Crowds flock to Night Market’s new location in Walkerville

By Mirjana Janekovic

The Willistead Night Market has survived the death of its patron and has found new life outside the Walkerville Brewery.

More than 100 people turned out for its first night in its new location on Argyle Road between Brant and Wyandotte Streets.

“From the community reactions, everyone is so happy that this festival stayed in Walkerville and that we are keeping it alive,” said Natalie Lahoud, Walkerville Brewery Event Manager.

The night market is a collection of local businesses, entrepreneurs and people who are interested in selling handmade craft products. It had to be moved from its location outside The Good Neighbour restaurant following the death of Mark Boscariol in July.

In honour of Boscariol, one of the original founders of the market, the night’s proceeds were donated to The Little Things that Matter Program – a grassroots, community improvement program run by the Downtown Windsor Community Collaborative.

Long-time supporters, who love the community vibe, live music and local food and drink, vowed to continue supporting the market in its new location.

“We have been coming to the Willistead Night Market since the beginning, so this is something we will definitely continue to support with family,” said Branko Churuvija.

Lahoud was happy with the turnout and wants the market to stay in Walkerville as a community event.

“People of all ages are coming here, they are having a good time and it is very much a local festival. There are local drinks, local festivities, local businesses, and vendors and this is why we want to keep this festival so that people can promote their local goods,” said Lahoud.

“Some people may have been nervous that it will reach its end but we managed to keep it alive. We are just going to continue supporting this growth as a community event. We are happy to be able to keep it in Walkerville.”

The next Night Market will take place from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Oct. 26^th at the same location.