Williamsburg adding lemonade stand contest to 2023 event schedule

Williamsburg’s 2023 event schedule has been released.

Williamsburg Main Street Manager Jonathan Wyatt finalized the schedule earlier this week, which boasts one new event as well as a revamped event, though it still includes all the local favorites like Old Fashioned Trading Days, the Whitley County Fair, Jeep Jamboree, the Christmas Craft Bazaar and the summer Block Party.

Lemonade enthusiasts and young entrepreneurs alike can rejoice in the newest event coming to Williamsburg this summer, as The Main Squeeze Lemonade Stand Contest hits downtown on June 16. 

The contest will have children setting up their own lemonade stands throughout the Green Space on Main to sell lemonade and vie for the best decorated stand. Wyatt said that there will also be winners for a People’s Choice selection. The overall winner will receive a trophy and earn the title of Williamsburg’s Main Squeeze.

In addition to the new event, several will be familiar, but also different. Octoberfest looks like a new event, but is instead a sort of continuation of the River Fog Festival, which was held for the last time in 2022. 

The previous festival had been held for three years and hosted by the Why Whitley group, but was funded by grants that had been exhausted. In addition to the festival, those funds were also used to build the stage at River Fog Park, add public art around downtown Williamsburg and other things to help bolster Williamsburg’s Main Street.

Williamsburg Mayor Roddy Harrison said that he didn’t want to leave a hole in the event calendar, especially when the festival had been something the community seemed to enjoy. Octoberfest is expected to offer a similar atmosphere.

“This will just be a natural progression,” said Harrison.

Like the previous festival, Octoberfest will be held the first Saturday in October.

Wyatt said he was eager to get this year’s event schedule officially underway next month when downtown businesses will be offering special for St. Patrick’s Day on March 17. He also noted that local participation was crucial for continuing to be able to offer such events.

“We are excited to be offering reasons to visit our small town. Our businesses’ and our town’s success depend on you,” said Wyatt. “Shop local. Attend events. Meet with your neighbors. Make Williamsburg feel like home.”

Some of the other events announced in the schedule and their dates are as follows:

Pops in the Park – April 15 beginning at 6 p.m. at the Green Space on Main

May 20 – BBQ in the Burg & Car Show – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Courthouse Square

Block Party – June 9 and July 7 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Bill Woods Park

Whitley County Fair – July 12-15 at the Whitley County Fairgrounds

Kayaking for Kids – Aug. 5 at 8 a.m. beginning from the Whitley County Fairgrounds

Old Fashioned Trading Days – Sept. 7-9 in downtown Williamsburg

Williamsburg Christmas Parade – Dec. 9 at 6 p.m. on Main Street

There are still several more events that are expected to be added to the calendar over time. To stay up-to-date, check the Williamsburg Main Street Facebook page for new information.