Kelly Tibbets and Heidi Hastings wanted to create an ambient, family-friendly night scene in Red Deer with a date-night vibe.
Last summer, the partners started the Capstone Night Market, which is now running for a second successful season on two Friday evenings a month in Canada 150 Square.
Since mid-June, each 5 to 9:30 p.m. market has drawn about 1,000 people to the Riverside neighbourhood to hear live music by local musicians, to peruse handmade goods and art from about 60 regional vendors, and partake of goodies from five to seven food trucks.
People often tell Tibbets the night market “has a vibe.” And she feels this is a perfect compliment since she and Hastings “have put a lot of thought and effort into curating the market and creating a great flow and experience.”
As a singer and the owner of the Love Yoga Grace company at Capstone, Tibbets said she’s committed to local businesses and local artists. “I definitely want to support the local creators in the community who are working hard to create their art.
“I love creating events and positive experiences,” added the market organizer, who really feels the attraction offers something for everybody.
For the sake of vendors that are selling everything from food to candles, jewelry and artwork, she hopes people will come to the market for dinner, or to make a purchase. But even if people don’t want to spend any money, Tibbets said they can always come down for the free music, to let their kids cool off in the spray park, or take a walk by the river.
The second last Capstone Night Markets of the season will be running this Friday, featuring entertainment from Tibbets, as well as singer-songwriters Jadin Vonkeman, Wyatt C. Lewis, and Ainsley Elisa.
The last night market of 2023 will be on Sept. 15, with musical sets from Tibbets, Vonkeman, Michelle Laine and Miles Thomas.
Tibbets looks forward to the days finally being short enough to make visible the “twinkling lights” that some vendors have used to decorate their booths.
As the season is nearing the end, she’s pleased to have seen a steady growth in market-goers, and to have doubled the number of vendors from 2022. “The best feedback that I get is they keep coming back. The vendors feel it’s a different vibe than other markets that run during the day and a different audience than other markets.”
Tibbets said she enjoys seeing people of all ages soaking up the “vibe.”