The Willistead Night Market delivers, rain or shine

By Elisabeth Remington

It’s a good thing the Willistead Night Market had a back up plan on Friday, Sept. 29.

The skies were clear and the tables were full at the beginning of the event, formerly known as the Walkerville Night Market. Then the rain fell.

But the party did not end – it continued inside the Willistead Restaurant.

“The rain didn’t dampen our spirits and hopefully we get a break in the weather,” said Jesse Gar-ant. He and his wife, who have been to the Night Market a few times, enjoyed the harvest themed food at the Willistead.

Protected by their canopies, the vendors stayed open during the rainfall.

Rick Wilkinson, of Wilkinson Candles, has participated in the Night Markets for the last three years and said it is a “great place to meet people in the community.”

“The turnout is pretty good, I mean we got a little bit of rain that is going to come in sporadically but it’s not going to dampen the spirits tonight I don’t think,” said Wilkinson, laughing as he held the canopy down in the wind.

Amber Reaume, of The Humble Crumb, is enthusiastic about the event and said the organizers do a fantastic job.

“(The rain) scares people away a little bit but the crowd knows when to come back. The music’s great, the food is great, the drinks are even better. So, it’s always a good time here, rain or shine,” she said.

The Willistead Night Market is a family event. Children were dancing in the rain as the adults were huddled under the canopies and the music continued. Once the sky cleared people crowded into the parking lot and every seat was taken.

Also, there were three players with the Windsor Aces who volunteered their time to help set up the event and to tell people about their first game against the Kingsville Kings at Windsor’s Adie Knox Arena.

The next Willistead Market Night will be an Octoberfest Theme on Friday, Oct. 27.

“German food, German sausages, schnitzel. Hopefully, the weather turns out a little better than tonight,” said James Renaud, one of the owners of the Willistead Restaurant.