More businesses, music, food in store for 2nd Tarentum Night Market

There’s going to be more businesses, more food and more music at the second Tarentum Night Market on Thursday.

The once-a-month event, held on the third Thursday, is intended to draw shoppers into the borough’s business district by having participating businesses stay open later, from 5-8 p.m.

The first market on Sept. 17 was, by all accounts, a huge success.

“We were blown away. It was amazing,” said Dianna Roney, owner of Diamond Antiques. “It just was so nice to see so many people walking around and having a good time. Everywhere you looked there were people.”

Desiree Singleton, owner of Harvest Moon Coffee & Chocolates, said she sold 72 frappes that day in September, 50 of them during the Night Market.

“My husband was keeping track of how many people were coming,” she said. “We had a line to the corner.”

Four more businesses will be participating this month, and new artists, vendors and crafters will be set up at The Murphy Building, said building owner Dave Rankin.

“Many, many people told me that they hadn’t seen that many people on the streets of downtown Tarentum since the 1970s — and I agree with them,” Rankin said. “It was a real treat to see people talking, laughing and smiling as they walked around town. I personally visited every participating business last month during the evening. They were all booming.”

John Melnick, who played music outside Harvest Moon in September, will return. New this month are Colin Suierveld performing at Dry Bones, Derrick Beattie at The Murphy Building and Simple Gifts Music, an acoustic folk duo from State College who will be playing as they stroll around.

A food truck, Cody’s Cabana, will be offering funnel cake, hot dogs, nachos and more on Fifth Avenue behind the former Hometown Restaurant. Fox’s Pizza Den will be offering a “Night Market Pizza,” a small one-topping, for $5.

“Safety precautions for covid, including masks and social distance, will be in effect everywhere,” Rankin said.

Singleton said she’d be dipping caramel apples Wednesday night for the Night Market, and she has her chocolate in stock.

“We’re ready and raring to go,” she said.

Rankin said several businesses will be running promotions and specials. Roney said she’ll be offering 10% off items over $10.

She’ll also stay at her shop this time instead of being at The Murphy Building, after realizing she left her shop short-handed last month.

“I wasn’t expecting it to be so busy,” she said. “This time, I’ll be up there working instead of at the craft show at The Murphy Building.”

Night Markets are planned for November and December and will be holiday themed, Rankin said.

The November market, on Nov. 19, will include a cookie crawl.

The December market will be on the second Thursday, Dec. 10, because of Christmas.