This year, Toys for Tots is making an incredible impact, with donations supporting 1,166 families, over 9,000 children, and 32 schools, churches, and nonprofits across Northeast Kansas. At the helm of this effort is Brett Peterson, who has served as the program’s coordinator for the past two years. Under his leadership, Toys for Tots has continued to grow and reach even more families in need.

For children in need, receiving a toy on Christmas morning is about more than just having something to play with—it’s about experiencing the joy, love, and magic of the holiday season. Thanks to the program’s success, many families facing tough times will still be able to share in the spirit of Christmas.

While the current campaign wraps up at West Ridge Mall on December 22nd, donations can be made year-round by taking new, unwrapped toys directly to the Toys for Tots location at Forbes Field. This allows the organization to continue helping children throughout the year, ensuring that every child gets the chance to feel special, no matter the season.

With just a few days left in this year’s drive, there’s still time to make a difference. Stop by West Ridge Mall, drop off a toy, and bring a smile to a child’s face this holiday season. Together, the community can help ensure that no child wakes up without the magic of Christmas this year!

While the loss of familiar national retailers was a blow to the mall’s identity, the rise of local vendors, seasonal events, and pop-up shops is injecting new life into the space. These small businesses have brought a sense of community back to Westridge Mall, drawing in shoppers looking for something different.

But the question remains: Can Westridge Mall truly come back as a shopping center? Or is it merely a shadow of its former self?

For those of us who grew up in the 80s and 90s, malls were more than just retail centers. They were the gathering places of our youth, where we met friends after school, lingered after church, or just passed the time. Westridge Mall, along with others, was a social space—somewhere to go when the world outside felt a bit too quiet. But today, the idea of “hanging out” at the mall seems foreign, especially to younger generations.

Now, as we walk through the festive halls of Westridge, it’s hard not to feel nostalgic for those simpler times. While the mall may never be the community gathering spot it once was, there’s something magical about seeing it bustling again. Whether it’s the temporary shops, seasonal events, or even just the increase in foot traffic, it’s clear that Westridge Mall has found new life, albeit in a different form.

As the future of the mall continues to unfold, one can only wonder: Will it thrive as a modern-day community center, or will it remain just a place to shop, eat, and visit for the occasional event? Only time will tell.

If you’re interested in checking out local events and pop-up shops, don’t forget to visit This Is Topeka Arts and Entertainment where you can find information on upcoming happenings in and around Topeka. Additionally, for all the latest updates on what’s going on at Westridge Mall and in the city, be sure to visit This Is Topeka News.

The closures raise vital questions: Are these isolated incidents of misfortune, or do they signal broader challenges? And more importantly, what can Topekans do to help reverse this trend?

The Heartbreak of Losing Local Icons

For years, these establishments were more than just places to shop, eat, or drink; they were community cornerstones. Saigon was a go-to for authentic Vietnamese cuisine, known for its comforting bowls of pho. Brew Bank brought innovation to downtown with its self-pour beer concept, offering a unique way for patrons to experience craft beer. Jock’s Nitch provided sporting goods to generations of athletes and fans, while Unraveled LLC and T&K Clothing represented Topeka’s commitment to boutique shopping and unique style.

As these businesses disappear, they leave behind empty storefronts and a void in the community. For many Topekans, these closures feel personal, underscoring the fragility of small businesses in a changing economic climate.

Why Are These Businesses Closing?

While each closure has its unique circumstances, a few shared challenges emerge. The lingering effects of the pandemic have disrupted supply chains, increased costs, and shifted consumer behaviors toward online shopping and larger, more established retailers. Rising rents and inflation have also taken a toll, particularly on small, independent businesses.

Moreover, Topeka’s West Ridge Mall, once a hub of activity, has seen a steady decline in foot traffic, further exacerbating difficulties for tenants like Jock’s Nitch and T&K Clothing.

For restaurants and breweries, competition and a changing dining culture play a role. Saigon and Norsemen Brewery faced the dual challenge of attracting steady crowds while contending with slim profit margins.

What Can Topekans Do?

The closures raise a pressing question: how can residents and city leaders support small businesses to prevent more closures?

1. Shop Local: One of the most immediate solutions is for Topekans to prioritize spending their dollars locally. Frequenting small businesses and dining at local restaurants can make a significant difference.
2. Engage in Marketing: Many small businesses lack the resources or expertise for effective marketing. Improved visibility through digital advertising, social media, and community engagement can help them reach new customers and retain loyal ones. Could the city or local organizations offer affordable marketing training or subsidies?
3. Encourage Collaboration: Small businesses may benefit from partnerships, such as shared spaces, cross-promotions, or collective events, to pool resources and draw larger crowds.
4. City Initiatives: Are local leaders doing enough to create a business-friendly environment? Reducing regulatory hurdles, offering grants, or investing in infrastructure improvements could foster a more supportive ecosystem.

The Way Forward

Topeka has long been a city with a strong sense of community, but that spirit must now extend to actively supporting its local businesses. While closures like Saigon and Norsemen Brewery are a loss, they also serve as a wake-up call. The future of Topeka’s small business landscape depends on residents, business owners, and city leaders coming together to address these challenges. The question is: will Topeka answer the call?

The festivities kick off with weigh-ins and a fighter meet-and-greet on Friday at 5:30 PM in the West Ridge Mall Food Court. Fans can meet their favorite athletes, get autographs, and snag signed posters. Media representatives will also be on-site, covering the event as attendees enjoy a variety of delicious food options from local vendors.

Location Details and Ticket Info
The fights will take place in the former Burlington Coat Factory space on the southwest side of West Ridge Mall, transforming the venue into an arena packed with excitement. Fans should note entry instructions:

• General Admission & Reserved Seating: Access through the main doors on the top floor, marked by a prominent event banner. Doors open at 6:00 PM.
• VIP Guests: Enter through the Spirit Halloween entrance on the opposite side, bottom floor. VIP access begins at 5:00 PM, offering exclusive perks like early entry, catered barbecue, and an open bar.

Tickets are still available:

• General Admission: $20
• Reserved Seating: $40
  (VIP tickets and tables have already sold out.)

Event Schedule

• 5:00 PM: VIP access begins
• 6:00 PM: General admission doors open
• 7:00 PM: Fights start
  The action is expected to last until 10:00 or 11:00 PM, promising a full evening of adrenaline-pumping matchups.

West Ridge Fight Night is more than just an event—it’s a chance to reinvigorate a beloved Topeka landmark. By hosting this high-profile fight night, organizers aim to draw attention back to West Ridge Mall and its role as a community gathering space.

For tickets, text Damon Reed at +1 (785) 221-2123.

Come for the fights, enjoy the food, meet the fighters, and leave with a renewed sense of pride in Topeka. Don’t miss this unforgettable night of action and community connection!

The afternoon featured an array of vendors and services designed to make it a memorable experience. Alannah Webb provided relaxing chair massages that quickly became a guest favorite, offering the perfect opportunity to unwind. Equal Glo was also on-site with discounted Botox services, allowing attendees to refresh their look at a reduced rate—a popular choice for many.

Guests enjoyed exploring permanent jewelry options, with custom jewelry stations adding a unique touch to the event. Red Aspen Nail Dashes, brought in by Kali herself, drew the attention of beauty enthusiasts who were eager to learn more about the latest styles and techniques.

Adding to the wellness experience, Lynzie Reynolds represented Green Compass with a selection of high-quality CBD products, giving attendees a chance to discover and purchase items for relaxation and health benefits. Linked by AEA’s in-store items were also available for holiday shopping, with many guests taking the opportunity to start checking off their holiday lists while supporting local businesses.

Event organizer Kali expressed her gratitude for the positive turnout and noted the excitement from both vendors and customers. “It’s great to see the community come together like this,” she shared. “We wanted to create a space for relaxation, beauty, and connection, and I think we accomplished just that.”

With its warm reception, Linked by AEA’s girls’ day out is poised to become a community favorite, promising an uplifting experience for those seeking wellness, beauty, and shopping in Topeka.

The turnout was strong, with a mix of sneaker enthusiasts, streetwear fans, and curious onlookers filling the venue. Vendors offered a range of products, from rare and limited-edition sneakers to custom streetwear, accessories, and even food options that kept the crowd fueled and energized. Shoes were undoubtedly the highlight, with some vendors selling sought-after models from iconic brands like Nike and Jordan, while others showcased more niche finds for serious collectors.

In addition to footwear, local businesses and artisans brought a variety of clothing and accessories, including hats, jewelry, and graphic tees that appealed to Topeka’s style-conscious crowd. Food vendors, meanwhile, offered everything from snacks to full meals, keeping attendees satisfied as they browsed and socialized.

Event organizers were thrilled with the turnout and the enthusiastic community response. “This was about more than just sneakers,” said Chris Ware, one of the organizers. “It was about building connections and celebrating a culture that’s been growing here for years. We wanted to show that Topeka has its own unique voice in the streetwear scene, and today proved that.”

The success of 785 Sneaker Fest suggests it may become an annual event, as attendees and vendors alike are already expressing excitement for future gatherings.

With a low admission fee of $10 at the door, 785 Sneaker Fest offers unbeatable access to one-of-a-kind sneakers and must-have gear. Expect to see rare, limited-edition sneakers and streetwear, making this event an absolute must for collectors and style enthusiasts alike. Giveaways, prizes, and food and drink stations will keep the energy high throughout the day.

“This is more than a sneaker show—it’s a movement,” say the event organizers, highlighting the community-building spirit of 785 Sneaker Fest. Vendors, artists, barbers, and local creators will come together to turn West Ridge Mall into the ultimate destination for anyone passionate about sneaker culture. The organizers encourage any interested vendors and artists to DM them to secure a spot before they’re fully booked.

This unique event is expected to attract visitors from across Topeka and beyond, making it the ideal opportunity to network and support local businesses and creators. It’s more than just a chance to shop; it’s an experience that brings together everyone who loves sneakers and streetwear culture in one place.

So mark your calendar for November 9th, and get ready to dive into Topeka’s sneaker scene like never before. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this epic celebration of sneaker culture, fashion, and community.

Don’t just watch history unfold—be a part of it. 785 Sneaker Fest isn’t just another event; it’s a celebration of culture, community, and passion that Topeka hasn’t seen before. So grab your friends, lace up, and bring your A-game, because this is your chance to step into something unforgettable.

Will you be there to feel the energy, or will you just hear about it later? you make history with us, or will you just hear about it later?