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626 Night Market Series Returns To Arcadia

Heidi Carreon |
July 11, 2014 | 9:23 a.m. PDT

Staff Reporter

The 626 Night Market is expected to draw large crowds to the Santa Anita Racetrack this weekend. (Heidi Carreon/Neon Tommy)
The 626 Night Market is expected to draw large crowds to the Santa Anita Racetrack this weekend. (Heidi Carreon/Neon Tommy)
It has been a big summer for Johnny Hwang's rising festival, the 626 Night Market. The country's largest Asian Night Market grew even more with the addition of an event at the Orange County Fair Grounds in May and another event in Downtown Los Angeles in June.

Given the general success of the newly added events, the Night Market's founder is most proud of those who help make the events possible.

"Lots of our team members have really stepped it up this year and it's awesome to see them developing," Hwang wrote in an email. "And we hope [the community also grows] by seeing the potential everybody has to showcase their talent at our events."

As summer festivities continue to gain momentum, the 626 Night Market will head home to the San Gabriel Valley this weekend to throw its remaining three events.

The first 626 Night Market will be at the Santa Anita Racetrack in Arcadia, and with a $3 entrance fee, families and fans will be sure to flood the Santa Anita grounds. For tips to get the most out of the Night Market, check out Neon Tommy's eater guide.

Read More: Downtown L.A. Night Market: An Eater's Guide

The Night Market, most famous for its food, will not disappoint this weekend. Mainstream foodies will be able to make a pilgrimage to the Original Ramen Burger booth, and those who missed out on deep fried Oreos at last year's L.A. County Fair will be able to indulge their sweet tooth at the Main Squeeze booth.

A full list of the food vendors can be found here.

Although the Night Market often invokes the atmosphere of the Shinlin Night Market with its bounty of Asian street food, it also showcases food booths that offer non-Asian food. 

Kristie Hang of 626Foodettes believes it's important to note that the 626 Night Market will never be exactly the same as a Taiwanese Night Market. 

"The 626 [Night Market] is a reflection of the 626/San Gabriel Valley area, an area that is rich with culture from people of different races and ethnicities," wrote Hang. "It has been home to many African Americans, Latinos, Caucasians, and Japanese that have been in the area long before the recent explosion of Chinese immigration."

While the food booths are the Night Market's pride and joy, the market also appeals to less gourmet palates with its games section and its carnival games and stuffed animal rewards. The infamous Bobasaurus Rex, the world's largest cup of boba tea, will make a final appearance.

The Art Walk, another popular aspect of the Night Market, will showcase local artists' work, some of which will be available for purchase. Nerds in particular will be able to appreciate the watercolor-and-ink creations of Pascual Productions and fans of "Despicable Me" will line up to become a minion via Minion Me. Full list and descriptions of the artists can be found here

The Night Market will continue with its tradition of live performances, with two particularly special guests. Mostly known for being in ISAtv's documentary series "akaDAN," the rising alternative rap artist DANakaDAN will perform on Friday at 9:30 PM. "Top Pop Group" and "America's Got Talent" finalist Jazmin Sisters will perform on Saturday at 10:00 PM. The full line-up can be found here

Read More: Asian Night Market Hits Downtown This Weekend

Those who love to dance can find their way to the DJ Dance Floor where AMP 97.1 Radio, Doublejack and DJ Gilbot will blast tunes throughout the weekend. Catch a preview by clicking the links here

For the first time ever, the Night Market will throw a fashion show from 8:30 PM to 10:00 PM on Saturday, July 19. The coolest thing about this show? The general public will not only be able to see the work of rising designers walking up and down the runway, but they will also be able to mingle with designers and fashion bloggers. See a full list of the designers here

But whether introducing new food, new music or new sights, the 626 Night Market holds a special place in the heart of many fans.

"The first time I went, it was held on a small street…it's been awesome seeing it turn into such a big event," said Edward Corpus, a Rancho Cucamonga native who has attended the 626 Night Market since it first began in Pasadena in 2012. "I keep going back because it's always a good time…everyone's eating, talking, singing it just feels like one big celebration."

The 626 Night Market will be held at following address on July 18 and 19, 4:00 PM to 1:00 AM:

Santa Anita Park
285 W Huntington Dr
Arcadia, CA 91007

A full map of the event can be seen here.

Contact Staff Reporter Heidi Carreon here. Follow her on Twitter here



 

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