Friday Night Markets Coming To Buckingham Township

BUCKINGHAM, PA — Friday nights in Buckingham are about get a whole lot more fun.

Bucks County’s first ever “Night Market” is coming to the township on three Friday nights this summer and early fall. And it’s already creating a buzz around the township.

The event is being billed as a combination farmers market, food truck festival and community celebration and will be open to all ages on July 31, August 28 and September 25 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Holicong Park.

“We wanted to find a way to get people into the parks, engage the community and connect them with our local farms and businesses,” said Lisa Braud, who is spearheading the event for the township’s newly constituted parks and recreation board. “We wanted to do our own type of farmer’s market but we didn’t want to compete with the existing markets. So we made it in the evening.”

Braud, who owns Hollow House Farm at Dark Hollow and Swamp Roads and who has been organizing farmer’s markets in other townships, said she’s excited to bring the new night concept to her home and connect the community to local businesses and to the local farming community.

The event is also designed to give residents a reason to engage with the park, said Braud.

“Many people don’t have a relationship with our parks. Maybe they don’t have a reason. They don’t have kids in sports. They don’t run or jog. Let’s give them an opportunity to come see Holicong Park,” she said. “Come meet local businesses and organizations, meet their neighbors and just have that feel good energy of an evening.”

According to Braud, the public will enjoy local food trucks, live entertainment, kids' activities, and a market featuring local farms, artisans, and township businesses.

“The overall idea is there’s something for everyone,” said Braud. “It's the perfect way to spend a summer evening with family, friends, and neighbors while supporting the amazing local businesses that make Buckingham special,” she said.

A number of businesses from Buckingham Green, located across the street from the park have already signed up, including Bake Ability and Free Spirit.

Also signed up are Skips Food Truck, Hundred Fruit Farm and Nursery, Calico Bread, Flower Girl Farm, among others.

Braud said social media posts about the upcoming “Night Markets” are already generating a buzz around the township.

“So many people want that community experience. They want to connect with their neighbors. But they don’t know how," sh said. "This is such an easy way to do that. Just circle your calendar, bring your family and friends and spend a night outdoors in the park connecting with your neighbors and learning about our township businesses and farms.”

The idea was first broached by Supervisor Mike Bateman, the liaison to the parks and recreation board, who was looking for a way to bring the community together.

“I’m super excited about the Night Market,” he said. "It’s unlike anything that Buckingham has ever offered before. And it shows the excitement of the new parks and recreation commission, to be able to come together as a team and organize a slate of events for the community. It’s going to be awesome and so much fun.

“We’re going to have face painting, balloon animals, live music, food trucks, local farms and artisans. It’s going to be a really great way for our residents to support our locally-owned businesses and spend three evenings enjoying Buckingham.”