Many Americans spent the weekend shopping and cash registers are singing Christmas carols across the QCA. This weekend kicks off the holiday shopping season, and many store owners say they're seeing an increase in business over last year.

But the big box stores here in the Quad Cities aren't the only businesses celebrating Black Friday weekend. Rural downtowns have been looking forward to an increase in visitors all year. For some Mom and Pop type stores, this weekend represents a big chunk of their annual income and without it, they wouldn't be able to survive.

"It pretty much makes up 50% of our sales for the entire year," says Sherry Linscott, owner of Bishop Hill Fine Arts.

Which is why stores throughout Bishop Hill felt extra pressure this year to put on a good show for the hundreds of shoppers that come to their annual Swedish Christmas Market.

"We have 70 plus artists that are working their brains out throughout the year leading up this festival to get merchandise in here," Linscott says.

The town's businesses getting a major boost earlier in the year from Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn, who decided to re-open all the state historic sites. Because of that, sales are up significantly. Without it, businesses say they're not sure what they'd do.

"With everything open and with the state sites able to do their demonstrations and show the historic buildings, more people come," says Dianne Lindbom, a clerk at the Bishop Hill Colony Store.

"We really need people to get the word out that we're here, we're open, we're going to stay open, we have so much to offer," Linscott adds.

Unique features such as home made crafts, smaller stores, and a more personalized touch to the Christmas shopping process. It's why many say they prefer the small town experience to the big box stores.

"It's not commercialized," says shopper Jack Holmer. "It gives you the opportunity to shop in an environment that is different from other places."

"With this economic environment right now, we may not be able to do the 60-70% off that the department stores do, but we also are giving them something that's unique," Linscott adds.

Bishop hill will hold a similar Christmas Market, or Julmarknad next weekend. The event features exhibits, musicians, and even a special chocolate walk.