The townsfolk of Fort St. James and the Bulkley-Nechako region partied the night away at the August 19 inaugural Inter-Community Night Market. Held at Spirit Square in downtown Fort St. James from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., downtown actives and marketing coordinator, Sheridan Tamayo-Henderson said, “I consider the event to have been a great success. I was very happy to see so many people appreciating the talents of not only our musical performers and regional artists but the talents of our vendors, farmers and artisans as well.”
Aiming to bring Bulkley-Nechako communities together to celebrate and support local businesses and artists the night market drew performances from throughout the province. Local Nak’azdli Band drummers performed as well as Black Spruce Bog, based out of Prince George and even the Vancouver based band Devil in the Wood Shack, who also played at this years Music on the Mountain festival.
In addition to musical performances, regional farmers, artisans, small businesses and non-profit organizations also took part in the night market.
“It was wonderful to witness the passion and dedication of the non-profit organizations that participated to promote a number of fantastic programs,” said Tamayo-Henderson.
The night market was inter-community meaning that it featured people, businesses and performers from neighbouring communities as well, Tamayo-Henderson said she was thrilled at the outcome of the events first night saying,
“It was wonderful to see people from so many different communities and walks of life gather together to build relationships.”
Local artist Clare Singleton brought her art out into a community forum leading a slew of children in a sidewalk pairing art lesson, the aftermath of which was visible on the ground throughout Spirit Square for days.