Greensburg Night Market set to return with expanded food options
Apr. 23—Visitors to Greensburg's South Pennsylvania Avenue will find a mix of new and returning vendors when the fifth season of the Greensburg Night Market debuts from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday.
New aspects of the popular event, held monthly through the end of the year, include more food options.
Estimated weekly attendance at the markets has grown from between 500 and 1,000 during the first year to as many as 5,000.
"That's why we have an increase in food vendors," said market owner Jessica Hickey. "Last July, we needed more food, so we added a block and added more food vendors. We listen to what people say and make those adjustments."
During each night market, four blocks of Pennsylvania Avenue — between Otterman and Fourth streets — are occupied by the event and limited to pedestrian traffic. Attendees still have to watch for vehicles traveling through west or east when they cross the intersections of Otterman, Pittsburgh, Second, Third and Fourth streets.
Dogs are not permitted at the market.
When preparing for a new Greensburg market season, Hickey said: "We go to a lot of markets in the local area and Pittsburgh, to see what's out there and see what things catch our eye. Food is always number one for me.
"We have a Korean food truck this year," he said, referencing MR Bulgogi Korean Grill.
Other food trucks lined up throughout the market season include Miss Meatball, Let's Taco, Cilantro and Ajo and Mi Empanada.
More than half of the vendors on any given night will be focused on food or beverages, according to Hickey.
"We have 12 to 15 ready-to-eat food vendors per night market as well as vendors who are selling baked goods and smaller items to eat spread across the four blocks," she said.
A small parking lot next to the Greensburg Hempfield Area Library, normally reserved for library staff, will be taken over by several food trucks and dining tables.
The library also will have activities for adults and children in the lot.
"We usually have books for sale to adults and a giveaway with children's books," said Diane Ciabattoni, assistant to the library director.
"We try to make it family-friendly," Hickey said of the night market. "You can bring the kids or just hang out with your friends."
Every month, market attendees will find between 115 and 130 vendors, including several that are new to the event.
"We have a lot of different artist and jewelry makers this year," Hickey said.
Among the new vendors is Lia de Lyon Art, which offers original designs on stickers, magnets, bookmarks and prints. Some other first-time market participants are Anita Quiche, Valley Rose Craft BBQ and Down Home Freshies.
Returning favorites include The Pickled Chef, Betty Jane Natural Soaps, Logan Family Farms, The Creamery at Pleasant Lane Farms and The Golden Tee.
Music also is part of the night market experience, with a different artist performing in each block. Trio 724, an instrumental group featuring a mix of jazz, funk and blues, will be among those making music on April 27.
Additional market dates this year include May 25, June 22, July 27, Aug. 31, Sept. 28 and Oct. 26. Greensburg Holiday Night Markets are scheduled for Nov. 15 and Dec. 14.
Visit greensburgnightmarket.com for more information about the Greensburg Night Market and scheduled vendors.
Jeff Himler is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Jeff by email at jhimler@triblive.com or via Twitter .
