Lorain flower shop celebrating 75 years as part of International Festival and Bazaar

June 26, 2026 - 22:40

A family-run flower shop in Lorain is marking a rare milestone this summer: 75 years in business. Zelek Flower Shop, a fixture on Broadway, will celebrate its diamond anniversary as part of the city's International Festival and Bazaar this weekend.

The shop opened in 1949, when downtown Lorain was a bustling hub of retail and industry. While many neighboring storefronts have changed hands or closed over the decades, Zelek has remained under the same family's care. Current owner Mary Zelek, the third generation to run the operation, says the secret is simple: treating every customer like a neighbor.

"We've seen three generations of families come through our doors for weddings, funerals, and proms," she said. "That kind of trust doesn't happen overnight."

The anniversary coincides with the International Festival and Bazaar, a long-running Lorain tradition that celebrates the city's diverse ethnic heritage. Zelek's will have a booth featuring a display of historic flower arrangements from each decade of its operation, alongside a special 75th-anniversary bouquet.

The festival runs Saturday and Sunday at Black River Landing. Proceeds from the flower booth will go toward local beautification projects. Zelek says she hopes the milestone reminds people that small businesses can still thrive with community support. "We're not just selling flowers," she said. "We're selling memories."