Only one weekend into what many feared would be a summer of duelling night markets in Richmond, it seems theres room for both with one even reporting record-breaking numbers.
The fifth annual Summer Night Market, located near IKEA Richmond, opened May 11, while the Richmond Night Market, situated by River Rock Casino, opened this past weekend.
Even so, Paul Cheung, who founded the market near IKEA, said attendance at his event is poised to continue growing despite the competition.
We, ourselves, are quite astonished by the turnout, especially this weekend when the other market opened up, he said, noting last weekends opening night saw 18,000 visitors pass through the gates, an increase from 2011, which welcomed 13,000 on opening night.
Its always slow in the beginning and doesnt pick up until June, but this year has been amazing, Cheung said.
The two markets have long been immersed in controversy with this past weekend being the first to see both events run concurrently.
Richmond resident Graeme Bone visited the Richmond Night Market and noted it, too, was busy, which lent an air of authenticity.
I used to live in Taiwan so I went to a lot of night markets there and I felt both [of Richmonds markets] lived up to that culture, he said.
Both markets are open 7 p.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday.
On Sunday, the Richmond Night Market, located on River Road west of Bridgeport SkyTrain station, is open 6 to 11 p.m., while the Summer Night Market, located on Vulcan Way off Bridgeport Road, is open 7 to 11 p.m.
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