After a year-long politically induced hiatus, the Sunset Night Market made its return on Feb 27. Hosted by Sunset Mercantile, the Lunar New Year themed market took place on the Irving St. corridor, between 20th and 25th Ave. It was a five block wide celebration full of different games, foods and festivities – just one installment in a series of markets in the Outer Sunset neighborhood and welcoming the Year of the Horse.
Each year, the Sunset Night Market series brings tens of thousands of Bay Area residents to the Outer Sunset neighborhood. The event highlights food and art from vendors all over the Bay, and this year, they placed an emphasis on Asian American and Pacific Islander culture. Vendors organized tents in the middle of the street, mimicking the style of “classic Asian night markets.”
Last year, the festival was canceled due to political tension surrounding the recall against former District 4 Supervisor Joel Engardio. Additionally, there was a lack of city funding and controversy surrounding the closure of the Great Highway, a vital way of travel for those in the neighborhood. The well-renowned festival had to take a pause, resulting in a huge loss to local businesses who benefit from increased sales caused by the market.
The event began at 5 p.m., and each block had something to offer. Between 20th and 21st Ave., you could find hundreds of attendees walking around with different treats from Filipino street food to caramel popcorn. Business was seemingly booming for Pineapple King Bakery, as people walked around with their to-go boxes and a line formed down out the door. One of those people in line was first-year business analytics major Estrella Amador. “There was a long line for Pineapple King, ” she said. “We got iced coffee and pastries.” On either side of the street, there were tables for attendees to sit and eat, as well as tables with games.
The most popular game being played was mahjong, which was “free play” style, as anyone could jump in and begin playing with others at the market. Players began by deciding on which rule set they would be playing, which depended on the American, Taiwanese or Filipino way of playing. Additionally, there were community rules such as being welcoming to new players, keeping the tiles on the table and most importantly, having fun. Mahjong functioned as a festivity, as well as an advertisement for lessons, and other games included chess and checkers.
“I thoroughly enjoyed mahjong and it seemed like a great activity for the older people there too,” Amador said. “Kids had activities too, playing with chalk and stuff.” Games continued at the corner of 22nd and Irving, which was designated the “Year of the Fire Horse Fun Zone.” All night, attendees could find a bouncy house, inflatable slide, foosball and more. The fun zone continued the rest of the block, as attendees could purchase tickets to participate in a series of carnival games and win prizes.
Intersections also served as event spaces for different local entertainment. At 21st and Irving, entertainment included DJ Savage Jeff, Ernest Kahn Yo-yo Master and Bay Area Independent Chinese Dancers. “I loved the music they had there,” first-year marketing major and attendee Elena Herrera said. “There was a good mix between 80s classics, DJs and original songs.” At 22nd and Irving, there was a stage for different acts such as a martial arts demonstration and the lion dance performance. 24th and Irving served as a dance space and had acts such as Chin-Chin the Magician, Griselda the Mime and a Year of the Horse themed dance hour.
As attendees made their way down Irving, vendors became more diverse in what they were offering. “I thought the variety offered was great and gave everyone the opportunity to enjoy something,” first-year data science major and attendee Isabella Willens said. “I would also go back to try other food stalls and maybe purchase some trinkets.” In total, there were more than 75 art and retail vendors, and more than 35 food vendors.
The market series will continue with the Dragon Boat Festival on June 12, Autumn Moon Festival on Sept. 25 and the Dhong Zhi/Holiday Market on Dec. 11. “I think everyone should definitely check out events like this,” Herrera said. “It’s so much fun and a great way to experience so many cultures in one place.”
