PHOTO BY JOHN FRYMAN / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
D-SQUARED PERFORMS … For the first time, the Bryan Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual Spring Fling held on Saturday, May 16 featured a local music duo, D-Squared, who performed classic rock songs on the Williams County Courthouse Gazebo. Performing from left were Jeff Dhaenens and Scott Dean.
By: John Fryman
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
john@thevillagereporter.com
Despite a mixed bag of early morning rain turning into plenty of sunshine, the annual Spring Fling sponsored by the Bryan Area Chamber of Commerce got into full bloom on Saturday, May 16, in downtown Bryan.
The event featured 103 vendors who participated, including plenty of food options and a variety of crafts and artisans and local businesses who promoted their services.
“Our vendors are very resilient, and they’re going to be here rain or shine, so we want everyone to come out,” said Erica Noggle, executive director of the Bryan Area Chamber of Commerce.
There were several vendors who offered such items as jewelry and 3-D printed items to home repairs.
It also kicked off the ever-popular Farmer’s Market located on the courthouse square where local fruit and vegetable growers came out and offered early summer produce.
Noggle admitted that laying out the map in organizing Spring Fling is probably the hardest part for her.
“We make sure that two vendors who are doing the same thing aren’t together,” said Noggle. “I would say with registration and everything we probably put in a solid four months in getting it all organized.”
All of the money raised from the Spring Fling will go towards supporting the Bryan Area Chamber of Commerce for their own activities throughout the year.
Noggle said any additional money goes toward fireworks in June or back into making Spring Fling bigger and better.
For the first time, Spring Fling featured live music. D-Squared, comprised of two local musicians — Jeff Dhaenens and Scott Dean — performed classic rock music in the courthouse square gazebo.
Gold sponsors this year are Andres, O’Neil and Lowe Insurance Agency and Thiel Construction of Blakeslee.
Silver sponsors are Bard Manufacturing Company, F & M Bank, and Midwest Community Federal Credit Union. Bronze sponsor is Oberlin-Turnbull Funeral Home.