Community members and vendors gather at KU Memorial Union for third annual Sip and Shop event

A vendor talks with attendees about the plants she was selling at KU Sip and Shop on February 22. Photo by Alyx Wood.

The Lawrence community came together on for KU Sip and Shop, an event on Saturday, Feb. 22 designed to spotlight local vendors and celebrate a day full of shopping.

Unlike a quiet, typical weekend at the Union, rows of tables filled the space with handmade goods, baked treats, and unique finds. From vintage-inspired clothing and KU merchandise, to plants, light-up signs, jewelry, and even locally made ice cream, the event offered something for every shopper.

KU Sip and Shop gives local creators and small business owners the opportunity to sell their products directly to students and residents. Ava Sefcik, events logistics intern for the Union, said the event is centered on supporting the local community while creating a fun, welcoming atmosphere on campus.

“I would compare it to a farmers market where vendors can come and sell their products from the local community,” Sefcik said.

Photo of the K Spencer Collective booth, a permanent jewelry brand, at the KU Sip and Shop event on February 22. Photo by Alyx Wood.

The event is about more than just shopping; it’s also about connecting with others. Vendors filled the ballroom of the Union, inviting visitors to look around, ask questions, and learn more about the individuals who make the products. For a lot of small business owners, the event is about more than simply making purchases; it’s also about getting their name out there and making connections.

Shellsea Martin, owner of Martin’s Hive and Harvest, which offers beekeeping supplies and products, noted that the collaborative environment stood out to her.

“This is probably the coolest setup I’ve ever been to,” Martin said. “There are so many vendors. Everybody just seems to have each other’s back and work with each other, which is really neat. Everybody has been really nice.”

With classes out for the day, students traded their usual Sunday routines for shopping and supporting small businesses. Events like KU Sip and Shop not only provide a platform for local entrepreneurs but also strengthen the connection between campus and the Lawrence community.

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