So, you want to sell stuff out of the trunk of your car, but you don’t want to get caught…well, if you’re in Inglewood, not only is it encouraged, you can get away with it, and you will probably be asked to return. Kiss Papa’s advice good-bye…
Hard to see the trunk sale through all the people…
Intrigued by anything that is unusual, the term “Night Market” lured me in, but knowing that the market was open until midnight sealed the deal, I was off in search of adventure. The market, situated just off of 9th Avenue and 10th Street SE, here in Calgary, wasn’t hard to miss; numerous tents lined the street while food trucks filled the air with tantalizing smells. Of course all of this was very interesting; however, what brought me here was the chance to see people selling goods from the trunks of their cars or trucks – what a truly unique display of creativity (I understand from an English friend that this is very popular in England – also known as a “Car Boot Sale”). From clothing to jewellery, from vegetables to music, there was something for everyone and everyone was there. This part of the market was located in the historic National Hotel parking lot, a perfect place for those vendors wanting to create some of their own history.
Kamakaze Fireflies in action…
As I meandered through the market, conversing with local vendors, purchasing the odd item, and bartering with others, I found myself back in the open area of the parking lot. Okay, so I wasn’t as observant as others, but a couple of street performers were setting up for their next show. I suddenly became captivated and wanted to stay, thankfully I scored a spot in the front row, perfect for taking pictures – how many times have I told myself not to live through the camera lens, but I can’t help it, I consider my camera an extension of my hand. Next up, the Kamakaze Fireflies, a hilarious juggling duo up from the States to take part in Calgary’s International Street Theatre Festival, with fire blazing they truly had the crowd spell-bound and roaring with laughter.
Enjoying the music…
So much to see and do…
Afterwards it was time to head back to the car; however, on the way back there was a sign pointing the way to a theatre, the sign also pointed towards a dark back alley. Was this a joke, some strange way to lure people into the unknown? After a two second delay, I soon found myself walking towards the unknown. Further down the alley there was another sign, not overly obvious, it was dark outside, that pointed to the back of a restaurant. Suddenly a voice spoke, asking if I was there for the show. Truly perplexed at this point I responded with a question, one of which I cannot remember at this point. I do know that he did a quick shoulder check and stated that the theatre was “over there”, actually in the basement of their food establishment. Now, I must tell you that at the angle I was standing, I could only see one door that lead into the back of the building, I thought to myself, can’t be that bad. As soon as I passed him and their VW wagon, I noticed the open door, the door that lead into the ground, similar to a storm cellar with light seeping out of its crevasses. To my surprise, it was part of the Fringe Festival and the acts, which you pick yourself from the spinning wheel, were truly unique, an experience I will not soon forget.
Where the restaurant meets the alley…
The underground theatre, a truly unique experience…
The entire evening was full of surprises; I cannot wait for the next Night Market scheduled for September 13th. I am truly thankful for the team at “find.it”, because without them, I would have never “found it”.
Categories: Around Calgary, Calgary at Night, Calgary's Scene, Inglewood Neighbourhood, The Unusual...
The Road Trip Hound 
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