2022: Carly’s Version

I officially have nearly one year under my belt at Downtown Wabash, Inc. as Downtown & Farmers Market Coordinator! I am not a new face to the team, as I was a high school intern, and then a summer employee. Now, as I strive toward obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from IU Kokomo, I am happy to continue to work for this organization part-time. I have learned, experienced and grown so much in my position in just one year’s time. I love reflecting on a year full of accomplishments during this season; it’s like taking a trip down memory lane. Come for a walk with me! 

When I rejoined the team in January, the organization was just about to launch its rebranding to the public; going from Wabash Marketplace, Inc. to Downtown Wabash, Inc. The year was off to an exciting start and I was thrilled to be a part of it! 

During the early months of 2022, I prepared to coordinate the Downtown Wabash Farmers Market for the first time. The 15th season of the market called for celebration and all things new: new coordinator, new logo, new opportunities. 

As the market season approached, I, who have never been a morning person, silently dreaded the thought of waking up at 6 a.m. every Saturday for the next 20 weeks. I had many mixed feelings. I was so excited, yet so nervous to be the new coordinator. The season became one of the biggest highlights of my year.  (I’d like to add, I never once overslept, and am now a morning person!)

Over the 20-week season, I met many new faces. I got to know the vendors who have been part of the market for years and brand new ones, too. I listened to their stories, their favorite things about the market and what they hoped to see happen during the season. I watched the vendors connect with one another. I loved the supportive community that the vendors had built; it was like a little farmers market family! The market-goers added to this community feeling and showed out week after week to support local growers, makers and artisans. Our market reached record-breaking attendance and I enjoyed photographing the memories being made at the market each week by families, friends, vendors, and dog moms and dads.

For the first time, we held vendor social media trainings welcome to all Downtown Wabash Farmers Market vendors to demonstrate best practices to grow their business online. We hosted a Kids Corner with different activities nearly every week including: seed starting, a taste testing stamping map during National Farmers Market Week, live farm animals at the market and many more. With this new addition, the market was happy to partner with BABE of Wabash County to offer BABE coupons to families with children aged 0-5 who took part in these activities. We moved the market to Paradise Spring Park for the first time during the Kunkel Cruise-In and despite the rain, enjoyed the change of pace.

Our market grew in size and hosted 47 vendors throughout the 20 week season who curate handmade, homemade and homegrown goods only. The variety of goods found at the market catered to all audiences with products like fresh produce, meats, flowers, artisan and baked goods, hot breakfast, specialty coffee and much more.

Tracking vendor sales was another first for our team and we found that among those 47 vendors, $150,000 in vendor revenue was generated! A season of success cannot be done alone–I’m thankful for the vendors, the community, the rest of the Downtown Wabash team and the handful of volunteers for helping make the season fantastic. The Downtown Wabash Farmers Market continues to serve as a gathering place on Saturday mornings from May – September for the community to shop, eat, come together and play. Overall, the market season exceeded my expectations and went by too quickly. I cannot wait for the 2023 season to get here! 

With eleven First Fridays in one year, it’s hard to pick a favorite! I’d have to say my top 3 favorites were April’s ‘Hop into Spring’ featuring the egg hunt at Paradise Spring Park, June’s ‘Downtown Wabash pARTy’ featuring a ribbon cutting ceremony of the Wabash Cultural District and the beloved Paint the Plow event, and September’s ‘Fiesta Friday’ in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. 

“The greatest spectacle in candy,” AKA the Downtown Trick-or-Treat Extravaganza, was a sight to see! My dear sisters (or boss and co-worker dressed as the Sanderson Sisters) and I enjoyed seeing all the families trick-or-treating in Downtown. The event brought nearly 4,000 people to Downtown! 

I love experiencing Downtown Wabash during the holiday season. I’ve heard many say “it’s like a town you see in a Hallmark Movie,” and I completely agree: it’s so magical! I’ve spent the last couple months of 2022 soaking in all this holiday magic. I got to experience my first Jingle Jubilee on-staff in November and Cookie Walk at December’s First Friday. I also made it my mission to buy nearly every present for my family and friends locally this year during Small Business Saturday! Lights at Paradise has become a holiday must-do. (If you haven’t experienced Lights at Paradise yet, you have until January 8th!). 

School and work came together this year for me when I got to job shadow Morgan for my Public Relations class. I learned more in-depth about her professional background and was able to see materials I learned in class be brought to life through her projects. At the end of the semester, I created a presentation with all that I learned from job shadowing Morgan (which got an A)!

It has been a memorable year, for sure. All the experiences, relationships and memories that the year has brought leave me feeling so blessed to be part of this hometown of mine while in college. I love being part of the Downtown Wabash team with Andrea and Morgan. There’s never a dull moment in the office or in downtown! With almost an official year under my belt, I’m eager to hit the ground running in 2023.

What a ride it’s been! Cheers to 2022! I’m excited to see you all at events in Downtown in 2023.

Best wishes,
Carly