Elmwood Night Market returns Aug. 23

Elmwood

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This article was published 17/07/2024 (457 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Mark your calendars for a special night out in Elmwood.

The popular Elmwood Night Market returns to the field at 180 Poplar Ave. on Friday, Aug. 23 for its fourth instalment. To date, over 50 vendors, five food trucks, and live entertainment are booked for the free event, which will run from 5 to 9 p.m.

“We expect about 2,000 people to attend, but we’ll see,” said Kendall Pratap, Reimagine Elmwood co-ordinator for the Chalmers Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation. “Last year’s events had over 1,000.”

The Elmwood Night Market launched in 2022 from a desire to provide a marquee event for the neighbourhood while providing opportunities for local businesses.

“It brings a nightlife to the neighbourhood,” Pratap said. “Right now there isn’t much of that, like events that adults can look forward to in the evening. It is a family-friendly event, but we do see a lot of adults attending. It also brings people into Elmwood, which is something we try to do with Reimagine Elmwood. It also gives our local businesses an opportunity to meet residents. It provides a sense of community in our spaces. It gives that feel you get in Europe, where everyone is hanging out, talking, and laughing.”

David Weber, owner of Victory Pints Games (213 Hespeler Ave.), will be set up at the market again this year.

“I go to support the neighbourhood, because they’re extremely supportive of me. It’s a reciprocal thing,” the Glenelm resident said. “It’s all about community awareness, chatting with people and meeting my neighbours.”

Community events such as the night market are a great showcase of the neighbourhood’s community spirit, Weber added.

“Every event that seems to be held in this community seems to be extremely well attended,” he said. “These type of events make the community much more appealing to people who might not know it. That’s one of the things that makes Elmwood so nice to be in, to live in and to work in, is that there’s so much community support. It’s wonderful.”

Vendors offer everything from baking to fresh produce, crafters and artisans to clothing makers and local honey producers. Food trucks will provide options including Ethiopian fare, bubble tea, hotdogs and chicken burgers, pizza, mini-donuts and more. Entertainment confirmed at press time includes the Drop In Dance Winnipeg hip hop crew and drag performers, among others.

“There’s something there for everybody,” Pratap said. “It’s free admission. You can just come in and enjoy the entertainment. You don’t have to buy anything, but it’s also great to support local.”

In addition, organizers are collecting non-perishable food items for Elmwood’s emergency food pantry.

For more information, visit chalmersrenewal.org/elmwood-night-market/