Traffic Jams, Crowding At Asia Collective Night Market Draw Complaints

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — The Asia Collective Night Market held Saturday at the Howard County Fairgrounds ended up becoming a logistics nightmare, many say. People were stuck in traffic and couldn't get into the event, while other people's tickets didn't work.

A statement released by the event's organizers blamed the traffic woes on people who didn't have tickets to the event. Eventgoers told WMAR the event was "overpriced and overcrowded." Others said nothing was done to help guests with the heat that day.

“There were some picnic tables but even that wasn't enough shelter for the sheer amount of people that were there,” Quetina Quartey told WMAR. “I think I did see someone on crutches and I was like where are the accommodations? So, I was also looking around because there should be some type of first aid tent or something like that, especially if we're going to be out in the heat like this.”

Traffic was so snarled that even performers scheduled to be at the event struggled to get into the market.

“I abandoned my car and had to chuck it by foot,” a performer told WMAR. “I felt like I was in a game of survivor or something. I knew that I really just wanted to play music for my community and show up for my community because I haven't seen anyone like me who's trans masculine and Korean on stage.”

Organizers commented about the event on their Instagram page.

"First of all, we would like to thank every single person who made the event possible. It was incredible seeing families and friends enjoying the night, either by trying new Asian cuisines or witnessing so many talented and unique artists and performers. We are so moved that many, many individuals decided to visit our night market. "