Stogies @ Sunset is the Historic Town of Eatonville’s premier quarterly concert series powered by the Eatonville Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA).

Designed as a culturally vibrant, family-friendly experience, Stogies @ Sunset brings together music, art, food, and community connection in one signature event that celebrates Eatonville’s heritage while fueling its future growth.

Each installation offers a themed, elevated outdoor experience—live bands, local artists, cigar lounges, food trucks, and vendor villages—that attract residents, regional visitors, and business owners. But beyond entertainment, Stogies @ Sunset serves a deeper purpose: it is a strategic economic development program supporting entrepreneurship, workforce development, and small-business expansion in Eatonville.

Programs Stogies @ Sunset Supports

1. Eatonville Biz Boost – Small Business Development Pipeline

Stogies @ Sunset is the flagship activation for the CRA’s Small Business Initiative, providing a real-world marketplace for new and existing entrepreneurs to grow. Through the Eatonville Biz Boost pipeline, the event supports:

● New startup vendors entering the market
● Food trucks and mobile retailers building brand exposure
● Existing Eatonville businesses increasing visibility and sales
● Entrepreneurs transitioning from vendor → storefront, contributing to Eatonville’s long-term economic vitality

This pipeline is part of a long-term strategy to cultivate future brick-and-mortar businesses in Eatonville’s CRA District.

2. Vendor Village & Micro-Enterprise Support

The Vendor Village at each Stogies @ Sunset event serves as a live incubator for micro-enterprises. It provides:

● Affordable vendor opportunities
● Real-time business feedback
● Increased customer engagement
● Passport raffle participation to drive traffic to each vendor
● Opportunities for cross-promotion with CRA partners

This initiative directly contributes to local economic mobility and entrepreneurship empowerment.

3. Community Wellness & Engagement

Stogies @ Sunset intentionally integrates community-centered programs at each event, such as:

● Health & wellness partners (screenings, health education, senior program promotions)
● Family-friendly engagement zones
● Community resource booths
● Education and literacy partners
● Public safety and emergency services awareness

These components strengthen community bonds and provide residents with access to essential services in an approachable environment.

4. Arts, Culture & Heritage Preservation

As the oldest incorporated African American town in the United States, Eatonville’s cultural identity is at the heart of the series. Stogies @ Sunset:

● Showcases local and regional musicians
● Features visual artists, artisans, and cultural exhibitors
● Incorporates Eatonville themes like Denim, Dukes & Boots, Da’Ville Goes Caribbean,and others
● Reinforces Eatonville’s brand as a heritage tourism destination

This supports Eatonville’s long-term vision for cultural preservation and storytelling.

5. Workforce, Youth & Volunteer Engagement

Stogies @ Sunset creates ongoing opportunities for:

● Local youth organizations (internships, volunteering, production support)
● Workforce training partners
● Residents exploring event production careers

By integrating youth and workforce pathways, the event becomes a hands-on training ground, building community pride and future workforce readiness.

6. Corporate, Philanthropic & Community Partnerships

Stogies @ Sunset acts as an entry point to attract:

● Corporate sponsors
● Nonprofit partners
● Foundation supporters
● Local and regional donors

These partnerships extend beyond event day, creating year-round collaborations that strengthen Eatonville’s economic and social infrastructure.

Overall Community Impact

Through its multi-layered programs, Stogies @ Sunset:

● Generates recurring economic activity
● Supports small business recovery and growth
● Attracts new visitors and potential investors
● Enhances community pride and engagement
● Provides platforms for arts, health, and culture
● Strengthens Eatonville’s position as a thriving, culturally rich destination

What started as an event has become a movement—fueling entrepreneurship, celebrating heritage, and positioning Eatonville for sustained economic revitalization.