Market provides entertainment for all
Thursday Night Market delivers flavorful food, family fun — all for free
By Caroline Loomis
Chico's Thursday Night Market is a very special event for the town of Chico because of the diverse groups of people it brings together. It offers so many different types of food, shopping and entertainment. It is bound to please anyone who goes. Chico’s Thursday Night Market is an event that is free to the public, which is another reason it is such a benefit to our community.
"I have been coming to the market for years," said Chico State student Lee Stansbury. "I love having dinner while sitting on the street and watching the dancing, singing or whatever entertainment they have."
The Thursday Night Market runs from April to September every Thursday night. It is free and available to the public from 6 to 9 p.m. and is located on Broadway street from Second to Fifth streets. The market has more than 150 vendors from local restaurants, boutiques and shops. The market also always has a variety of entertainment.
Entertainment made up of music and more
Radio stations set up booths and play live music from the market. There is also usually some type of live music from local artists. Entertainment does not stop at music at the market. There is visual entertainment as well. The market has had belly dancers perform, hip-hop dance troupes break it down, and martial arts demonstrations.
Although the market's entertainment is great, the market is probably best known for its delicious food. The market offers a wide selection of food from snacks to dinner.
One of the market’s famous items is tamales. The tamales are sold by Rosarito’s "Tamales to Go." Rosarito’s sells many different kinds of tamales including chicken, pork, veggie and pineapple, but they sell out fast so you have to hurry.
Tamales not your cup of tea? No problem, the market has nearly everything. The market offers farm-fresh produce, locally grown nuts and almonds, and kettle corn if you want something light. If you are ready for dinner and you’re at the market, there is pizza, barbecue and Mexican food always available.
The market is a great place for the whole family because there is plenty of kid-friendly entertainment. It has face painting, bouncing rooms, slides and a yo-yo competition once a year.
The market has something for everyone, and that is why it has been a Chico tradition for many years.