Luke’s Diner and more!
On Saturday, Nov. 14, Corydon will transform into the charming town of Stars Hollow from the hit TV show “Gilmore Girls,” and you’re invited.
“The original idea stemmed from my daughter and I talking about it — we kind of see ourselves in those leading character roles,” organizer Abby Taylor said. Taylor owns Backroads Market.
Co-organizer Jordan Wallace, owner of Popland, happened to walk in and share her love of “Gilmore Girls” as well. Wallace contributed her organizational skills, while Taylor covered the community connections, and they were off to planning the event.
Most of the downtown businesses will be open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. that day, but some will be open earlier and some later. They’ll have activities starting in the early morning at “Luke’s Diner” to late at night with karaoke.
“We’re going to have different fan experiences inside of shops or near them so that could be nods to the show or photo ops and ‘Gilmore Girls’ merch as well.” – Jordan Wallace
“We’re going to have different fan experiences inside of shops or near them so that could be nods to the show or photo ops and ‘Gilmore Girls’ merch as well,” Wallace said.
She said she wants visitors to see “Gilmore Girls” come to life, but also to really see the beauty of the Corydon community and want to come back for another visit.
“You can see the show, but also see what makes each business special,” Wallace said.
Taylor said so many customers have pointed out over and over again how Corydon reminds them of Stars Hollow. “We really want to point the parallels out but also lean into what we have available here that makes us great on the regular.”
While you’ll have to wait to see all the unique fan experiences they’ll have throughout the day, know there will be many nods to the show, including merch, photo opportunities, costumes, and make-and-takes.
Taylor said they’re also making a point to include businesses outside of the immediate downtown area in order to showcase all Corydon has to offer.
“For instance, there’s an episode where they do a rummage sale in Stars Hollow so we’ve asked Mustard Seed Thrift and Mission to do that where all the proceeds go back to their organization. We’ve also talked to a couple local farms about doing a pumpkin patch. Boys & Girls Club will take the lead on a build your own tote bag.” – Abby Taylor
“For instance, there’s an episode where they do a rummage sale in Stars Hollow so we’ve asked Mustard Seed Thrift and Mission to do that where all the proceeds go back to their organization,” Taylor said. “We’ve also talked to a couple local farms about doing a pumpkin patch. Boys & Girls Club will take the lead on a build your own tote bag.”
Taylor also pointed out a knit-a-thon episode from season 7 and will be replicating that at her own shop. Backroads Market will be the knitathon spot for the day, and some people will actually be making blankets and other items to give to Choices Life Resource Center.
In addition, Harrison County Public Library will be airing the pilot episode throughout the day and KentJava Bar will be hosting themed trivia — and these are just a few of the activities planned for the day.
The community involvement and support echo the spirit of Stars Hollow.
“We’ve had a lot of hardships this year and we’ve really seen the community come out and support businesses and support their neighbors and I think that’s a very strong connection point between the show and downtown Corydon.” – Jordon Wallace
“We’ve had a lot of hardships this year and we’ve really seen the community come out and support businesses and support their neighbors and I think that’s a very strong connection point between the show and downtown Corydon,” Wallace said.
“We want to make sure it still has that small town feel to it. We don’t want you to stand in line forever or feel like it’s too much,” she said.
Wallace said even if you have no knowledge of the show, it’s still a day worth visiting.
“There are absolutely things for you to do and appreciate, and just enjoy the town,” she said.
There is no cost to attend the event itself, but a Stars Hollow Gazette will be available for $2. The Gazette will be the guide for the day, highlighting different shops, and will include coupons as well.
For now, the best way to keep up with the event is to follow its Facebook page, “A Corydon, Indiana Gilmore Girls Day.” A website will be coming soon as well.
“It’s a day to bring your mom, to bring your daughters, to bring your girlfriends just to experience time together in a community we love,” Wallace said. •
Story and Map by Darian Decker
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