{"id":181337,"date":"2026-02-26T14:36:06","date_gmt":"2026-02-26T14:36:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/181337\/"},"modified":"2026-02-26T14:36:06","modified_gmt":"2026-02-26T14:36:06","slug":"new-community-events-aim-to-boost-economy-in-lake-houston-area","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/181337\/","title":{"rendered":"New community events aim to boost economy in Lake Houston area"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFree community events\u2014from farmers markets to themed festivals\u2014have been emphasized across the Lake Houston area over the last year to stir up economic activity, local stakeholders said.<\/p>\n

The overview <\/p>\n

On Jan. 1, the Kingwood Farmers Market relaunched<\/a> under new management\u2014family-owned company JG Events<\/a>, which acquired<\/a> the Lake Houston Farmers Market in early 2025. Krystal Wertman, who owns JG Events with her husband, Timothy Wertman, said they want to expand and refresh the markets.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe want to bring people … here and keep our money local here in Humble and support our local farmers,\u201d Krystal Wertman said.<\/p>\n

In late 2024, JG Events also took over management of Kingwood Town Center\u2019s annual heritage events, such as Christmas in the Park and the Mardi Gras Festival.<\/p>\n

In Humble, city officials have partnered with local businesses to host a new monthly Sip & Shop event and a quarterly Kids Day in the Park event. Humble Civic Center Director Jennifer Wooden, who organizes many of the events, said the city and the volunteers want to \u201cbreathe life back into our downtown.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFor us, the growth really is coming from events, and it is what draws tourists to Humble,\u201d Wooden said.<\/p>\n

Kids Day in the Park<\/a>: Launched by the city of Humble in May 2025, families can enjoy activities, food and music outdoors.When: quarterlyWhere: Uptown Park, 310 E. Main St., Humble \"\"The city of Humble launched its first Kids Day in the Park event in May 2025. (Courtesy Darian Ortiz)Sip & Shop<\/a>: Launched by the city of Humble in February 2025, attendees can support local businesses while sipping a beverage.When: monthly on the second FridayWhere: Uptown Park, 310 E. Main St., Humbl Kingwood Farmers Market<\/a>: JG Events took over the farmers market Jan. 1.When: weekly on Thursdays, monthly on the first SundayWhere: Town Center Park, 2814 E. Town Center Circle, Kingwood\"\"On Jan. 1, JG Events launched its first Kingwood Farmers Market after assuming management of the events. (Courtesy Kingwood Farmers Market)Lake Houston Farmers Market<\/a>: JG Events acquired the farmers markets in early 2025.When: (A) weekly on Saturdays, (B) semi-monthly on the second and fourth SundayWhere: (A ) Bel Furniture, 20450 Hwy. 59, Humble; (B) Walden on Lake Houston Golf & Country Club, 18100 Walden Forest Drive, Atascocita<\/p>\n

“><\/p>\n

A closer look<\/p>\n

Wooden said some of the new events have sprung from local business owners\u2019 and residents\u2019 involvement.<\/p>\n

Local business owner Darian Ortiz said she concocted Kids Day in the Park to draw more people to Downtown Humble after she opened her store, The Rowdy Chick<\/a>, nearby in January 2025. Ortiz also operates as an event vendor.<\/p>\n

Vendors at the Lake Houston-area events offer a variety of products, including:<\/p>\n

The Rowdy Chick<\/a>, a Sip & Shop vendor, offers women\u2019s clothing, jewelry and accessories.The Hidden Chapter<\/a>, a Sip & Shop vendor, offers blind date with a book\/puzzle (mystery activity packages).Sweet Wing Gardens<\/a>, a Kingwood Farmers Market vendor, offers fresh raw honey, beeswax soaps and lip balms and honey infusions, as well as beekeeping demonstrations.My Grand Bites<\/a>, a Lake Houston Farmers Market vendor, offers cookies, chocolate-covered Oreos and brownies.Something to note<\/p>\n

Assuming responsibility for established events has presented some challenges along the way, Krystal Wertman said. During JG Events\u2019 first Fourth of July event in Kingwood, attendees reported difficulty viewing the fireworks.<\/p>\n

Krystal Wertman said she has been working to ensure the next event goes smoothly.<\/p>\n

Nicole Jaimes, the marketing\/operations director for Chachi\u2019s Mexican Restaurant<\/a> in Kingwood Town Center, said some of new management\u2019s changes for the events have been frustrating. For example, Jaimes said she takes issue with JG Events charging vendors 20% of alcohol sales, plus an event fee. Event goers have also taken up local businesses\u2019 parking lots, she said.<\/p>\n

Vendor charges help JG Events cover the cost of event insurance, permits, staffing and more, the Wertmans said in a Feb. 6 email statement. They said they are working on improving event parking.<\/p>\n

Quotes of note<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s really important for … the community to get together and really get to know your neighbor. But [also] get to know what\u2019s going on in the community,” Ortiz said.\u201cThe money that is spent at farmers markets ends up being put … back into the community. It really benefits everybody that way. Also, you know what you\u2019re [buying],” said Zac Stayton, owner of Sweet Wing Gardens.Fun for the family<\/p>\n

The Wertmans said they are brimming with new event ideas they hope to debut soon in the local area. Plans include a spicy food festival in Kingwood, with the date to be determined.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe community itself really appreciates the family-friendly events that we put on so they can come out and do something that\u2019s affordable,\u201d Timothy Wertman said.<\/p>\n

Stayton\u2014owner of honey shop Sweet Wing Gardens, a new vendor at the Kingwood Farmers Market\u2014said he feels JG Events has done a good job of creating new interest in the markets and events.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, the organizers of the Humble city events are largely focused on continually improving their new events, including a new Flower Fest that will debut in April, Ortiz said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe events have been the spark for growth in our downtown along with so many improvements that the city has really invested in,\u201d Wooden said.<\/p>\n

Upcoming annual events, include:<\/p>\n

City of Humble\/Visit HumbleMarch 27: Adult Easter Egg HuntApril 11: Inaugural Flower FestOct. 10: Good Oil DaysEarly December: Christmas Parade of Lights (exact date TBD)JG EventsMarch 28: Kingwood Easter in the ParkApril 25: Anime Foodie FestivalJuly 4: Fourth of July FestivalOctober: Bark in the Park (exact date TBD)Oct. 10: In a Pickle FestivalDec. 5: Christmas in the Park<\/p>\n

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