On-street entertainment was a big part of the Night Market and a key reason why it won't return in 2020. (Spencer Sterritt/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Spencer Sterritt

STALLS CLOSED

Night Market in downtown Nanaimo officially cancelled

Apr 29, 2020 | 5:31 PM

NANAIMO — A relatively new event drawing thousands to Nanaimo’s downtown is officially cancelled.

The Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce announced Tuesday, April 28 it’s taking a year off from the Night Market, which ran the last two years and lined Commercial St. with vendors, food trucks and entertainers.

Chamber president and CEO Kim Smythe previously told NanaimoNewsNOW they hoped to host the market in the fall for at least one week.

Even with physical distancing restrictions easing in the fall, Smythe said moving beyond the allowed gatherings of up to 50 people is an unknown.

“No matter which way we sliced it, we didn’t feel we could achieve what we wanted the event to achieve.”

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The province is allowing farmers markets but Smythe said organizers quickly realized the option wasn’t worth persuing.

“It doesn’t allow for a lot of fun. There’s no sampling of food, one person at a booth at a time, there’s no music or social element included. It can be food only, no other artisan goods.”

For 11 weeks in the last two summers, the Night Market brought thousands to Commercial St. and offered something for everyone.

Smythe said it was the interactive entertainment which customers said they enjoyed the most and it wouldn’t be the same without something to draw people in.

After two years, Smythe said organizers and vendors had built a sizable amount of momentum for themselves and also the downtown core.

“We would have opened on that high point and finding a new high point this year. That’s all put off for 12 months and we’re happy to keep excited about bringing it back in 2021.”

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @spencer_sterrit