The plaza is alive. Walking up, you hear laughter coming from the packed streets. The smell of barbecue fills the air, jewelry shines in the evening light, and bright flower bouquets catch your eye. Art is everywhere. You’ve made it to the Friday Night Market.
Arcata’s small businesses have been setting up at the Eureka Friday Night Market for years. Finally coming to Arcata this past September, our local businesses get to shine for their customers.
The market is a great way for people to socialize and meet new people. Everyone gets to strengthen their bonds with the community.
“The Plaza is a great place to bring the community together,” market attendee and senior at Redwood Coast Montessori, Soriah Wagshal, said. “It’s a new opportunity for students in Arcata without a license to gain that experience.”
The turnout of the Arcata market was outstanding. Every booth had lines of curious shoppers looking to see what was being sold. When approaching the food trucks, I couldn’t get a single interview in; they were all so busy.
For businesses with an Arcata storefront, being able to connect to their customers near them is very important.
“We were so excited to do a night market in Arcata so that we can advertise our business to the people in Arcata,” Humboldt House plant owner Shelise Ensworth said. Humboldt Houseplants got its start after selling at Eureka markets. People loved it so much that they took off and were able to open a store in Arcata.
Many vendors were selling art and jewelry that they created. Including beautiful handmade necklaces, kitchenware, and small figurines—all while still connecting with everyone who passed by. A local artisan was selling his pottery, telling everyone about his future projects. He plans on making witch-shaped salt and pepper shakers for the fall.
Vendors without a storefront utilized the Arcata market to get their products out there so new people can see what they are missing out on.
“This allows me to connect with people through my heart,” the owner of Howling Lily, Jessica Lebert, said. Her gorgeous necklaces and rings caught everyone’s eye.
The Friday Night Market has been a way for Arcata’s small businesses to get their start and keep a strong customer base. Humboldt Made plans to create more opportunities like this for years to come.
