The second annual Summer on the Square has found a big shoe to fill.
The fair, dedicated to highlighting “higher-end” vendors that don’t only fit into categories of art or food, has doubled its area of operation as compared too the number of vendors and activities offered from the previous year.
Nolan Willhite, president of the Downtown Lafayette Business Owner Association, said he expects 2,500 to 3,500 people to attend the fair this weekend.
“It’s very rewarding seeing people have fun with (events) we created,” Willhite said. “It’s insane to see kids playing on things we hoped they’d like and to see community members shopping at these local businesses that I love and hope they will too … The happiness it brings to people is just amazing.”
DLBOA wants to hold onto the reputation of holding “elevated” seasonal events like Summer on the Square, Merry Main Street Market and the new upcoming Monster Bash on the Wabash, he said.
Summer on the Square is on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will wrap around the Tippecanoe County Courthouse on Third Street, Main Street and Fourth Street. The event is free.
“You’ll see lots of makers and people that design their own products. It’ll have graphic designers and a booth where you can customize your own T-shirt,” Willhite said.
The event will have vendors selling candles, apothecary items, bath amenities, boutiques and crafts.
“This event is meant to draw people to our amazing downtown. We don’t really realize how lucky we are to have Downtown Lafayette until we go to another city of a similar or smaller size. They don’t have the same appeal … We are very fortunate,” he said.
To curate a light atmosphere for shoppers and their families the fair will showcase live acoustic music performances from local musicians Lauren Grace and Sheeza for passerby enjoyment. ”
“Of course, the fair is set up right next to two fountains since it’s going to be warm. Kids can splish-splash in those and do mini fountain runs,” he said, with a smile. We also have Flourish Studio bring their art cart … for kids to make crafts.”
To add to the summer fun, a giant bubble artist and a balloon artist in addition to two bouncy houses with slides will be there.
The summer festival will occur at the same time as the Lafayette Farmer’s Market so people can visit both, Willhite said.
Two nearby parking garages that are free during the event are located at 18 N. Fifth St. and 70 N. Seventh St., Lafayette.
“There’s an event for everybody downtown. If you take the time to wander down Main Street, and beyond, I promise you’re going to appreciate your city more,” he said. “I used to want to be in a big city like Chicago or LA …. but then I fell more and more in love with Lafayette,” he said. “The more my business grew into this loving and supportive community, the more Lafayette had a draw on me.”
“We’re still in rural Indiana, but I found this community that is affirming and accepting of the majority of people. Whether you’re queer, black or Asian, you can find your community here,” Willhite said as the owner of a queer-run business.
Willhite is also the owner of Flora Candle Company, named after his late aunt, at 609 Main St., Lafayette.
“She always had a lot of candles around the house … that’s where all this stemmed from — making candles to cope with her passing,” he said.
“We did everything together. I would’ve done anything for her and she would’ve done anything for me. Even when she was sick, she came to my college graduation,” he said. “She loved to shop and I think that’s where I get my shopping addiction from.”
From volunteer experiences early in life, he learned, “a lot of lessons about responsibility; giving back, loving and caring for your community.”
“I feel like (my aunt) would give me the shirt off her back. Sometimes, I feel like I could give the shirt off my back for these (events), sacrificing our shop or my family time … (but) we love this community.”
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