A few hundred people attended the Oakmont Chamber of Commerce’s Night Market to end the summer. On Friday, Aug. 19, the borough’s business district played host to the final of three such vendor and community outreach events. Numerous establishments, like the Oakmont Olive Oil Co., stayed open later than usual and offered specials to celebrate.
“The markets have been great,” owner Sharon Carroll said. “We’ve had great weather for all of them. Usually we’re not open on Friday evenings, but we’re open for the market. It’s a great way to bring people back in to town to eat at the restaurants and really get to experience the stores.
“We’ve had some new store openings since covid started. Really be able to, in a nice family atmosphere, stroll in the street, shop, eat and see what Oakmont has to offer.”
The Peddler, Potted, Color Street, Bentley’s Doggie Bistro, Oakmont Embroidery, Still Mill Distillery, Bygone Wines, and Elliot Lane Handmade Jewelry were among the participating vendors. Autumnal scents from Oakmont Candle Works, such as warm apple pie, butterscotch, and various pumpkin varieties, were introduced.
Chelsea Koenig, a visitor from Phoenix, Arizona, said she enjoyed herself at the market while she was in town to see family. She was one of the people who tried drinks from The Juicery at Oakmont. Salesperson Kalee Thornton said she had a great time interacting with customers at her tent.
“It’s really nice,” Thornton said. “It shows a lot of people that we’re open, and we have a lot of menu items. It’s really nice seeing everybody in the community.”
The musical duo of Jane West and Katie Simone of Pittsburgh entertained the crowds with various tunes such as “Stay” by Lisa Loeb and “You’re the One that I Want” from the musical “Grease.”
Despite a few vendor cancellations and having to compete with Little Italy Days in Bloomfield, Chamber Director Karen DeTurck said the final night market was a successful learning experience.
“It went really well,” she said. “We’re looking forward to next year, next summer, possibly having one in May instead of starting in June. All three were pretty successful, and we got a lot of new members from them. That’s always a good thing.
“July was fantastic. I got a lot of compliments from the vendors. We didn’t realize Little Italy Days was going to be the same weekend (in August). We may reexamine (the dates) to avoid conflicts.”
Hundreds of booths participate in Little Italy Days. It took place this year Aug. 18-21. A fall festival is scheduled for October 29 as the following Oakmont chamber event.
source : triblive.com
