Written by: Eva Resz
423 Night Market, traditionally held in the Collegedale Church of Seventh-day Adventist parking lot, successfully relocated to the Hulsey parking lot this year. Hosted by Student Association (SA) on Oct. 5, the event attracted students, community members and staff.
With 82 vendors, the 423 Night Market surpassed last year’s record of 60, making it the largest market to date, according to Edvan Benitez SA president and senior theology major. Benitez was in charge of coordinating 423 Night Market.
With 82 vendors, the 423 Night Market surpassed last year’s record of 60, making it the largest market to date.
“The church had all their events going on that weekend that they had booked away in advance,” Benitez said. “That’s why we needed to make that change. I followed [the] recommendations of my sponsors and the advice of AV and plant services.”
Due to the location change, the vendors had limited access to drop off their supplies at the Hulsey parking lot while the rest of the attendees had to park at the church, the Village Market and the Iles Physical Education Center.
“I like both this year’s and last year’s locations, but for different reasons. Last year’s felt more cohesive and leveled, while this year’s was spacious and open,” Tiffany Mogaka, sophomore theology major, said. “It definitely felt less crowded this year, but that could’ve been because I was overwhelmed by the last year being my first 423 night. Overall I’m grateful for the experience and look forward to another one next year!”
According to Benitez, many attendees responded positively to the new location.
“A lot of people came to me after the event and told me that they like this location a little better because it has more of this natural flea market environment,” Benitez said.
This year’s market featured several attractions, including the first-ever Battle of the Bands, with student lead groups UMAMI, The KIDZ* and The Backyardigans competing.
According to Benitez, the vendors included thrift shops, sweet treats and handcrafted goods. SA provides vendors with $50 to cover some of the expenses to encourage students to participate.
Alfredo Trevedan, senior accounting major, shared his experience as a vendor at 423 Night Market. “The location made it a little difficult because of the one-way street, and it caused a little congestion. The grass was also still wet, so I had to be careful of not putting things directly on the grass, but beyond that, the setup process was very straightforward” he said. “It was very crowded, but that’s usually how 423 Night Market is. There wasn’t a lot of light where the electricity booths were, but the stage was bigger for the bands, so that was a huge plus!”
“I think that it is important for us to continue hosting this event,” Benitez said.
He believes the event provides students with an opportunity to start their own businesses and gives others a platform to help grow their businesses.
Mogaka said, “I would love to say that my favorite part about the evening was a combination of the ambient music, bustling crowd, delicious food, and fun thrifts, but none of it would’ve been as exciting without my friends!”
(Photo by Elias Zabala)
