the village throughout the weekend, and there will be plenty of music and activities.

Certainly, this is not a complete list of all the locally-owned businesses in the county to shop at this holiday season, and people might not find everything on their gift list downtown. But there’s a good chance they’ll find something that catches the eye or even the perfect gift for that special someone.