On May 24, more than 100 local businesses and organizations gathered in the Lexington Center to host the town’s annual Discovery Day Street Fair from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Discovery Day was founded in 1980 by the Lexington Chamber of Commerce to highlight local businesses, which had been facing competition from large malls. In 2000, the Lexington Retailers’ Association took over operations for this event.
“We wanted to create a big event that drew on the civic pride displayed when the town celebrated the Bicentennial of the Battle of Lexington,” Eric Michelson, president of the Lexington Retailers’ Association, said.
And so, a big event was created. What was then known as “Discovery Weekend,” referring to five days of events throughout the town, has evolved into Discovery Day. In addition to the name change, Discovery Day has undergone many other changes including increased booth capacity, shifting locations, and greater involvement from Lexington High School students.
Many LHS students are involved in running booths for the event. They also have the opportunity to support organizations and LHS clubs as volunteers.
Ashley Wu, a junior at LHS and the co-chair of the Chinese American Association of Lexington’s (CAAL) Youth Leadership Council, described her experience running CAAL’s table at the event. Wu explained how despite challenges, such as the rainy weather this year, Discovery Day was still a success for people looking to share their organizations.
“I feel like it’s really nice how even though it’s raining, there can be so many people and how we can all just work together and make it work,” Wu said.
Sophia Guo, a junior who volunteered at CoCo’s booth, shared a similar experience. CoCo was selling two selections of boba, fresh lemon with strawberry popping pearls and lava pearl milk tea, at a discounted price.
“My favorite part of the event is firstly seeing the big show of people here even though it’s a bit rainy… Also, the large number of businesses as well as organizations that have come out to perform and show their goods,” Guo said.
Guo further described her experience with the event not as a volunteer, but as an attendee.
“It was very exciting for me… My siblings also really enjoyed it because they were able to get a lot of souvenirs and learn a lot about the town,” Guo said.
With the expenses it takes to run a business and the competition local businesses face from larger stores, Discovery Day offers a way for attendees to support Lexington businesses and volunteer to the community.
“I’m grateful that our town offers this for its residents, and I’m happy to see so many people engaged in the community,” Guo said.
