Our 5th Anniversary Celebration Party
Laurel Mercantile's 5th Anniversary was one for the books. Our little store has come a long way in the five years since we opened, and it was surreal to survey all that has changed since its beginning.
Once an abandoned building is now a bustling storefront with locals and travelers across the U.S. Its bare walls are now lined with shelves filled with American-made goods. The weed-ridden patch of grass has become a front yard for our most significant celebrations, including our 5th anniversary celebration weekend!
We celebrated alongside Laurel's biggest Christmas traditions this past weekend, Kiwani's Pancake Day and the Sertoma Christmas Parade. Mississippi's longest Christmas parade helped kick off the biggest weekend on Friday, December 3rd.
At 5 am on Saturday, volunteers from near and far gathered at the YMCO and First Baptist Church to fire up the griddles and cook thousands of pancakes for Pancake Day goers. The Laurel Mercantile Co. team got in on the action before our Anniversary celebration began at 9 am.
Meanwhile, numerous Mississippi makers began setting up in our Front Yard for the big day. As soon as the crowds made their way over to our store, the Laurel High School Gospel Choir kicked off the 5th Anniversary Celebration by singing Christmas carols.
Erin and Ben Napier, Mallorie and Jim Rasberry, Emily and Josh Nowell are long-time best friends and co-owners of Laurel Mercantile Co. and Scotsman General Store and Woodshop. Together they've proudly built a company that supports American-made manufacturing and makers around the country. Though it is not an easy endeavor, it has been a worthwhile and worthy cause to see how our store has inspired others to join the movement. The Laurel Mercantile Co. "Framily" gave a warm welcome and a big thank you to all who have supported our company and vision over the last five years. Ben may have told a few dad jokes in the process.
The celebration continued in the Front Yard with ten of the most talented Mississippi makers and artists gathered to showcase their work. Vendors include: Vixon Sullivan Pottery, Adam Trest, Jones Bones, Free State Bowls, Manuscript Coffee, Cassandra Clark Illustration, Novi Creations, Spence Pottery, Wells Lazy Acres Honey, The Bennie Bloomer.
It was a weekend like no other, and we can't wait to celebrate again and eat more pancakes with you next year. As always, thank you for shopping American-made, and thank you for shopping at Laurel Mercantile Co. We couldn't do this without you, friend!
