Mercado Night Market returns to downtown Merced

After delays in March due to extreme weather, the Merced County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s Mercado Night Market will be back in downtown Merced in order to celebrate National Women’s Month, the community, as well as usher in its third season of events.

Make sure to mark your calendar and clear your schedule, because the Mercado is going to take place on April 6, along Main Street within the blocks surrounding Bob Hart Square.

For those who are unfamiliar with this nocturnal treat, the Mercado is a huge cultural celebration of art, community, and culture. It is a night where a big section of downtown Merced is blocked off, decorated, and filled with a huge selection of vendors, restaurants, and entertainment. It is a wholesome evening of fun for the whole family as well as a solid platform for local artists and entrepreneurs to put their work out there.

Chamber President Annissa Fragoso put it this way, “The community of Merced should know there is a safe and fun event for everyone. Please take advantage of it—it’s free! It makes me happy we are still going strong three years later.”

The event will be kicked off at 6:30 p.m. with the Star-Spangled Banner, performed by the featured band “ER to the Rescue,” led by Ed Benes, the former commander of the American Legion. Following this, there will be a performance by Revolution Dance under the direction of Valerie Ramos at 7 p.m.

Come and see returning favorites such as Blessed Up Apparel, Juno’s Lantern, Jose Arranda and Fruta Loca among another 80 vendors sharing their art, goods, and expertise. Bring out your kiddos to Bob Hart Square where they can enjoy the “Play Adventure” experience. Make sure you visit the Main Stage for country and rock music with ER to the Rescue, as well as the Regal Stage to listen to the beautiful ballads of singer Miriam Guzman.

The major sponsors and supporters of this event are Somos Familia Valle Central, Cultiva la Salud, Dignity Health, and the City of Merced.