LEXINGTON, Ky. — University of Kentucky students brought together nearly 50 small businesses in Georgetown on Saturday as part of the fourth annual United We Shop vendor fair, a partnership between the College of Communication and Information's Department of Integrated Strategic Communication and United Events.

The event ran from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at United Talent, located at 101 Kaden Lane in Georgetown. Students in the ISC event planning course organized the marketplace, which featured handmade art, jewelry, ceramics, charcuterie boards, desserts and other locally crafted goods from across Central Kentucky. Attendees could also purchase food from Fully Loaded, a food truck offering burgers, fries and wings.

Emma Karpowich, the student vendor relations team captain, said the experience provided valuable hands-on learning. "This experience has been so rewarding, and I've learned so much about event planning throughout the process," Karpowich said. "Working closely with our vendors has shown me the passion and creativity they bring to Kentucky and our community."

Brian Harris of United Talent and United Events credited the student organizers for the fair's success. "I'm especially thankful for the dedication of the UK ISC event planning students, who played a key role in bringing together such an impressive group of vendors from across the region," Harris said. The partnership provides students with real-world experience in promotional communication, advertising, public relations and event management, areas of focus for the ISC major.

The vendor fair has grown significantly since its inception. The first United We Shop event in 2023 featured approximately 25 vendors, expanding to 45 businesses the following year and reaching nearly 50 local entrepreneurs this year. Participants included businesses from Georgetown, Lexington, Richmond, Mount Sterling, Nicholasville, Sadieville and surrounding communities across the region.

The event is free and open to the public. For updates, followers can visit @unitedeventsky on social media.