The Union building on campus is a hub for students and activities including the Vendor fair happening this week. This event gives community members the chance to have a table in the Union Breezeway to connect with students and other members of the University of Wyoming.
In years past there has been a vendor fair as opposed to a vendor week. With low staff numbers this year the Union is moving the event indoors instead of holding it on Prexy’s Pasture. This year they will have tables open in the union from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, giving vendors a larger window compared to last year’s 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on a single day.
“One of the biggest advantages to holding a Vendor week as opposed to a vendor fair is that it allows vendors can be there from eight to five, allowing them more flexibility to connect with students” says Chloe Flagg a special events coordinator at the Union.
Students are passing in and out of the Union all day long, which gives vendors the ability to connect with students about various organizations. Student organizations may have less of a presence this week but are still active at the tables along the breezeway.
Vendors this year include the Cathedral Home, Niko Sushi & Steak, Toppers and the Laramie Soup Kitchen. Many others will be there ranging from political groups to restaurants. Having vendors inside the Union creates a feeling of familiarity for students and they end up being more comfortable approaching community members.
“Having this event inside the Union, I think, makes it feel like students aren’t being sold something,” says Flagg.
This week is the featured week for vendors from the community to make connections on campus but they are present throughout the school year. For profit and non-profit organizations are welcome in the Union alongside student organizations.
“I hope its successful, I hope vendors feel like they made good connections this week and that students feel a little more connected to the Laramie community,” says Flagg.
