Hundreds of shoes hit the pavement on downtown sidewalks during “Small Business Saturday” this weekend, and most of the shoes had shopping bags floating nearby as they made their way from store to store.

A couple dozen downtown businesses participated in a Holiday Open House this Friday through Sunday, offering many special deals, promotions and refreshments that coincided with the annual nationwide promotion of shopping small for the holidays.

At Simply Susan’s Bakery and Café, Luke Willette and the Sho Me Band played inside as their music was piped outside. About a dozen people feasted on baked treats and coffee just after 4 p.m., and owner Susan Glover said the shop had been full all day.

“It was slammed,” she said. “We were full.”

At wine shop C3 Vino, owner Randy Withers said he had seen a lot of business.

“It’s been wonderful to see the streets of downtown filled with foot traffic,” he said, mentioning the city’s Economic Development department had been supportive.

Brenda Wright, artist and owner of Shooting Star Gallery, said her store had also been busy.

“We’ve been slammed since we opened the door this morning,” she said. “They’re coming out for the small business thing.”

Black Friday had also been a good day, she added.

At Shooting Star Gallery, Linne Lochen of Williamsburg was checking out the merchandise.

“It’s important to support the local businesses,” she said. “The vibrancy of our downtowns and our neighborhoods depends on small businesses. Good things really do come in small packages.”