Student Association (SA) will organize two 423 Night Markets this school year, the fifth anniversary of the event, according to SA President Kenneth Bautista, senior management major. The market, which has only occurred once per school year thus far, will take place Oct. 8 and then again April 22. Both times, it will be located in the parking lot of Collegedale Church of Seventh-day Adventists.
Bautista defined 423 Night Market as an “entrepreneurial, creative market by students for students” and added that it’s inspired by 626 Night Market near Los Angeles. It’s a place for students to showcase and sell their creations, as well as promote their businesses.
Bautista said the decision to organize two markets was made because of high interest in the event among students as well as the progressive increase in vendors each year.
“Southern’s a very entrepreneurial school,” he said. “There’s lots of people that are driven, that are passionate. And what’s amazing about it is that they’re not just business majors. All people from across all different majors can come together to create things.”
Bautista further explained that 423 is funded by SA’s budget, and the money goes toward paying each vendor $50. A large reason why SA will be able to put on two markets is the cancellation of this year’s Memories yearbook, as funds typically allotted to the yearbook will go to SA events. Bautista confirmed that no other SA events will need to be canceled or modified to allow a second market.
“We can take this money and reinvest it back into the students … in an event that they already love,” he said. “I feel like it’s a certified hit.”
According to a previous Accent article, 423 began in the 2018-2019 school year. In 2020, only students, faculty and staff were allowed to attend the event due to COVID-19. This year, Bautista is emphasizing community attendance. He wants Collegedale community members to come and support students.
“They can see what’s happening in our community. We can let them know that Southern is right here,” said Bautista. “We have very creative students. … Come support us.”
He also encourages students to invite their families.
“They are the ultimate support system,” he said. “And, a lot of times, they’re also the ultimate ATM.”
Bautista was a 423 vendor for three years and described participating in the function as a passion. After his first 423 ended, he immediately wanted to do it again, and he believes other vendors have felt the same way each year.
Elise Deschamps, senior journalism major, sold vintage and thrifted clothes from her business “Le Marché du Soleil” at two 423 markets and plans to do so again this year. She said having two markets in one school year is something she has been encouraging the past couple years.
“I feel like it makes sense,” she said. “I feel like it’s been a long time coming. … I think this year will be awesome; I look forward to it.”
Hamilton Hosteter, senior nursing major, has sold cartoon caricatures in past 423 markets and hopes to participate again this year. Although he hadn’t heard of the event change before speaking with the Accent, he said he would welcome two markets.
“[423] has always been a good opportunity for me to meet new people and give them the chance to smile,” said Hosteter. “… [Having two markets] would be a great networking opportunity, and I’d probably make my own business cards for it.”
This year’s 423 markets will look similar to previous years, explained Bautista. He specifically mentioned that there will again be a band “bringing the energy.” He encourages students to come to both markets to mingle, support their friends and, most importantly, run a booth of their own.
“I think that people will be surprised by how much they can make,” he stated.
According to Bautista, vendor registration opens September 21. Students will be able to access applications in the bio of SA’s instagram, sa_southern.
When asked if SA is planning any other event changes this school year, Bautista said the team plans to conduct a unique convocation on Jan. 12 resembling a Mr. Beast episode. SA will spend its usual speaker budget on prizes, and students will compete in games onstage to win them.
“So, that’s going to be different, not typical,” said Bautista. “It’s a lot more work than having a speaker in, but I think the payout will be tremendous for students.”
