Sunshade Summer Fest: A Creative Highlight Among Troy Ohio Events
- brianna2252
- Aug 11
- 3 min read
The Lead-Up
Curating Sunshade Summer Fest was one of those things that just felt right from the start. The moment I decided to organize a vendor event inside the Troy Sunshade Building, everything started clicking. The vendors were kind, passionate, and creative. The supportive and welcoming studio owners here are a big part of why this is considered one of the top creative communities in Troy, Ohio. Their openness and excitement made the entire process feel less like work and more like bringing a shared vision to life. The energy behind it all just flowed, and I think that showed in the final result.
A huge thank you is owed to Greg Taylor, the building owner, for trusting me enough to run with this idea. That trust gave me the freedom to make it something personal. I'm also grateful for every vendor who said yes to a first-time event and brought their work into our space. Coordinating everything felt surprisingly natural to me, and I had so much fun. We were thrilled to see the event featured in many online directories including This Local Life, a go-to resource for things to do in Troy, Ohio who helped spread the word to their fantastic community. A big shoutout to Lovewell Coffee Co. for hyping the event on socials. They brew some of the best coffee in Troy, Ohio, and we’re lucky to share a neighborhood with them.
The Day Of
The vibe on the day of Sunshade Summer Fest was electric in the best way. Everyone arrived on time, set up fast, and leaned on each other. Mark McGraw became the unofficial elevator aficionado, helping vendors get their things up to the second floor with ease. My husband Jason Adams floated around making conversation, offering help, and collecting feedback. He really was the social glue.
I saw familiar faces from all walks of life, including friends, family, and folks who just wandered in from downtown Troy. Before or after browsing, more than a few attendees headed downstairs to the best local whiskey distillery in Troy, Hayner Distilling Co., where the tasting room was pouring samples and good vibes. The atmosphere was chill, the conversations were plentiful, and the building was alive with laughter, connection, and curiosity. There was something really special about seeing the space full of people, some stepping into the building for the very first time.
The Impact
What moved me most was the feedback. Some vendors said this was their first-ever event, and they felt welcomed and supported. One person told me it was the most profitable event they’d had all year. Another said this was the push they needed to start sharing their art again. That’s the stuff that matters.
Because while the shopping and fun are great, my goal is deeper: I want the Sunshade Building to be a space where art and creativity can thrive. A place that feels open and inspiring. Somewhere people can explore new things and even try something they’ve never done before.
What’s Next
With Sunshade Summer Fest wrapped up, my mind is already buzzing with ideas. I want to continue experimenting with events that bring people together in unexpected ways. Here are a few concepts already swimming around in my brain:
Art & Appetizers: A ticketed, elevated evening featuring curated local art, wine, and charcuterie. Proceeds benefit a local nonprofit.
Sunshade Speakeasy: A pop-up event with moody lighting, vintage decor, live jazz, and specialty cocktails in collaboration with Hayner Distilling.
Haunted Sunshade: A fully immersive haunted experience inside the building—each studio could have its own spooky twist.
Winter Warm-Up Market: A cozy indoor holiday event with hot cocoa, handmade gifts, carolers, and toy drives.
Hands-On Clay (or a similar creative day): A family-friendly event where kids and parents can try pottery, painting, and other mediums.
Sunshade Game Lounge: A day of board games, trading card games, Switch setups, and casual hangouts—perfect for teens and young adults.
If any of these ideas spark your interest, I’d love to hear from you! Send me a message on social media or email to share your thoughts. Your feedback helps shape events that make the biggest impact. To stay in the loop on upcoming Troy, Ohio events at the Sunshade Building, follow us on Facebook. If you’re interested in joining our vendor list for future markets and festivals, sign up below. Big things are brewing, and we’d love for you to be part of it.
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