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WHEREAS, the first Squirrel Hill Night Market took place in 2015 and was co-hosted by Uncover Squirrel Hill and the Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition; and,
WHEREAS, since the 2018 season, the Squirrel Hill Night Markets consistently draw over 10,000 visitors per night, creating significant economic activity and increased visibility within the Squirrel Hill Business District by complimenting, not competing with local merchants; and,
WHEREAS, in 2025, the Squirrel Hill Night Markets-celebrating their 10th anniversary season-are hosted exclusively by Uncover Squirrel Hill and I Made It! Market, featuring food trucks, favorite Squirrel Hill restaurants, neighborhood merchants, over 120 I Made It! Market Artists + Crafters, plus entertainment all evening long, hosted by Sunburst School of Music; and,
WHEREAS, the Squirrel Hill Night Markets are the largest events in Squirrel Hill, driving foot traffic, stimulating local sales, and supporting micro-business growth; and,
WHEREAS, the markets are modeled after vibrant open-air nighttime bazaars in Asia and Europe and attract visitors from the neighborhood and region, showcasing the diverse spirit of Squirrel Hill through art, food, and entertainment; and,
WHEREAS, the Squirrel Hill Night Markets have seen over 200% growth in vendor participation since launch, with over 120 artisans featured in each market; and,
WHEREAS, 30% of artisans are debuting newcomers each season, proving that the markets have helped incubate new local businesses by offering a low-risk, inclusive retail launchpad that features LGBTQIA+, Black, woman-owned, and minority businesses; and,
WHEREAS, for nearly a decade, Carrie Nardini of I Made It! Market and Jamison Juda-Combs of Uncover Squirrel Hill have worked to plan and produce the Squirrel Hill Night Markets, and their dedication has been instrumental to the event’s continued success; and,
WHEREAS, the Board members, volunteers, community supporters, merchants, and their families have contributed thousands of hours over the past decade to make the Squirrel Hill Night Markets a continued success, with special thanks to Heather Graham, Robyn Crawley, John Katz, Martha Isler, Lynette Lederman, Justin Sigal, and the Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition, whose Litter Patrol volunteers contribute to ensuring litter collection before, during and after the event so the Night Market is clean and welcoming to all; and,
WHEREAS, the Squirrel Hill Night Markets stimulate social interaction, neighborhood bonding, and reflect Squirrel Hill’s diversity-celebrated by attendees and vendors alike.
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare Saturday, June 28, 2025, to be "Squirrel Hill Night Market Day" in the City of Pittsburgh.