The Yoknapatawpha Arts Council will launch its Goodnight Market for the second year in a row on Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Old Armory Pavilion.

The Goodnight Market is a free event dedicated to highlighting the diverse resources and talents of the community, YAC Director Wayne Andrews said. Part farmers market, part block party, the event will feature music, food and activities designed to connect the community.

“What we wanted to do is, instead of just creating a farmers market or an art market, create a thing that had a variety of services, from charities to a small businessperson selling craft goods,” Andrews said. “The idea was, if we put something entertainment-oriented around it, a little bit of food, people will want to walk their dogs or ride their bikes down there. We’re going to spend the evening enjoying the entertainment and maybe learn something new about a different organization in our town.”

Originally launched by last year’s Leadership Lafayette class, the Goodnight Market’s location was chosen because of the Old Armory Pavilion’s status as a gathering place for a cross-section of the community, Andrews said.

The market will provide a space for vendors of all sorts, including dining options, artists and community organizations. Musical entertainment will be provided by the Mississippians Jazz Ensemble. Andrews said he encourages families to attend, and even bring a picnic blanket to sit back and soak in their surroundings.

“Hopefully, it’ll be this kind of community gathering, instead of it being just for the supporters of Rotary, or just the supporters of the farmers market,” Andrews said. “It’s a cross-section of everyone, it’s open to everyone and it’s there because it creates opportunities for people to form a vibrant community space.”

Another Goodnight Market will be announced later this year.

There is no fee to participate as a vendor, and forms are available on the YAC website. The only cost to vendors will be donating 10 percent of sales or a minimum of $10 to YAC, if goods are sold. Funds will be used to support the Goodnight Market program, provide entertainment and purchase equipment for the Old Armory Pavilion, providing resources for community events.

For more information, visit http://oxfordarts.com.

 

CORRECTION: An earlier version of the story stated the Goodnight Market was taking place on Wednesday. However, the event will be held Thursday, July 12.