Monique Arambula
Staff Writer
Valentine’s Day joy filled the air Monday at the Citrus Lawn where a vibrant marketplace showcased small businesses. Students arrived with friends to explore and shop for the upcoming holiday.
The event was not just about gifts for significant others, it was also a chance to pick up thoughtful presents for friends and companions.
A nostalgic playlist of 1990s and 2000s love songs set the mood, creating a lively and relaxed hangout spot for students. The vendors’ tables were creatively decorated with a few Valentine’s Day motifs, featuring heart-shaped displays, vibrant reds and pinks and love-themed streamers under a few booths.
Clusters of friends laughed together as they explored the booths, while a few couples wandered hand in hand. Curious shoppers stopped to ask questions, drawn in by the colorful setups and friendly business owners.
Many attendees gravitated toward booths positioned in the sunny areas, seeking warmth compared to the shaded parts of Citrus Lawn. The lively market scene brought happiness to students, symbolizing the joy of the upcoming Valentine’s season.
While browsing, students enjoyed friendly assistance from business owners eager to promote their items. Vendors put their marketing strategies to the test with bargains and kindness. Many of the business owners shared stories about how they started their ventures and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to connect with student shoppers.
“I am definitely shopping for myself and friends and kind of seeing what’s out there,” said Sydney Delfin, a junior psychology major.
The marketplace featured plants, jewelry, clothing, lemonade and crocheted items.
“I really like the market itself,” said freshman physics major Esteban Rivera. “It was really cute and easy to find something for my girlfriend for Valentine’s Day. So I loved the theme, and I’m glad they did it.”
Some students were just shopping despite the Valentine’s theme, including Lily Bower-Moore, a sophomore and creative writing major.
“I usually look for clothes,” said Lily Bower-Moore, sophomore creative writing major. “I like looking at the thrifted and vintage clothes and the keychains … I’m not really looking to shop for anyone – just kind of looking around to see what they have.”
“When I was younger, my mom would make me clothes, and then when I got older, I learned how to crochet from YouTube,” Paz Li, one of the vendors selling crocheted keychains and flowers, said.
Monique Arambula can be found at monique.arambula@laverne.edu.
Monique Arambula is a staff writer for the Campus Times. She is also a freshman communications major with a concentration in public relations and a minor in film production.
