The 11th annual Shop the Blocks event will take place Nov. 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown Turlock, and co-organizer Candace Gonsalves wants local shoppers to know the event is as important as ever.

“There is always a need to think of and shop small businesses first,” said Gonsalves, owner of Farm House, 311 E. Main St. “It’s so much harder for a small business to make it, which is why so many people give up on it. And losing even one business downtown is devastating, because there’s a ripple effect. That’s the last thing we want to see, but it takes the entire community to help us.”

Gonsalves, who opened Farm House in 2015 and has helped organize all previous Shop the Blocks events, said the first year of a new presidential administration is typically a slow year.

“Half the people think doomsday is near and the other half think we’re going to get some relief,” said Gonsalves. “I think the previous two years weren’t the strongest for small businesses, and then going into this change year will make it even harder.”

Jenny Roots Sousa, owner of Rustic Roots, 231 E. Main St., agreed with Gonsalves’ assessment of the economy. But she also believes local shoppers can get personalized attention that can’t be matched elsewhere.

“You come into the store, we’ll spend an hour with you setting up a tablescape,” said Sousa. “You don’t get that at the big box stores; you get that for free when you come into a store like ours. You can come in with an inspiration picture and we’ll work with you, one on one, to recreate it. And we’ll try to price-match, if we can.”

Sousa said she’s had her customers in mind as she’s prepared for the coming holiday season.

“I have worked diligently, shopping for my customers to get reasonable prices,” said Sousa. “I’ve never walked so hard for my customers. Is everything in the store cheap? No, but if they take the time to look, I think they’ll be pleasantly surprised.”

Thirty different businesses are slated to participate in this year’s event, which will run about a half mile along East Main Street from Palm Street to Broadway, with a few businesses on Center Street also participating.

Ceres-based Legacy Limousine Service will handle the shuttle duties, with 10 pick-up/drop-off points along the route.

“The limo will shuttle you to any of the participating businesses,” said Gonsalves. “Shoppers can hop on, rest their feet for a little bit, and get off wherever they want.”

There will also be a stop on Center Street – located on the sidewalk between Center Street Grill and Rustic Roots – where you can have your picture taken with Santa Claus. A portion of the photography proceeds will be given back to the Downtown fund, with another portion going to aid high school seniors in paying for their class trip to Disneyland.

“Because of the way I grew up, I feel the need to pay it forward and help others,” said local photographer Candy Padilla, who is offering two 6 by 8-inch prints, plus a digital copy, for $25. “I was one of those kids who needed help from others, at times.”

Students from Alegria Performing Arts Academy will be on hand to sing carols, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Gonsalves, Sousa, and Julie LoForti (owner of Bella Forte, 200 W. Main St.), are also launching the inaugural Downtown Ornament Stroll — similar to Shop the Blocks — on Dec. 7 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“Shoppers can buy one ticket and then go around and collect beautiful ornaments from 10 participating businesses,” said Gonsalves. “Shop the Blocks is always the first Sunday in November, and this stroll will be the first Sunday in December.”