After a year-long hiatus, the long-running La Porte Sunflower Fair staged a huge comeback in what many were calling its “best year ever.” Featuring primarily local vendors and artisans, the incredibly popular event drew in more than 100 vendors and thousands of visitors this year who enjoyed the sights, sounds, and smells of fresh corn on the cob, ribs, and much more.
Brought to you by the La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership (LEAP) – in conjunction with a volunteer committee of dedicated community members – the fair celebrates all the beginnings of the autumn season. The fair is held annually on the third Saturday of September.
“The committee did an amazing job putting this together this year,” said Mike Riehle, president of business services for LEAP. “The weather here is perfect today and we’ve had an incredibly strong showing with everybody coming out to see us.”
Riehle mentioned how he believes this year’s fair had the best attendance he’s seen in nearly a decade.
“I’ve been here since 6:00 a.m. and I’ve talked with several of the vendors here who all say that it’s the best they’ve seen in years,” said Riehle. “It’s one of our biggest events and it just continues to grow each year. We have close to a hundred vendors here this year, so that’s been great.”
Not only does seeing so much of the community come together for the annual event bring a lot of excitement, but being able to support the local artisans and businesses that are invited to set up booths at the fair is also an added benefit, especially after over a year of slowed business and social distancing.
“We really wanted to focus on local artisans and vendors and present a fun, friendly event for families to come out and see what the community has to offer,” said Riehle.
Danielle Garza, one of the many attendees at Saturday’s event, was attending the festival with her family.
“My daughter is here today; she’s at the Critchfield tent. They have a display featuring monarch butterflies and she’s there telling people all about them,” said Garza.
While her daughter was busy educating attendees, Garza said that her husband and other children were enjoying the food and activities that the festival had to offer.
“It’s such a beautiful day and we’re just very glad to be out here,” Garza said.
Ross Balling, sales manager for Zorn Brew Works Co., said that he appreciates everything that the City of La Porte does to support and grow the local community.
“We really appreciate what Mayor Tom Dermody has done here, inviting so many terrific local vendors to the fair here today,” said Balling. “This is our first time here and we’re having a great time; I just want to thank everyone for helping to make this possible.”
The fair featured not just local food and craft vendors, but also showcased a classic car show, live music,and fun games for the kids, including several bouncy houses for the little ones to enjoy.
Jennifer Stec of La Porte was attending the fair with her daughter and a few friends. Stec said that she came out to help support the community.
“There are so many vendors here!” said Stec. “The food is just great and the kids are really enjoying the games. It’s a great day with a lot of fun!”
For more information about the La Porte community and other upcoming local events with La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership, visit laportepartnership.com. For more information about the City of La Porte, visit www.cityoflaporte.com.
