Sewickley Night Marts provide family fun, shopping opportunities

Finding a handcrafted incense holder to go along with her home decor was not top priority for Emma McGrath of Sewickley.

Her hope was to have a fun Friday night with her grandmother and fellow borough resident, Eleanor Rich, and other family members.

McGrath found both July 26 at the Sewickley Chamber of Commerce Night Mart.

Beaver Street was abuzz that evening with multiple families who packed the business district to check out wares from various artisans, delicious dishes from different food vendors and some live entertainment.

The summer event presented by the chamber takes place 6-9 p.m. the last Friday of the month in June, July and August.

“It’s my favorite thing,” said McGrath, 20. “I come whenever they do something like this, and they do it often. I like to come down just because I like the people and seeing everything and just walking around. I like the atmosphere. Everybody’s really nice and having a good time.”

The incense holder was made by East Wheeling Clayworks, a West Virginia-based studio that makes pottery and unique gifts.

Their tent was one of the first McGrath and her family checked out.

“It brings life to the community and you meet people and have fun,” Rich said of Night Mart. “It’s a good thing.”

The layout was changed a bit this year. Organizers moved the band area to the far end of Beaver Street at Walnut. Musicians previously performed at the alley in the middle of the area between Broad and Walnut streets.

That space is now occupied by a food truck and more seating for eating. At least a dozen food vendors and 30 artisans participated.

“We’ve received positive feedback on the new layout,” Chamber president Denise Shirley said. “Moving the band has allowed for better foot traffic and permits those who want to dance to have plenty of space. July was a wonderful turnout and one of the biggest Night Marts yet.”

Firefighters from Cochran Hose Company blocked Beaver Street at Broad to help with traffic control and also mingle with attendees.

They provided stickers and fire safety information to children and helped them explore a fire truck.

Vendors at the July Mart included Slurp-n-Burst Boba Tea, PGH Crepes, Veggies N’At, Kizzle Foods, Happy Plant Botanicals, Three Dogs Alaskan Salsa and Closet Rehab.

The band Crucible provided the tunes and several borough businesses had extended hours and specials for the event.

Sewickley shops that participated include Clay Cafe, Diana Kauffman Designs, Gather, Coffee Village, Big Spring Spirits, Mediterra Cafe and Vivo Kitchen.

Rich said it is a joy to come out and support local shops. Vendors for Aug. 30 are still being finalized.

More information is available on the chamber’s website at sewickleychamberofcommerce.org.