Asian District Night Market in Mesa showcases small businesses, draws 10,000 people

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: BC-CNS Asian Market Night, 135 words.
  • 2 photos and captions below.
  • 1 video here.

By Drake Presto
Cronkite News

MESA – The Arizona Asian Chamber of Commerce hosted the first Asian District Night Market in the city’s newly labeled Asian District two years ago, but COVID-19 put the event on hiatus for 2021.

The celebration of culture, community and commerce returned this year, with nights in January and October. More than 10,000 people attended the two-night Kamayan market in October, which honored Filipino contributions to the state.

The Asian District, along Dobson Road, is home to several Asian supermarkets, but the goal of Night Market is to give exposure to smaller businesses that may not have brick-and-mortar locations.

Since marketing west Mesa as the Asian District, sales tax revenue from the area has increased by more than 60%, said Jaye O’Donnell, Mesa Economic Development assistant director.

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More than 60 vendors participate in the Asian District Night Market on Oct. 8, 2022, in Mesa. A similar event was held at the district in January. (Photo by Drake Presto/Cronkite News)
A storm blows through the start of the Asian District Night Market in Mesa on Oct. 8, 2022, but customers stay in line despite the rough weather. (Photo by Drake Presto/Cronkite News)