(2/26) On Saturday May 3rd, the Walkersville Economic Development Commission (EDC) will host their second pop-up event in conjunction with the opening day of the Walkersville Southern Railroad (WSRR), aptly dubbed: "Pop Up on Penn."
Our beloved WSRR is not only a favorite among locals, but it also brings in thousands of visitors a year to the Town. "Pop Up on Penn" got its name not only for its location on Pennsylvania Ave, but the history of the WSRR being part of the Pennsylvania Railroad, dating back to 1872.
The idea for a pop-up event came from a networking session with local small businesses hosted by the EDC. Local businesses, the Walkersville Business and Professional Association (WBPA), and the EDC brainstormed events to draw attention and new interest to the companies in the Town.
The purpose of the EDC is to work toward attracting new businesses while retaining existing businesses and to improve economic activities benefiting the local businesses and residents. "Economic development is more than just having more businesses; the goal is to ultimately diversify and strengthen the overall local economy," said Kelly Renehan, member of the EDC. "Doing so brings in more jobs and improves the quality of life for residents and businesses alike.
"Walkersville has a wide variety of businesses and half of the EDC’s purpose is to promote their mission to ultimately strengthen their success and therefore secure their longevity to the community. The other half is to work with the Town’s sister departments and the private sector to market the Town of Walkersville for new business additions."
The event is the second major business development event the EDC has held since it was initially established in January 2022. Following its establishment, the EDC focused its efforts on the development of a business directory for the Town’s website.
The six-member commission meets monthly to discuss ways to highlight and support the local businesses, such as ribbon cuttings, social media mentions, or face to face visits to discover any needs they may have. The EDC also works closely with the WBPA to maintain multiple avenues of communication with business owners and advocate or assist in any way possible.
According to Bob Sussman, past President of the WBPA, the WBPA offers its members local networking opportunities. "If you [EDC] get the businesses established," Sussman told the members of the EDC at their first meeting, "send them our way and we’ll create chances for them to network through the WBPA. You get them in, and we’ll keep them going."
In addition to working hand in hand with the WBPA, the EDC also works with the Frederick County Office of Economic Development to ensure there is no duplication of effort. "Every group brings something good to the table, and we all need to work together," said former Town Commissioner Michael Bailey, who spearheaded the reestablishment of the EDC.
Last year, twelve local businesses participated in the pop up event and enjoyed the opportunity to network with one another as well as promote their business. The rainy weather did not stop Rachel’s Cakery or Brick Block Cakes from selling plenty of sweet treats. Juliet’s Crochet Critters and Faith Creations by Emma braved the wet weather to showcase their beautiful products. The Walkersville Historical Society, The Walkersville Branch of the Frederick County Public Library and the Walkersville Business and Professional Association (WBPA) were all present to spread information and resources to visitors. Also present for the first Pop Up on Penn: Rightly Instructed, Soy Calmado, Xyngular Brands. Snowball Waterfalls joined the event to serve snow cones, popcorn and cotton candy.
For 2025, returning businesses are expected to be Rachel’s Cakery, Brick Block Cakes, Juliet’s Crochet Critters, the WBPA and Snowball Waterfalls. Newcomers anticipated to join the event are RyLa Creations (art studio as well as personalized items for purchase), Pleasant Hill Produce, and "Just 4 Fun Goat Soap." Space is still available for businesses, vendors, artists and food trucks to join Pop Up on Penn 2025. All those interested can register through the town of Walkersville’s webpage (www.walkersvillemd.gov) under "Economic Development Commission" tab.
Come by to Pop Up on Penn to meet the members of the EDC and WBPA and support your local small businesses.
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