The Bangor Waterfront will play host to more than 200 artisans, artists, food purveyors, musicians and other performers Saturday night, in the first of what organizers hope will be a yearly summer series of events.
The inaugural Bangor Waterfront Night Market is set for 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday at the Bangor Waterfront park. Organizer Mary Plummer of Maine Micro Artisans, a retail shop that features Maine creators and has stores in Bangor, Gorham and Portland, said the event has grown exponentially since she first announced it earlier this year.
“We were only going to have 50 vendors at first, and then we expanded to 100, and now we have more than 200 vendors and entertainers. The response has been just incredible,” said Plummer. “I figure, if we’re going to do something, let’s do something big. Let’s make it really worthwhile.”
Most of the vendors are artisans, artists and crafters offering a wide array of items, including handmade home goods, skincare, paintings and photography, clothing, jewelry, children’s items and food like baked goods, preserves and candy. There are also multiple food trucks and a beer garden, and a slate of live music from local musicians. Bangor Area Roller Derby will be on hand, and there’s a cornhole tournament and children’s entertainment planned as well.
Plummer said that the decision to hold the market in the evening, as opposed to during the day, was an easy one.
“Standing around in the hot sun in the middle of the day can be uncomfortable for some people. A nice cool breeze in the evening is much nicer, and it being during the sunset is really nice too,” she said. “And it’s something different. I think it’s going to be a really great vibe.”
There are two more night market events planned for this summer, including a Monday edition on July 15, and another Saturday night event on Aug. 17.
“If this goes well, we hope to make this an annual series,” Plummer said. “The Bangor creative community has been so enthusiastic and supportive. We’re just thrilled.”
For more information, visit Maine Maine Artisans on Facebook.
