If you missed the fun, shopping, and delectable food at this year’s first ‘Jade Night Market’, it’s open for another night this year, on August 31. Take a look …
Shortly after opening, the 2019 Jade International Night Market in the Montavilla neighborhood, teems with activity.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
From the first night of their first market five years ago, then held in the parking lot of the Fubonn Shopping Center on SE 82nd Avenue of Roses, the Jade International Night Market has been flourishing.
>> To read about their inaugural night market, CLICK HERE.
The first of this year’s two Jade International Night Market events, held at the Portland Community College Southeast Campus on August 24, was also a rousing success. If you missed it, and would still like to go, read on …
Providing both a welcoming ceremony and a series of high-energy cultural dances, it’s Atlachinollinkan Aztec Dance.
Until this kind of bazaar was hosted by the Jade District Neighborhood Prosperity Initiative, in association with the Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon, the concept of holding an urban outdoor marketplace was relatively unknown in the Portland area.
“The first ‘night markets’, like this, started long ago in Taiwan,” remarked co-organizer Rosaline Hui, owner of Portland Chinese Times.
Jade Night Market’s co-chairs, Nanette Tran and Rosaline Hui, say they’re happy these evening events are so well-received among people of all nationalities.
“Instead of going to bed early, Chinese – actually, Asian people in general – like to go out in the evening for inexpensive entertainment – and especially to eat together,” Hui told East Portland News.
“The popularity of night markets has extended to many countries and cultures, because it allows people to go shopping after they work. But, more than this, it’s a big social event,” Hui explained.
From the west parking lot, the savory smell of dozens of food vendors’ cooking wafts through the air.
Be sure to visit the stall of Rina Oum and Young Nob, who are preparing Cambodian beef skewers, sizzling hot off the grill – juicy and delicious.
“But, as I said, people like to eat; at traditional night markets, streets are lined with food stalls and carts. The cooks are small business people who earn their living by cooking all different kind of delicious of food specialties, and selling them to those passing by.
“At our market, you can eat authentic Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, Cambodian – and even ‘Soul Food’ – cooked up fresh by our local business people,” Hui pointed out.
Illustrating his Vietnamese art, Hoan Dang provides calligraphy for all who ask.
“The best part of this is the way the community really gets together,” opined Hui. “There’s so many different groups of people from different countries here, performing, cooking and vending!
“Coming together, showing our cultures, enjoying different kinds of food – what could be better than enjoying diversity and togetherness, on a beautiful summer Saturday evening!”
Kids enjoy playing carnival games and winning small prizes at the Jade International Night Market.
Jade International Night Market returns August 31
Starting in the late afternoon and running into the evening, this FREE admission “Night Market” continues to showcase and support local small businesses in the Jade District neighborhoods.
Bring your friends and family! Enjoy live music, performances, activities – and of course, plenty to eat and drink for sale – so bring money, as well! Free parking; plenty of space for bikes. It’s held at Portland Community College Southeast Campus, 2305 SE 82nd Avenue of Roses, 97216. CLICK HERE for more information.
>> On our Front Page: From China, Lucy Li of Jasmine Gift Shop shows one of the silk fans she sells.
© 2019 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News™
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