Visitors shopped by the glow of stringed lights on Friday and Saturday at the inaugural outdoor Norfolk Night Market.
Fifty vendors lined the Norfolk County Fairgrounds in Simcoe selling unique handmade products, curated art, food and locally-made wine and beer.
The market is something new for the Norfolk County Agricultural Society, said event coordinator Melissa Tiller.
“Night markets are a trendy thing right now,” she said. “We have muddled through the pandemic and this helps bring the community back together and celebrate summer.”
Angela Hogeveen, general manager of the agricultural society, said the two-day market “highlights what the area has to offer.” Effort was made to have vendors and entertainers from in and around Norfolk.
Market vendor Drew Walmsley, owner of The Folk Merch and Apparel along with Eric Pond and Ashley Verrall, had a table full of Norfolk-inspired T-shirts and sweatshirts for sale, with logos including Farmin’ Folk, Cottage Folk and Lake Folk.
The trio started the business in 2020 during the pandemic with an aim to support others making their way through trying times. A portion of the proceeds from each article of clothing sold is used to support other local small businesses.
“We started by making shirts for friends,” said Walmsley. “Now we’re celebrating two years in business and have our shirts in more than 10 retail locations.”
Cheryl Murphy-Simon, owner of Crème Brulee and Bouquets on Alice Street in Waterford, was inviting shoppers to her booth to make their own bouquets from buckets of roses, carnations, lilies, daisies and other fresh flowers.
“People are liking it,” she said as a crowd of shoppers began to gather at the fairgrounds on Friday afternoon.
Murphy-Simon, who also opened two years ago during the pandemic, said her store offers a full-service floral shop, a women’s clothing line, kidswear and home décor.
Chris Mullin, co-chair of the Norfolk County Fair Foundation, had a large selection of perennial plants, plucked from foundation members’ gardens, for sale at the market. Proceeds from the plant sales – and other fundraisers organized by the foundation throughout the year – go to the fair for building maintenance and other projects.
Hogeveen said market organizers were “thrilled to be able to offer a new experience on our grounds, and to our community, highlighting local makers and talents.”
She said they were overwhelmed by interest from vendors and the pre-sale of tickets for the night market exceeded their expectations.
“We’re calling this the summer edition,” said Hogeveen. “It leaves the door open for other markets – maybe one at Christmas. Stay tuned.”