Darien Days: Find Deals and Support Local Business

Small Business Saturday passed last week, but supporting local businesses is something you can do all year.

Darien Days, organized by the Darien Chamber of Commerce, puts a special emphasis on local businesses by getting the community involved directly with the business owners. 

The event officially started Nov. 25 and will run through Sunday, Dec. 2, concluding with a business expo and tree-lighting. Throughout the week, keep your eyes out for special deals from local businesses. Here's a couple deals: 

• Oakridge Hobbies & Toys: Stop by the store, spot the elves and unscramble their five-letter password for a free candy cane and a $5 gift certificate  (limit one per person per day). Also, enter a store drawing for a hobby-grade RUCKUS Electric Ready-to-Run R/C truck—no purchase necessary. 
• Republic Bank: Open a free checking account or other product and receive a free gift. Also be entered to win a special surprise. 

The holiday expo is from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2, at Lace School in Darien, with the Darien Historical Society's annual tree-lighting ceremony beginning at 4 p.m. 

Santa will make an appearance at the expo, and there will also be plenty of gifts, games and prizes. There will also be a Pizza Throwdown between Rosati's, Home Run Inn and Jet's. 

Admission to the event is any non-perishable food items which will be donated to the Darien Lions Club Food Basket Program. 

Expo Vendors Include

• The Keyboard Touch 
• Darien Lions Club
• Massage Envy
• Hinsdale South High School Booster Club
• Darien Historical Society
• Friends of the Indian Prairie Public Library
• Home Depot
• Republic Bank
• Alignitup
• Smashburger
• Arbonne
• Celestine Salon & Spa
• Oakridge Hobbies & Toys
• State Bank of Countryside