The Commercial Street Night Market officially opens for business next week.
Evening shopping begins Thursday, June 22, in the heart of downtown Nanaimo from 5-9 p.m. and will run on every subsequent Thursday through Aug. 31. Vehicle traffic on Commercial Street will be blocked off to allow shoppers to peruse and enjoy the sights and sounds, said Aurora Zuraw, night market coordinator with Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce, in an e-mail interview.
Two hundred vendors will be on Commercial selling crafts, items, food and the like, she said.
“We have many drop-in vendors and therefore each week will always be a little different from the last,” said Zuraw. “I know we have a few fan favourites returning such as Sweet and Dandy Cotton Candy, The Pretzel Guys, Lee Rocks It and King Kauna Hawaiian Shirts.”
A range of entertainers will perform for market-goers over the summer.
“We have multiple local artists and entertainers scheduled for this year,” Zuraw said. “You can expect an array of musical, dancing, and demonstrations performed throughout the market.”
Last year was a “comeback year” after COVID-19 restrictions and a great success, said Zuraw, and organizers hope this year will be better.
“We are building on the success of last year with our new community partner sponsorships,” she said. “We have a handful of organizations who are supporting the night market and are providing some new and interesting vendor booths.”
Bylaw officers, Nanaimo RCMP, community policing and local security will be around and about the night market to keep people safe.
The first night market of 2022 attracted 10,000 people downtown and organizers are hoping for another huge opening night.
A wait-list has been created for vendors and organizers will contact people on the list as spots open up, the chamber said.
For more information about the event, visit www.nanaimochamber.bc.ca/nanaimo-night-market/.
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