First Evening Market brings street to life
By Kathy O'Reilly, North Island Eagle, August 29 2025
The inaugural Port Hardy Evening Market has been deemed a resounding success.
“We were really pleased with the inaugural event! We had lots of positive feedback in conversations with vendors and market goers throughout the evening,” said Joli White, Street Market Coordinator with the District of Port Hardy. “We put a lot of effort into recruiting vendors and were happy to see a solid turn out in numbers and variety of vendor booths. We were also thrilled to have five of the Market Street businesses on that block participating by staying open late for the market hours or putting a booth out on the street,” White said.
“Our site plan for the block had about 30 vendor spaces available and we ended up having 26 vendors between booths and food trucks.”
The community really turned up to support the event.
“The favourable weather, the mix of local shopping, live music, food and kids’ activities really seemed to draw families and community members,” said White. “The street had a bustling and positive vibe for the entire evening.”
Organizers have some changes in mind to improve the event for next year, including relocating the live music and seating area so the music is easier to hear throughout the market area and so there is some shade/cover for the tables. “We are also conducting customer and vendor surveys to get feedback from the people who experienced this event to find out how they think we can improve.” People who attended can complete the customer survey at: www.surveymonkey.com/r/PHESM
Vendors can complete the vendor survey at: www.surveymonkey.com/r/JSSXGDP
The District of Port Hardy is planning to host three more evening markets in summer 2026. If businesses are interested in participating as a vendor, they can contact streetmarket@porthardy.ca. People interested in staying in the loop on this event should follow the Facebook page www.facebook.com/PortHardyEveningStreetMarket
Photo — Kathy O'Reilly
The inaugural Port Hardy Evening Market Aug. 22 had a bustling and positive vibe. Three more are planned for next summer.
Duo host fund-raiser for Port Alice firefighters
By Kathy O'Reilly, North Island Eagle, August 29 2025
Dancing and an Asian fusion dining experience will be on the agenda at the Port Alice Legion Branch #180 Sept. 12.
Venus Brignola Moores and Juliet Parr have joined forces to present the event as a fund-raiser for the Port Alice Volunteer Firefighters Association.
Proceeds will be used to purchase an airvac system for the fire hall to reduce exposure of firefighters to diesel fumes and to purchase descender and ascender equipment and accessories to be used in off highway motor vehicle incident rescues.
Organizing events is not new to Venus.
“In the 90s, I had produced live concerts across Canada and the US and brought into Canada superstars from the Philippines or from Las Vegas who had shows there,” she said.
Those included Martin Nieverra, Reycard duet comedian (Elvis and Frank Sinatra even watched them) and local African American artists.
“I worked and collaborated with a producer who promoted all upcoming black artists then like Will Smith, Bob Marley, Bad Boys and I learned a lot from him,” she explained.
“We toured Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Toronto, Seattle, Tacoma dome, San Jose, San Francisco, San Diego, etc. I had produced several shows at Queen Elizabeth and Orpheum Theatres and it’s been decades since. This was more than 40 years ago,” Venus said.
“My last project was supposed to promote and produce a Beijing acrobats show collaborated with the Chinese Government in 28 cities in Canada and the US, but I cancelled due to a medical issue of my daughter. One day maybe I can bring the show to Port Hardy - my wishful thinking,” she said.
“It gives me pleasure to use this experience for a good cause,” she said.
Juliet and Venus have been discussing ways to give back to their community.
“Given my experience as a concert producer in my heyday, I reached out to some talented friends who have graciously agreed to perform,” Venus explained.
“Ed, an incredible keyboardist, and Salve, an energetic performer, will take the stage and get us all dancing.
“We are thrilled to have the support of our husbands, Bruce, a volunteer firefighter, and Nigel, a long time North Island retired businessman, who are eager to make this event a success,” Venus said.
“We’re planning an unforgettable night, and we are inviting you all to join us.”
Juliet and Venus will be cooking a fine Asian Fusion dinner to enhance the fabulous entertainment.
“We are also seeking sponsors and donations from North Island businesses and individuals for an auction and some raffles.
To purchase tickets please call or text or 604-710-9346 or 250-209-2857.
Or email PortAliceEvent@gmail.com
“If possible, we will have a souvenir program featuring businesses who donate or support our cause.”
Photos — Submitted
Venus Brignola Moores and Juliet Parr have joined forces to present a dinner and dining experience Sept. 12 as a fund-raiser for the Port Alice Volunteer Firefighters Association.