A celebration of a beloved television series became an opportunity to give back as “Gilmore Girls” fans gathered in Orange Oct. 16-18 for a themed shopping experience and donation drive.
Hosted at Full Circle in Old Towne Orange, the event celebrated the popular television series through thrifted clothing, affordable books, coffee, doughnuts and prizes. Attendees also had the opportunity to donate feminine hygiene products to support people in need.
The event drew inspiration from “Gilmore Girls,” which follows Lorelai and Rory Gilmore, a mother-daughter duo known for their quick-witted conversations, love of coffee and close-knit community in the fictional town of Stars Hollow.
Full Circle featured displays inspired by characters and locations from the series, including racks curated to represent Rory and Lane’s style, Doose’s Market, Kim’s Antiques and Luke’s Diner.
Attendees could browse the themed clothing racks, shop for affordable books and participate in activities, such as finding hidden photos of Kirk Gleason within the store for prizes and discounts. The event also included a coffee cart, permanent jewelry and a free mug with each purchase.
The store manager, Holiday Zimmerman, said the idea developed from the store owner’s appreciation for the show and their belief that Old Towne Orange resembled its fictional setting.
“We just feel like this town is like ‘Gilmore Girls,’” Zimmerman said.
Preparing for the event required months of planning and help from volunteers. The team set aside clothing and other items inspired by the show’s characters to create a themed shopping experience. The event also involved other local businesses, including Kimmy’s Coffee Shop and Potting Shed.
Customers were able to vote on their favorite Rory Gilmore boyfriend at Full Circle Saturday. (Elle Ochoa / Daily Titan)
Beyond celebrating the series, the event supported a community cause through its feminine hygiene product donation drive. Donated products were designated for food pantries at schools within the Orange Unified School District. The donation was one of the highlights of the event.
“We just want to make sure no girl goes without access to feminine hygiene,” Zimmerman said.
The drive focused on providing students with essential menstrual products, including pads and tampons. Zimmerman said some students struggle to afford these supplies, which can create stress and interfere with school attendance.
For attendee Abrianna Keller, a self-proclaimed longtime fan of “Gilmore Girls,” she has watched reruns of the series since middle school, often catching episodes on weekend mornings.
“I think it’s a good show about girlhood and womanhood, and what women go through and relationships,” Keller said.
The show’s small-town setting appealed to Keller as she grew up in a Northern California town with a population of about 6,000, where community gatherings and town meetings reminded her of Stars Hollow.
Keller said the event had a welcoming atmosphere, particularly through its community-focused activities and donation drive.
The event offered a way to celebrate a series centered on relationships and community while bringing people together in a setting they felt reflected its fictional town.
By combining secondhand shopping, affordable books and themed activities with a feminine hygiene product donation drive, “Gilmore Girls” Weekend brought fans together for a celebration that also supported students in the local community.