A rainy weekend may have got the International Summer Night Market off to a soggy start, but a busy coming long weekend list of activities is expected to get things back on track.
The night market's Florence Lee said clear skies last Friday evening drew big crowds to the 10-acre site behind Home Depot (12631 Vulcan Way) where close to 200 vendors set up shop for the first time this season.
But a change in the unexpected, warm early May weather put a damper on things Saturday and Sunday.
But not to worry, Lee said, as this weekend's Victoria Day long weekend will give market-goers four nights to take in the colorful and vibrant setting.
"We will be in operation Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday," Lee said.
On Friday to Sunday, the market will be open from 7 p.m. to midnight. On the holiday Monday the hours run 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Normal operating hours for Sundays when there is no long weekend are 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. The market runs until Sept. 8.
Lee said there will be plenty of live entertainment this weekend, including competitors in the Summer Night Idol (SNI) talent search.
Auditions were held last month at Lansdowne Centre, and elimination rounds and the grand finale will be held on the International Summer Night Market stage.
Plus, there's more ahead for the market with a grand opening set for Saturday June 8. That's when the market celebrates cultural diversity with a variety of displays and entertainment.
For more information about the International Summer Night Market, visit summernightmarket.com.
Night market fans can also check out the debut of the Richmond Night Market's 2013 season which gets underway May 17 at its location at 8351 River Road, adjacent to the River Rock Casino Resort.
Hours run from 7 p.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, and 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Sundays. The Richmond Night Market is also open on long weekend Mondays, and market days run each weekend until Oct. 14.
For more information, visit richmondnightmarket.com.
