A Dream Finds a Home: The Social Brings New Ways to Gather in Herington
Long before she had a storefront, Morgan Porter had an idea: someday, she wanted to create a “one-stop shop.”
She and her mom were decorating weddings and doing rentals together, turning their love of crafting and creating into celebrations for others. Over time, that work expanded into event coordination, more rental inventory and The Fizz Fix mobile drink trailer.
Now, Morgan and her husband, Mike Porter, are bringing those pieces together at The Social in Herington.
The new business will celebrate its grand opening October 24, with a ribbon cutting at 11:30 a.m., followed by an open house from noon to 4 p.m. Driving Dickinson County will join the Porters to help celebrate the milestone.
For Morgan, the opening marks the realization of a longtime dream—and an opportunity to invest in the community she calls home.
Built with family, made for community
Morgan has developed her businesses alongside her full-time career as a special education teacher and her family life. While she describes herself as the one frequently saying, “I have another idea,” she credits Mike with helping turn those ideas into reality.
He has spent countless hours working on the building, with family members pitching in to paint, clean, build, move furniture and work through whatever project came next. Friends, employees and community members have also helped along the way.
Improvements have included flooring, lighting, event spaces and a permanent Fizz Fix bar, along with furniture, décor and equipment. The Porters have also worked through the licensing, inspections, permits and planning needed to bring the business together.
“It has been a much bigger project than we initially imagined, but seeing it finally come together has made it worth it,” Morgan said.
The result is a space designed to accommodate several kinds of gatherings. Customers will be able to rent The Social for birthday parties, showers, meetings and other private events, with event décor rentals, decorating and coordination services also available.
The Fizz Fix will offer drinks inside the building and can be incorporated into private events. Plans also include craft nights, seasonal activities, children’s and teen events, and merchandise for purchase.
“I didn't want it to feel like it was simply a rental venue or just a drink shop,” Morgan said. “The Social is meant to be a place for people to gather, connect and celebrate.”
Another reason to stay local
The Porters’ investment adds both a business location and new options for spending time in Herington.
Morgan said she often hears people talk about leaving town to find things to do. She hopes The Social can help change that by offering activities and celebrations closer to home, while attracting visitors from surrounding communities who may also shop, eat and explore locally.
“Herington is our home, and we really wanted to invest in our own community,” she said.
Some existing Fizz Fix employees will continue working at The Social and during events. Morgan also hopes to collaborate with local makers, instructors and small businesses as programming develops.
“I would much rather find ways to work together and create things that encourage people to spend time downtown and support several businesses while they're here,” she said.
At the heart of that vision is a welcoming place where someone can attend a class alone, bring their children to an activity or gather family and friends for a milestone.
“The Social feels like the place where all the things I've loved doing over the years finally make sense together,” Morgan said.
By investing in their hometown and creating more opportunities to gather, the Porters are helping make Dickinson County roadmarkable—one celebration at a time.
Join the celebration October 24
The public is invited to the 11:30 a.m. ribbon cutting and noon–4 p.m. grand opening/open house on October 24 at The Social, 106 N. Broadway St. in Herington. Admission is free, and no registration is required.
Visitors can tour the spaces, view staged event décor and learn about rentals, services and upcoming classes. The Fizz Fix bar will be open, refreshments will be available, and guests can shop merchandise and other items.
The first 10 households through the doors following the ribbon cutting will receive a Grand Opening Goodie Bag.
For private rental availability and booking information, contact The Social through its Facebook page, The Social-Herington KS, or call 785-713-2910. Regular storefront hours are still being determined. Follow the Facebook page for Fizz Fix hours, upcoming classes and events.
“When people walk through the doors on October 24, I hope they don't just see a building or another business,” Morgan said. “I hope they see a place where they can make memories, celebrate the important moments in their lives, try something new and feel welcome.”
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