Night market at Fort la Reine Museum a crowd pleaser
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More than 1,000 visitors packed the grounds of the Fort la Reine Museum recently for its inaugural night market, a turnout that vastly exceeded expectations and left organizers both thrilled and overwhelmed.
The event, which ran from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Aug. 29, hosted 49 local vendors set up among the museum’s historic buildings. They ranged from artisan crafts and clothing to food trucks and local community groups, including Central Plains PAWS and more.
Cindy McDonald, community outreach co-ordinator and fundraising manager at the museum, said the massive crowd caught the small team off guard.
“We had over 1,000 people, which we did not expect. We were not prepared for that when we only had 10 people — six employees and four volunteers,” McDonald said. “It was a little crazy, but the support we got from the community was unbelievable.”
McDonald noted that while parking was “a little intense” due to the unexpected volume, the event ran smoothly overall and vendors reported strong sales.
Among those vendors was Jessa Beaudin of Sunsprout Creations, who called the market the largest event she has ever tackled on her own.
“It was amazing. It was steady all night,” Beaudin said, adding that she nearly sold out of her handcrafted crochet and textile goods. “I had people coming and looking and buying things … I really sold out, and I’m a little worried about my next one, not having enough.”
Couple Catherine Hart and Joe Friesen praised the event’s unique atmosphere. Hart described the setting as having a “charming little town feel,” while Friesen, who lived in the area as a child, enjoyed returning to a familiar field-trip destination under the evening sky.
“It’s nice being out of the sun,” Friesen said, noting the relaxed vibe of the evening.
Local sisters Becky and Angie Rud compared the event’s cozy community feel to something out of a television show.
“It was incredible. It was giving Gilmore Girls,” Becky said. “It was all of the good things about Portage.”
The museum is now preparing for its “Fright at the Museum” event on Oct. 23 and 24.
» Portage Graphic Leader