(PULLMAN, WA) – The Downtown Pullman Association in partnership with the National Lentil Festival and sponsored by Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories is set to host the second annual Downtown Vibes: Lentil Fest Friday on August 16 in downtown Pullman to kick off Lentil Fest Weekend.
The celebration, coined a ‘party in the parking lot,” will start at 4 p.m. in the lot at 150 SE Kamiaken Street, formerly the site of Pullman’s Moose Lodge. Festivities will include live performances by Ally Fraser, DJ Goldfinger, WSU Country Swing, Washington-Idaho Symphony Jazz Band and headliner Classic Rewind. Attendees will have the opportunity to mix and mingle with local celebrities, including WSU athletes, Butch T. Cougar and Tase T. Lentil.
The highlight of the evening is a “lentil hunt” throughout downtown Pullman. The lentil hunt encourages visitors to patronize downtown businesses via “lentil stops,” starting with map pickup in the parking lot. The map will highlight various businesses offering lentil-themed activities, food and more. After finishing the hunt, participants can submit their completed maps at the Downtown Pullman Association information tent to win a gift card to a local business. $1,000 in gift cards supporting downtown businesses, provided by Krista Gross Real Estate, are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and the list of participating stops will be revealed Aug. 6.
“We’re thrilled to bring back this event, especially in a year that holds such significance for our downtown businesses,” says Downtown Pullman Association Executive Director Mallory Nash. “With the potential to attract thousands of attendees, it’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate everything that makes Pullman special and come together as a community.”
Downtown Vibes: Lentil Fest Friday is free to attend and open to individuals of all ages.
“Living in Pullman, we’re lucky to have a downtown full of amazing local businesses and passionate people,” says Nash. “This event is a great opportunity to come together, support our local shops, and enjoy live music and a fun lentil hunt. As we kick off the National Lentil Festival, it’s all about celebrating the vibrant community we have and the unique spirit of Pullman. We can’t wait to experience it with everyone.”
The event will also host an exclusive pre-sale of the official 2024 Lentil Festival Merchandise. Merch will be available at Downtown Vibes in a limited quantity, and sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to make purchases.
Festivities will conclude at 8 p.m., Aug. 16. The National Lentil Festival officially begins at 11 a.m., Aug. 17 with the WSECU Grand Parade on SE Riverview Street.
Downtown Vibes: Lentil Fest Friday is made possible by generous sponsorship from Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories and prize sponsor Krista Gross Real Estate.
For more information about the event, including details on volunteering and updates on participating businesses, please visit https://downtownpullman.org/
