Locals Celebrate American Indian Night at San Bernardino Market

The market night at Perris Hill Park in San Bernardino has seen a lot of changes this year, from new management to theme nights, all in hope of bringing more people out for a night of food, music and street vendors. Marking its 10th season serving the local community, the market hosts 25–30 vendors weekly, each with unique products. The theme for Tuesday, July 16, was American Indian night, as market night management and vendors welcomed members of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians to participate. To go along with the theme, San Manuel Language Teacher Michael Navarrete and First Nation Experience (FNX), a TV network dedicated to reflecting Native Americans, set up booths to explain the importance of understanding and keeping the culture alive. To keep the crowd energized, local band Junkyard Dog performed a set of their rock tunes. Marketing Manager Teresa Parra-Craig said that while this is her first season directing the event, there is much more she would like to accomplish. “It’s said to be its best ever,” she said, but she shared that she fosters many ideas to keep improving the event in the future. Uncle Mario’s food truck owner Mario Gonzalez said, “I’m very pleased. Teresa seems to be running a good show here.” AVON sales representative Lidia Martinez, who has attended the market for the past three years, said, “[Teresa is] friendly and more up-to-date. She’s on top of everything, which is great, and she has a really great personality.” San Bernardino’s Farmers Fair and Market Night is a seasonal market, which opens the first Tuesday in May and runs through the last Tuesday in October.