Celebrating Community at the Wild Ramp: A Summer Saturday Success Story

Last Updated 7/2/2025

Kristen Blankenship, Development Coordinator at the Wild Ramp (photographed above on right), reflects on her rewarding experience organizing the Summer Saturdays concert series in partnership with the Old Central City Association. This marked her first large-scale event, and the outcome was a testament to the vibrant community spirit of Huntington!

“I’m incredibly proud of what we accomplished," Kristen shares. "Each Saturday, we brought together a diverse group of six vendors offering unique products. From fresh baked goods to handmade crafts, there was something for everyone.”

The day started on a peaceful note with free tai chi in the gazebo at 9 a.m., followed by a beginner-friendly yoga session led by Kyle Kremats at 10. Kristen recalls, “Watching the youth do yoga with him was so cool.” The market was more than just a shopping experience—it included a kids' activity area that was well-used throughout the event.

The highlight for Kristen of each Saturday was the live music. “We featured a different musical guest each week, bringing a variety of sounds to the market,” she explains. “The final event was especially memorable as we got a three-piece band with an opening act and special guest performances.”

What truly inspired Kristen was the sense of community that developed. "I had the opportunity to meet amazing people and learn so much about event planning and community engagement. Witnessing firsthand the positive impact of these events on our community has been incredibly rewarding."

Grateful for the support of the Old Central City Association, Kristen concludes, “I look forward to continuing to contribute to the vibrant community of Huntington and organizing more events in the future. Thanks so much—this has been a blast!”