Washington County Chamber of Commerce Announces Exciting Changes for ''Friday Night on the Square''

Washington County Chamber of Commerce Announces Exciting Changes for "Friday Night on the Square"

Salem, IN – July 9, 2025 – The Washington County Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce a significant evolution for its beloved community event, "Friday Night on the Square." First started in 1991, this cherished annual gathering has been a staple of our community for decades. After careful consideration and with the goal of enhancing the experience for both vendors and attendees, CEO Erik Bush, CP has made the strategic decision to move the festival to a Saturday, beginning this September.

"Here at the Washington County Chamber of Commerce, we're thrilled to kick off another year of this beloved community event! It keeps getting bigger and better each year," says Erik Bush. "We've listened to feedback and evaluated how we can best serve our community and our dedicated vendors. Moving the event to a Saturday in September addresses several key areas we believe will make a positive impact."

Next year marks the 35th anniversary for Friday Night on the Square, but we didn't feel that we could wait until 2026 with all the growth we have seen over the last four years since Erik took over the event in 2021. The festival, previously held on Friday evenings from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, will now take place from Noon to 5:00 PM on a Saturday in September. This shift aims to create a more vibrant and accessible event for everyone involved.

Key benefits of these changes include:

• Increased Vendor Participation: By moving to a Saturday, the event will no longer conflict with Friday night football games for the three schools in Washington County, allowing a larger potential customer base.

• Enhanced Vendor Opportunities: The extended Saturday hours, from noon to 5:00 PM, will provide retail vendors with more time to showcase their products and food vendors with the opportunity to serve both lunch and dinner crowds, maximizing their sales.

• More Daylight and Family Enjoyment: The daytime hours will offer ample daylight for community members to enjoy all the festival has to offer, from browsing booths to participating in activities, in a more relaxed atmosphere.

• Larger Crowds: With fewer scheduling conflicts, the Chamber anticipates a significant increase in attendance, fostering a more bustling and lively atmosphere around the historic courthouse square.

"We can't wait to see you all down on the square this year," Bush adds. "The square will still be bustling with a fantastic variety of booths – we're talking retail shops showcasing their latest wares, delicious food trucks tempting your taste buds, informative displays from local organizations, and engaging activities that will keep the whole family entertained!"

The Washington County Chamber of Commerce is confident these changes will elevate "Saturday on the Square" into an even more successful and enjoyable community celebration. Mark your calendars, grab your families and friends, and come on down to the square for a day of fun, food, and community spirit.