With Dec. 25 just over a month away, it's time to get out your gift list and get into Christmas shopping mode.

The Town of Okotoks is encouraging residents to shop local this holiday season.

Economic Development Manager Shane Olson says what you can find in the city, you can probably find locally.

"We've got a number of unique, character stores in the community here and when people do shop local their dollars are reinvested into the local economy and of course local independent operators will reinvest, in not only jobs and wages, but they'll also invest in the communities well-being," he says.

Olson says Friday's Light Up Okotoks is a great way to start your shopping.

"Light Up Okotoks is our official kick-off to the shopping holiday season and everybody is welcome to come downtown, check out the Christmas tree lighting, sleigh rides and all the usual annual traditions with that and a number of the stores will be open late in the downtown core for late night shopping."

Olson also says that when you shop local, you don't just help one business, you help a number of members in the community.

"Entrepreneurship is really our backbone that fuels economic innovation and prosperity, keeping people in the community and serving the families that we have here is absolutely important for long-term economic success."

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