It’s finally that time of year again: the leaves are changing colors, a crisp chill is beginning to hang in the morning air, and cute pumpkin decorations line the shelves of nearly every store. To celebrate the start of another wonderful fall season, Valparaiso Events held its second annual Autumn Promenade on Saturday, October 7. Community members flooded downtown dressed in their cutest flannels to explore everything Valpo’s local businesses have to offer.
“It’s a fun shop-around event. Events like this help strengthen the relationship between our downtown retailers and the community. People get to see what these businesses are all about and the event helps give the businesses the extra exposure that they deserve and might not get during some of our summer events,” said Jessica Fox, event coordinator.
Valparaiso Events’ first Autumn Promenade last year was a huge success--nearly 185 people came out to participate in the middle of chilly November--but before this year’s event had even begun it knocked last year’s turnout out of the apple orchard. Over 250 eager community members ended up coming.
Valpo’s downtown businesses were ecstatic to welcome so many community members. 26 businesses ended up taking part in the promenade, many of which were repeat participants. They all loved how much the event shaped Valparaiso’s community-oriented culture.
“We participated in last year’s promenade and it was just such an amazing event that brought everyone in the community together. I love all the events that Valpo Events puts on downtown--I feel like they differentiate us from the other communities in the area. I don’t think any other place that I’ve been to has the kind of connection that Valpo does,” said Raeann Grusak, customer experience leader at Ella Jayms.
During the promenade, each business gave away a fall-themed treat to get people excited about the season. Ella Jayms gave away apples and apple cider from County Line Orchard. Blockhead handed out delicious fall-themed mocktails. Other businesses gave away all kinds of cookies, cupcakes, popcorn, and other feel-good treats. One business even served fresh gumbo to keep everyone warm in the cold.
Community members greeted the business owners with bright smiles. As they received their treats they asked all kinds of questions, some about the business, but mostly about the owners themselves. It was a great way for everyone in the community to get to know one another better and develop new relationships.
“Engaging with the community is such a big part of what Ella Jaymes is, so participating in events like this is extremely important to us. I love getting to talk with everyone and see both new and familiar faces,” said Grusak.
The event was also a wonderful way to help raise awareness for all the great local businesses in downtown Valparaiso. Ella Jayms opened up its brick-and-mortar store downtown in 2020, but because it’s not right on Lincolnway many people miss it. The promenade opened up people’s eyes to the countless gems hidden right in plain sight and gave everyone the chance to experience Valpo like never before.
“These kinds of events encourage people to adventure off Lincolnway and explore more of downtown. Right now we’re getting so many new businesses downtown and I think it’s important to have consistent events so people can experience Valpo to its fullest,” said Grusak.
If all the smiles, laughter, and uplifting conversations proved anything, it’s that Valparaiso Events couldn’t have found a better way to get people into the Autumn spirit and support local businesses. The Valparaiso Events team is thankful to everyone who came out to support the event and to all of the businesses who took part. All of the ticket sales from the promenade will allow Valparaiso Events to continue holding free events that bring people joy year after year.
“We’re just so grateful for all our downtown businesses. This really couldn’t happen without them and their creativity and eagerness to participate. We work hard to promote them but they’re always here to support us in the same way,” said Fox.
For all the community’s fall lovers, Valparaiso Events has several more fall events in store. Valparaiso’s Trick or Treat will take place on Friday, October 13 while the Fall Harvest Festival will be held on Saturday, October 14. So grab your boots and a couple of friends because these events are sure to be unbe-leaf-able.
“Fall is finally here! We’re going to have nearly 80 different organizations handing out tons of candy for Trick or Treat and Fall Harvest will be the last day of our Valparaiso Market so people aren’t going to want to miss it. There’s going to be so much fun, free stuff and we want everyone to come and celebrate fall with us,” said Fox.
To learn more about Valparaiso Events and all its fun fall activities, visit valparaisoevents.com