Some came to shop, some came for the food and beverages, and everyone supported the Norfolk County Fair at the 2024 summer edition of the Norfolk Night Market at the fairgrounds in Simcoe.
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“This was the second time we’ve done it this way, and I think it’s better than last year,” said Angela Hogeveen, general manager of the Norfolk County Fair and Horse Show, noting last year they combined the night market with the Fairgrounds Festival concerts. “The two didn’t necessarily mesh as well as we had hoped they would.
“Both can exist in their own space,” said Hogeveen. “Different audiences, a little bit. Some would cross over but they are both strong enough on their own. The Night Market is a great event and giving it its own space is worth it.”
This year’s Fairgrounds Festival is June 14-15. Friday night has the Sam Roberts Band and 54-40. Saturday night has Theory of a Deadman and Saint Asonia.
Hogeveen said this year’s night market, held 3-10 pm on Friday and Saturday, had about 20 beverage and food vendors, including desserts. There was live entertainment and family games and yard activities.
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A new indoor central cashier market allowed small vendors or vendors with multiple shows to drop off their products, with fair staff taking care of the sales. Outdoor booths were manned by the vendors.
“It’s more accessible,” said Hogeveen.
In 2022, attendance reached nearly 3,000, which came as a bit of a surprise for organizers. They had more than 1,000 visitors for a rainy Christmas edition of the night market last December.
“If the weather holds off this weekend, we’d like to see a couple thousand people, something in between the two. Some people just come to shop. Some people stay for a couple hours, have a drink, sit and listen to the live music – nice light music out there this afternoon with a little bit more rock in the evening,” said Hogeveen.
“It can be just that shopping experience, but you don’t have to shop. It’s a fun event regardless… with everyone’s favorite fair food trucks.”
The 2024 Christmas edition of the Norfolk Night Market returns Dec. 6-7.
“We’ll have our fire pits and heaters. We learned a little bit last year about having some backup plans for weather.”
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