LAWRENCE, Ind. (WISH) — A big turnout is expected Thursday evening at the Fort Ben Farmer’s Market, and city leaders say they’re ready to put on a show.

As part of WISH-TV’s “Wish You Were Here” series, the News 8 team is heading to Lawrence this week to spotlight the community’s growing list of family-friendly events and local talent. One of the highlights: :
More than 40 vendors expected to line Civic Plaza at the farmer’s market.

“We have excellent performers. We have great vendors. We just have a lot of fun out there,” said Jami Weirich, director of communications for city events in Lawrence.

This Thursday’s featured act is Mississippi Raglips and the River Dogs, one of several musical groups slated to perform this summer. Alongside them, you’ll find an impressive lineup of Indiana-made goods – all local, all handmade.

“Everything is either Indiana grown or handmade in Indiana, so it’s all local. It’s not from outside of the state,” Weirich said.

The market also shines a light on young talent. “We have about 40 vendors that will be there, including some Sprouts, which are young entrepreneurs who are between the ages of 5 and 17,” she added.

But the Fort Ben Farmer’s Market is just the start of what city leaders hope people discover.

“Our community comes out and they support us all the time,” Weirich said. “We just had a backpack giveaway and about 300 people came out to support that. The volunteers and the organizations that came out, they really support us.”

That kind of turnout, Weirich says, is part of what makes Lawrence different. “I think that’s what a lot of people miss from Lawrence, that sense of community.”

The weekly market is held every Thursday and includes six food trucks. And as summer transitions to fall, the city has even more on the way.

“In August, we will have Community Safety Day. We have a barbecue, that is big and exciting,” she said. “And our Winterfest, we do our tree lighting, and then every weekend after that we have ice skating and a hot chocolate bar.”

The Fort Ben Farmer’s Market runs every Thursday evening through early fall at Civic Plaza in Lawrence.

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