CORTLAND, Ohio - Just Pizzelles in Cortland announced on Thursday that it is planning a community event in Cortland to kick off the holiday season and celebrate Small Busines Saturday on Saturday, Nov. 27.

Cortland residents are invited to visit and shop at the many local businesses in the area to help celebrate Small Business Saturday. Most shops and businesses open at 9:00 a.m. or 10:00 a.m.

In addition, many activities will take place in the courtyard area and large parking lot across from Cortland Bank on West Main St. throughout the day.

Guests can enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride through a quaint part of town from 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Rides are free courtesy of Cortland Rotary and Cortland Bank.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will show up from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. to visit children to listen to what's on their Christmas wish list and take pictures. In addition, children will receive a special goodie bag courtesy of the Cortland Lions Club while supplies last. Santa and Mrs. Claus are sponsored by Cortland Rotary.

At 6:00 p.m. guests can experience the tree lighting in the courtyard area near Cortland Bank. Santa and Mrs. Claus will also join in on the festivities and guests are invited to bring their own ornaments to hang on the tree. 

Complementary hot chocolate will be distributed by the Cortland Lions Club, as well as assorted cookies sponsored by Just Pizzelles and Cortland Sparkle.

Students of the Lakeview High School choir and band will also join the festivities by leading guests in caroling during the tree lighting. Additionally, the Lakeview Teachers Association will be set up with an ornament making station for guests to make ornaments to hang on the community tree.