By: Gabi Elentri

Each last Thursday of every month, lights, music and rows of food trucks fill downtown Greensburg as people crowd the Night Market for an evening full of entertainment.

What started in 2019 as a small event, covering only half a block of downtown Greensburg with 28 vendors, has grown into one of the area’s biggest community gatherings.

Today, the Greensburg Night Market stretches across four blocks of South Pennsylvania Avenue, bringing together more than 150 vendors along with live music, food trucks, kid’s activities and entertainment throughout downtown.

The market displayed local vendors, many of whom have connections to GS. Businesses such as Steel City Whip and Honeybee Bubble Tea took part in the market.

“My family owns Steel City Whip, so we’ve participated in the Night Market for about five years now,” freshman Elie Busatto said.

The Night Market has helped many businesses not only expand their customer base, but also expand their business.

“Last June, we opened The Parlor by Steel City Whip,” Busatto said. “It’s our stationary version of our food truck.”

The opening of The Parlor marked a major step for the business, showing how community events like the Night Market can help small businesses continue to grow.

“Our food truck, Honeybee Bubble Tea, started off only attending the Night Market and similar events like it,” freshman Brynn Aion said. “But after some time, we decided to open our shop because people liked it so much.”

The positive response from customers helped the business grow beyond a food truck.

“People would often come back and support us at different events,” Aion said. “Seeing that support made us want to keep growing.”

In addition to the food and vendors, the Night Market also supports young musicians by featuring live performances throughout the event.

“I performed at the Night Market with my friend Maddox last April,” sophomore Janna Miller said. “It was an amazing experience, not only for me, but also for other young musicians.”

Photo Courtesy: Ms. Miller

The Night Market gives young performers an opportunity to share their music with a crowd while gaining real performance experience.

“I recommend almost all of my students to apply for a performance at the Night Market because I believe it’s a great experience for young musicians,” chorus teacher Ms. Marissa Auer said.

As it continues to grow each year, the Greensburg Night Market stays a place where local businesses can expand, performers can share their talents and the community can come together.

“The Night Market is a really good thing for the community and I’m glad my family gets to be a part of it,” Busatto said.