Forgive us if we have said “shop local” before. We think it is pretty important.

Saturday kicked off the shopping season of sorts in the Vicksburg area, as the Outlets at Vicksburg held its annual Shopping Extravaganza, attracting hundreds to take advantage of sales, prize drawings and lunch — a pretty good combination.

Quite often, we have touted the importance of supporting local businesses by shopping locally.

And, during the Christmas giving season, shopping local is a gift that gives back in more ways than you may at first realize.

With retail shopping centers at the Outlets, on Pemberton Square, at Walmart, the Vicksburg Mall and of course, Downtown Vicksburg, Vicksburg is not only an attraction for history buffs, but also for those seeking great sales, great items and a great shopping experience.

In addition to the Extravaganza, those shopping at the unique stores along Washington Street this weekend were provided the opportunity to ride in a horse-drawn carriage.

In short, Vicksburg is always open for business, but during the holidays, the red carpet is just a deeper, Christmas shade of red.

Sales tax revenue is the lifeline for city services, but that is not the lone reason why shopping local is so crucial.

The monies spent locally allow local businesses to succeed and hire local residents.

These businesses hire local vendors for services, thus continuing the cycle of shopping local.

Other cities have shopping. They have malls, and they have outlets.

But, sales made in those cities do not help fund the Vicksburg’s recreation department, the city’s road department or the city’s water and sewage system.

Sales in those cities do not support the Vicksburg-Warren City School District and the education of our children. Shopping locally does.

Shopping local is the gift that we can all give Vicksburg this holiday season. Shop local.