As day turned into night, the Artisan’s Way Night Market lit up the bandshell area of the North Bay waterfront
Twenty-six vendors showcased their creations under the evening sky.
“This is accessible for all vendors at any stage of their business to show what they have. We allow five direct sales vendors every market and the rest have to be all handmade local. We had a number of potters from the Potter’s Guild, we had soy candles and handmade lotions and bath bombs, all kinds of things. Northern Smittens were here selling mittens, and 100% of the profit is going to cystic fibrosis,“ said event coordinator and vendor, Brianna Campigotto.
“Last year was my first season and the only night market was the one back in October. It was crazy. You couldn’t get to any of the tents, the community loved it so much. I try to play around the long weekends, and other events that are going on in the community, so it’s a little sporadic throughout the month, but it is once a month. Tonight worked out with people’s schedules.”
Vendors heard positive comments from the public who thanked them for putting on the market, surprised by the wide variety of items for sale.
Jade Vaillancourt and Kyle Wilson felt the market was a great place to show people their work.
“My boyfriend Kyle Wilson creates steel artwork and custom designs of all kinds, fire pits, you name it. The turnout was amazing. The people just poured through. It was definitely good exposure for us. There was a tonne of interest. It was actually a really nice night,” said Vaillancourt.
Michelle Rae and her family enjoyed wandering around the booths, impressed by all the creativity.
“I really like the fact that local artists are able to show their profile in Northern Ontario, especially in the local community of North Bay. The night market is something that is unusual here and I think it is a really great thing for North Bay to participate in because it would bring in a lot more of the local community.”
