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Successful Failures and Successes: A quick reflection on NSM 2018








SOooo, this post was started on August 10th. Wow. It's currently the day before December and it's just posting. There's always been a bit of the good pain associated with Northside Summer Market and 2018 was no different. "Life" was just happening at high speeds this time around.

After months of reflection, it seems the best plan is to continue with some of the transitions that took place this year — the new locations and a much more creatively engaged neighborhood were both successes. As I texted one of our supporters the day after, I believe we've finally figured this thing out.

That said, we owe a number of apologies. The brewery was still awaiting occupancy and we didn't have central location vendors sign contracts, so when black clouds and heavy winds arrived, there was no real way to stop the panic that (somewhat understandably) ensued after the first three or four tents packed up their fragile work. 

Prior to this year, we had never experienced or even witnessed anything similar, so we apologize to all of you who tried to join us after the vendor exodus. 

Thanks again to Wave Pool and the As My Neighbor Moves crew for sticking it out with us. Your positive spirit was appreciate!

-

 As for great news: 
The 2018 format works. 

  • Fully-funded art projects dispersed throughout the neighborhood.
  • A neighborhood of yard sales.
  • An enclosed parking lot for the central art location.
  • A reserved area for visiting sales.


If we bring a street festival back, it won't compete with Northside Summer Market (and the summer's intense heat). Thankfully we now understand the ins & outs of producing large-scale events. Early next year we'll begin sharing what's next.

More soon,
Team PAR-

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