‘WISH You Were Here’ dives into local vibes and fresh finds at Fort Ben Farmers Market

The latest stop in our WISH You Were Here summer tour took us to the heart of Lawrence at the Fort Ben Farmers Market, nestled in the scenic Fort Benjamin Harrison Cultural Campus.

Anchors Faran Fronczak and Phil Sanchez braved the heat on a sunny Thursday afternoon to spotlight the vibrant community, its local charm, and the people who make it special. From musical swings to farm-fresh produce, the event gave us a taste of what makes this northeast Marion County suburb unique.

Throughout the show, we welcomed a lineup of engaging guests, including an 8-year-old fan who melted our hearts when he said WISH-TV was the only reason he came to the event.

From highlighting hidden gems to celebrating community tradition, the afternoon was a celebration of Lawrence’s history, energy, and spirit.

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7-24-25-City of Lawrence Jami Weirich/ Director of City Events

Lawrence Events Director Jami Weirich Talks Farmers Markets, Community Spirit
Jami Weirich, director of city events in Lawrence, shared highlights from a packed summer schedule, including weekly farmers markets, a backpack giveaway and a health summit. She spotlighted the Fort Ben Cultural Campus as a community hub and emphasized the city’s tight-knit, supportive atmosphere. Looking ahead, Weirich teased fall events like Barbecue and Blues and Loggers and Lawrence—and revealed her go-to summer music is classic ’90s R&B.

Veritas Group President Tim Jensen Talks New Headquarters and Lawrence Growth
Tim Jensen, president of the Veritas Group, discussed the company’s recent move to a new headquarters in Lawrence, where 30 employees have already settled in with plans to grow the team to 50 or 60 in the coming years. He shared how Lawrence’s walkability, affordability and welcoming leadership made it the ideal location. Jensen also teased future development projects, including new apartments and expanded community partnerships.

7-24-25-Tim Jensen/President, The Veridus Group

7-24-25- Fitness – Bounce – Vanessa Rogers / Owner/Instructor

Bounce Back Instructor Showcases High-Energy Fitness in Lawrence
Colin Baillie caught up with a local fitness group in Lawrence specializing in a fun, low-impact workout using rebound boots. The class, led by an international trainer, offers full-body cardio that’s easy on the joints and accessible for all ages and fitness levels—including kids’ camps year-round. With roots in Europe, the bounce-based program is gaining momentum in the U.S., blending music, movement and community into one energetic workout.

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Arts for Lawrence Program Director Lecia Floyd Highlights Community Impact
Lecia Floyd, program director for Arts for Lawrence, shared how the organization brings year-round visual and performing arts opportunities to the community, from outdoor concerts to kids’ camps. She emphasized how the arts serve as a creative outlet that builds confidence, especially in youth, and helps people of all ages connect and express themselves. Floyd also encouraged families to visit ArtsForLawrence.org to get involved or sign up for future programs and events.

7-24-25-Arts for Lawrence -Lecia Floyd/ Program Manager

7-24-25- Lawrence Skate Park/ Casper Jones/ Organizer

Local Skaters Share How Lawrence Skate Park Fuels Passion and Positivity
Skaters Casey Jones and Hutch Hutchins joined the show to talk about the impact of Lawrence’s skate park, highlighting how the space provides a safe, welcoming outlet for people of all ages. Both shared their personal journeys into skating, with Casey crediting the sport for helping him stay sober and focused, and Hutch introducing his young daughter to the culture. Despite serious injuries along the way, both men say the community, freedom and joy of skateboarding keep them rolling.

Local Popcorn Vendor Serves Up Flavor and Fun at Lawrence Farmers Market
A popular vendor at the Lawrence Farmers Market shared his passion for popcorn, offering unique flavors like strawberry, butter rum, sriracha, and the fan-favorite cheesy caramel. He started with just two flavors—caramel and cheese—and has since grown the business with creative combinations and a focus on freshness. His energy and love for community make his booth a flavorful stop for marketgoers each week.

7-24-25-Popcorn Guy

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7-24-25 -Sandra

Lawrence Marketgoer Shares Playlist Picks and Personal Story
Sandra, a visitor at the Lawrence Farmers Market, shared her eclectic summer playlist—highlighting artists like Shaboozey and classic ’80s hits. While enjoying the market, she opened up about recently losing her dog in a heartbreaking incident. Despite the difficult day, Sandra found comfort in the sunny atmosphere and the supportive community around her.

Young Fan Steals the Show at Lawrence Farmers Market
An 8-year-old fan from Claremont stopped by the Lawrence Farmers Market just to meet the WISH-TV team, telling them they were the reason he came out. While admitting he sometimes skips the news for YouTube, he won hearts with his honesty and enthusiasm. He shared how he’s been spending summer playing in the creek at Fort Harrison State Park and gave a sweet shoutout to his mom on live TV.

7-24-25-Kacen/Kaysen?

7-24-25 Betsy Wallis/ My Dad’s Sweet Corn

Family-Run Sweet Corn Stand Draws Huge Crowd at Lawrence Farmers Market
One of the busiest spots at the Lawrence Farmers Market was “My Dad’s Sweet Corn,” a Tipton County-based family business known for its crisp, Indiana-grown produce. Betsy, whose family has been selling sweet corn for 25+ years, shared the story of how the business grew from a humble roadside effort in Carmel to 17 markets weekly. With a long line of eager customers, Betsy credited her dad’s farming knowledge, attention to quality, and—of course—Mother Nature for the corn’s unbeatable flavor.

YMCA Promotes Free Day and Backpack Giveaway at Market
Tracy Brown from the Benjamin Harrison YMCA stopped by the Lawrence Farmers Market to promote Try the Y Free Day on July 26, featuring open access to the gym, pool, and classes. He also highlighted their cardio dance class coming to the market in September and a backpack giveaway on July 30 with 250 school supply-filled bags.

7-24-25 Jackies home backpack giveaway

Helping Hands Highlights Home Care and Community Support at Market
Longtime friends of the show, Helping Hands, were back at the Lawrence Farmers Market sharing free resources and spreading the word about their non-medical home health services. Javon and D spoke about their mission to keep seniors in their homes with help ranging from transportation and skilled nursing to meal prep and cleaning. The faith-based organization also offers volunteer opportunities and works closely with Lawrence Township to ensure no one is left behind.

Mississippi Raglips & the Riverdogs Bring the Blues to Lawrence Farmers Market
The vibes were off the charts as Mississippi Raglips and the Riverdogs brought their signature blues sound—and a full harmonica briefcase—to the Lawrence Farmers Market. The crowd danced, the band jammed, and frontman Nick kept the party rolling with solos and energy to spare. A longtime local favorite, the band plays across Indy and will return Sept. 13 for Blues Fest. “We like to bring the Riverdog party,” Nick said. “If you’re dancing, you’re getting beads.”

7-24-25 Mississippi Raglips and The Riverdogs

7-24-25 Live Longer in Lawrence

Lawrence’s First Chief Medical Officer Talks Health, Fresh Food and Community Impact
Dr. John Kunzer, Lawrence’s newly appointed Chief Medical Officer, joined the market crowd to talk community health, from fresh produce to long-term wellness strategies. A pediatrician by trade, Dr. Kunzer stressed the importance of collective impact, tying education, housing and transportation to long-term health. He highlighted early literacy as a powerful health predictor and celebrated Lawrence being named one of just six cities in the U.S. to join the National League of Cities’ Community Health and Wellbeing Accelerator Program.

From Bored to Business: 10-Year-Old Entrepreneur Shines at Lawrence Farmer’s Market
Despite the summer heat, the Lawrence Farmer’s Market was buzzing with activity, including a standout vendor named Sammy. At just 10 years old, she’s already running her own business thanks to the market’s Sprouts Program, which gives young creators (ages 5–17) a space to showcase and sell their products independently. Sammy started making jewelry and slime at age 8, turning her creativity into cash and ambition for a second business.

7-24-25 Sprouts Makret is Made Up of Young Entrepreneurs

7-24-25 Indy Half Marathon at Fort Ben

30 Years Running: A&E Half Marathon Set for October
Jed Cornforth, CEO of Beyond Monumental, shared details on the A&E Half Marathon at Fort Ben, celebrating its 30th anniversary October 4. The popular event includes a 10K and 5K, with proceeds benefiting Lawrence Township Schools. The scenic course and post-race cookout keep runners coming back year after year.

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