The Bronx Night Market is pausing its usual winter, off-season break to support the local micro-business community, predominantly immigrant-owned businesses reeling from the economic impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and associated shutdowns.

 

Though usually closed during the winter months, the beloved open-air festival is taking a stand and curating a Holiday Market on Fordham Plaza where all proceeds will be donated to support market and street vendors critically affected by the pandemic. The event, taking place on Saturday, Dec. 19, and Sunday, Dec. 20, will kick-off for a winter series specifically aimed at allowing these businesses to engage with the Bronx community and remain active.

 

“Our street and market vendor community took a hard blow during 2020, and have not seen the government assistance they need to stay afloat,” said Bronx Night Market co-founder, Marco Shalma, “We’re here to speak up and push the agenda to be a priority for City Hall while also offering these small businesses, many immigrant-owned, an opportunity to sell their wares during the holiday season.”

 

Organizers of the Bronx Night Market, the only market to operate during the fall season, said they will apply the usual COVID-19 compliance procedures. “We will host a scaled-down version, operating under the strictest public safety regulation,” they said. Visitors can sign up to attend  via the following Event RSVP link. Temperature checks, mask enforcement, and other safety measures will also be in place the organizers said.

 

The event has been organized with the support of the Doe Fund, whose mission it is to break the cycle of homelessness, incarceration, and criminal recidivism, The Bronx Chambers Of Commerce, Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez, and State Senator Alessandra Biaggi. As well as the usual Bronx food and local craft activities, there will also be a toy and coat drive.

 

Some of the vendors participating in the event include Mozzarepa, Chicktreatz, The Fried Kitchen, Yakitori Tastsu, BX Burger Co., La Braza, Don Ceviche, Fried Lasangna Mama, Tacos El Guero, Variance Jewlery, Bar Theory, Crystal + Irie, and more.

 

In reference to the event, Biaggi said market and street vendors are important small businesses that help carry the local economy. “The Bronx Night Market is an opportunity for these largely, immigrant-owned businesses to safely remain open this holiday season, and for New Yorkers to celebrate the cultural diversity of the Bronx,” she said. “I extend my deepest gratitude to Co-Founder, Marco Shalma, and his team for all they do for the Bronx, and look forward to fighting for the safety and full financial assistance that our market and street vendors deserve.”

 

Meanwhile, Assemblywomen Nathalia Fernandez, who is running to be the next Bronx borough president said, “The Bronx Night Market has been a great asset for small businesses and start ups alike. The pandemic has virtually taken every opportunity from them to thrive, many of whom are excluded from city and state aid.” She added, “Giving this extra opportunity to vend their goods this holiday season is a treat to all of us.”

 

Lisa Sorin is president of The Bronx Chambers Of Commerce and said the chamber was proud to partner with the Bronx Night Market this holiday season for its annual toy drive, saying the goal was to bring awareness and holiday cheer to children of domestic violence survivors as they face the holiday season. “The Bronx Chamber will also provide free resources to our small businesses, look out for our tent!” she said.