As we’ve noted before, the Vancouver Chinatown Night Market is bringing a heady mix of time-honoured tradition and new school flavour to the summer festivities on Keefer Street. Check out the teaser video (attaboy Ken, great job!) and read more after the jump…

From the inbox:

This year the VCMA Night Market Committee has welcomed a new group of passionate individuals with a fresh outlook to help revamp the Night Market. Led by Bao Bei Chinese Brasserie owner Tannis Ling, the committee’s aim has been to breathe new life into the event for summer 2013; Market visitors will be treated to exciting new vendors, inventive cuisine and an updated and expanded program of performances, workshops, cooking demos, games, outdoor movies, and much more.

The idea to revitalize the Night Market came from the vantage point of being situated on the sidelines of the historic event with visible warm appeal yet Ling, Managing Director of the new vision for the Night Market and a local Keefer St. business owner, felt like there was potential for it to grow and appeal to a broader audience. “When I opened Bao Bei, I was so excited to be on the same street as the Night Market because of the vitality and activity it brought to the neighbourhood. Over the years I developed a slight obsession with the idea to reinvent the Night Market by taking a modern approach to an old idea, similar to what I did with the restaurant. I didn’t see a reason why the Night Market couldn’t be a huge crowd-drawing festival that kept to its roots by celebrating Chinese culture in a fun, interactive way and also offered a chance for different communities to engage with one another. With all the renewed interest and development in the area, it’s an uncertain moment in Chinatown’s history and we see a chance to help shape the direction the neighbourhood will take, in one small way.”

Ling initiated the project with like-minded program director Ken Tsui, known for such popular events as Black Lodge Diner, Eat Together and The Hawker Stand. In collaborating with local creatives, Tsui is dedicated to delivering unique programming, workshops and vendors; with a background in pop-up events, he is focused on activating and socially engaging public space.

Some of the new additions include more traditional interests such as mah-jong, storytelling and kite-making workshops; cult favourites like ping pong and outdoor screenings of classic films; and fresh culinary offerings from local food trucks and neighbourhood joints. Application is still open to vendors interested in participating. http://vancouverchinatownnightmarket.com/vendors/

The New Night Market: it’s about mixing time-honoured tradition and new school flavour. It’s for neighbours, out-of-towners, friends and families; it’s about shopping, eating, playing and getting together in a uniquely historic place in a period of progress and change. For the love of Chinatown, come to the Night Market!

Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night from 6-11 PM, May 17th through September 8th, rain or moonshine, on Keefer Street between Main & Columbia.

EVERYTHING SEEN IN VANCOUVER