INCLUDES COLORFUL VIDEO TOUR | 10 EXCLUSIVE, UNIQUE IMAGES! | See what it would be like to visit a bustling ‘night market’ in Southeast Asia – by coming with us to visit this unique, annual outer East Portland marketplace in Montavilla …
-1 Swirling with guests — this year’s Jade International Night Market was held once again at the Portland Community College Southeast Campus.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Again this summer, the Portland Community College Southeast Campus (PCC SC) was transformed into a lively outdoor entertainment venue and marketplace on Saturday, August 10, as this year’s Jade International Night Market got underway.
The expansive space of the PCC Southeast Campus provided the venue for the many merchandise stalls, a large stage and audience area – as well as an immense locale for hot food vendors and their outdoor kitchens, clearly a main draw of the event.
Take a video tour of this special and colorful summertime marketplace:
Working for months in advance, and on the day itself, the leaders of the Jade District Neighborhood Prosperity District plus about 70 volunteers, were behind what is the District’s signature annual event.
Welcoming guests and distributing information, in the In the Jade District booth, we found the key organizers – Duncan Hwang, Jeremy Hart, Beatrix Li, Alisa Kajikawa, Kevin Thomas, and Nancy Chapin.
“Here we are at the Jade International Night Market!” exclaimed Jade District Neighborhood Prosperity Initiative Community Development Manager Alisa Kajikawa.
“Although our first Night Market was held in 2014, in the Fubonn Shopping Center [CLICK HERE to see our story!], this is actually the eighth Night Market that we’ve put on with our parent organization, APANO,” pointed out Kajikawa.
With 140 exhibitors and merchants at the Jade International Night Market, visitors could spend hours browsing and shopping the local vendors.
Art Vendor Jeff Tan of Fuming Farm Fish shows some of his works that visitors have been purchasing.
“So, last year in 2023 was our first Night Market back, after three years of not holding them due to the COVID pandemic,” Kajikawa told East Portland News.
As musicians entertained, and cultural dances were taking place on stage, visitors browsed the booths set up along the sidewalks.
At the “Kids Crafts” area, Spencer decorates a flower pot while his mom – Vanessa Koenig – looks on.
“It’s important for us to host this event, in keeping with the idea developed in 2014 APANO ‘Community Visioning’ sessions,” reminded Kajikawa. “Lots of ideas about affordable housing, green spaces, and community centers are good – but, these are all long-term ideas.
“The Night Market came up because a lot of cultures in our neighborhood are familiar with these; it’s part of their culture – and how they grew up, and how they now connect with their history, their background – it’s not just about shopping,” explained Kajikawa. “It’s about being ‘in community’ with others.”
Cultural entertainment by performers representing many countries – here, Hawai’i – enchant guests during the Night Market.
They’re still working on advocacy for the various long-term projects, but the Night Market has shown to be very successful right from the start, Kajikawa commented.
Guests circulated among the booths that were offering food and retail goods; plus information tables set up by nonprofits, and governmental agencies – in total, 140 of them this year.
The savory and delightfully pungent aromas of cooking taking place in outdoor kitchens provide an irrespirable attraction for visitors to the Night Market.
Guests crowd in among the food stalls, eager to sample the toothsome dishes being served by the many chefs.
“The success of our Night Market – one of our ways of measuring it, is seeing the smiles on people’s faces – is clear from the fact that there are thousands of people here right now,” observed Kajikawa. “Another measure of achievement is that, every year, we’re asked when the next Night Market will be – by both the vendors and the attendees – which shows that we are doing something right!”
As the sun sets, this event becomes a true Night Market, illuminated by booths and streetlights.
“The best part for me is knowing that this draws people from all over the greater Portland area to explore the Jade District, and to see our part of outer East Portland that otherwise wouldn’t be likely to see,” opined Kajikawa. “It’s great to see them experiencing a variety of cultures, and foods and products – from all around the world.”
Asked if the Night Market is likely to return next summer, Kajikawa responded, “We’re ready to continue them for as long as the community wants us to offer our Night Market.”
Into the night, the Jade International Night Market continues to swirl with activity.
Learn more about the Jade District Neighborhood Prosperity District by visiting their official website: CLICK HERE.
© 2024 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News™
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