The ice cream sandwiches from one vendor were sold out by 8:30 but, otherwise, Port Moody’s first night market last Friday was a roaring success.
Amelia Norrie, one of the organizers of the Market at Brewers Row, estimated upwards of 2,000 people visited the inaugural event, held in the parking lot of the PoMo Station Museum. She said the warm summer evening and the market’s uniqueness in the Tri-Cities kept the throngs coming.
“It was crazy,” Norrie said. “What I kept hearing is there’s nothing like this in the area. This night market concept has really gotten to people.”
Norrie said the vendors, which included clothing boutiques, artisans and a food truck, were thrilled with the turnout and visitors told her they were happy at the variety of vendors. So much so, Port Moody police attended for much of the evening to ensure pedestrians crossing Murray Street to and from the nearby craft breweries stayed safe.
“It was busy,” Norrie said. “It was a really cool, festive atmosphere.”
And with this week off before the night market resumes weekly from July 7 to Aug. 11, Norrie said organizers will use that time to make a few adjustments to make the experience even better, including adding more vendors and more live music, and creating a scavenger hunt to engage visitors who aren’t inclined to shop while they’re at the market.
“People are excited,” Norrie said. “As long as the weather cooperates, I think people are going to want to come back. A buzz has been created.”
