Mansons Hall hosted a third night market at the end of September and saw over 200 people in attendance, previous regular numbers.

Organizer Tammy Collingwood attributes the significant turnout to a few factors including the content of the programming, and the lack of any other events like it in the off-season.

“It's an affordable meal. It's not fancy, but it's delicious. And yeah, I think that's one of the main reasons people come out,” Collingwood noted.

The night market scene began last February, a historically quiet time of year on Cortes Island, and boasted 100 people in attendance. The second event was held in early spring, and only saw about 80 people. Collingwood noted some changes to the programming for this third installment in September.

“I decided to add artisans and local, small crafters because …it would be another opportunity to try and support small crafters on Cortes”.

Sara Stewart, a foodie that attended the market, told CKTZ, “I was happy there was tacos!”

The night market is free to attend. Hollyhock, the only dinner service on the island, plans to close this month for the winter. But the night market will continue through the "off-season" as a monthly event, according to Collingwood. The next one is scheduled for Oct. 21. 

To hear more about this evening scene on Cortes, listen to the CKTZ News Update below: