Local businesses invited to share work at bazaar

ITHACA , N.Y. — The sun set over Cayuga Lake Sept. 15 and cast a warm glow over the Ithaca Farmers Market pavilion. The parking lot began to fill as people started making their way to the Ithaca Night Bazaar.

Vendors showed up early in the afternoon to carefully set up their stalls. Some vendors were local while others traveled from other towns across Upstate New York. The sounds of the bands tuning up and laughter filled the pavilion as the night went on. Once the sun fully set and the bazaar was mainly lit by the overhead string lights, the bazaar truly came 

to life.

Night Bazaar activities

The Ithaca Night Bazaar is relatively new to the Ithaca community, with the first event held in May 2022, and is held once

per month at the Ithaca Farmers Market from 6–11 p.m. While on weekends, the Farmers Market is free for all visitors, the Night Bazaar requires tickets bought either ahead of time online or in person at the event.

In addition to the vendors, a rotating group of bands performed as well as burlesque performances and local food vendors. Attendees 21-years-old and over could try drinks from Lucky Hare Brewery.

“Come explore a world of music, art, food, drinks, craft, performance, weirdness and wonderfulness,” the bazaar’s website states.

Vendors come to share their work

Joan Kump is the owner of Rhinestone Lifestyle and was holding her booth for the second time at the Night Bazaar on Sept. 15. Kump’s business is based in Syracuse. She said she started the business in 2020 when the New York state plastic bag ban went into effect. She transforms used fabrics into new items that she then sells in her store.

“I started with tote bags based off of a design my mom made back in the 90s and those bags are still going strong,” Kump said. “My personal motto has become ‘friends don’t let friends have ugly bags.’”

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Kump said that she transitioned to making things like masks.

In addition to masks, Kump said, she started making other items like hair scrunchies and accessories with the reclaimed fabric.

“So we’re keeping it out of landfills and trying to be eco-friendly with our products,” Kump said. 

Kim Desmond, owner of Midas Menagerie, said the September bazaar was her first time as a vendor, however, she attended as a patron in August. She sells vintage home decor through Etsy and also at Found in Ithaca.

“I started on a small scale reselling some of the items I would find in my treasure hunt travels and it naturally grew over time into my full-time job,” Desmond said.

Nicole Costa, who owns Route 414 Vintage, said she has been to each of the Night Bazaars this year and was excited when she heard about the event.

She said she started selling vintage clothing two years ago and has a physical store in Burdett, New York.

“It’s this great little vintage shop in an old 1930s garage,” Costa said. “Seneca Lake is kind of like a different world than Ithaca so it’s really cool to meet Ithaca people and tell them there’s a store and try to cross-pollinate fashion in the two zones.”

Costa said she has enjoyed the vibes of the Night Bazaar and seeing people come dressed up to the event.

“It feels like an artistic crowd,” Costa said.