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Night Market at the Depot draws nearly 50,000 visits in 2024; city to study permanent food‑truck site
Summary
Sway LLC and the city reported nearly 50,000 estimated attendees over 16 night‑market events at the Depot in 2024, with $275,000+ in average per‑season vendor sales and plans for a feasibility study on a permanent food‑truck depot.
The City of Lacey’s partnership with Sway LLC to produce 16 night market events at the Depot in 2024 generated an estimated just‑under 50,000 total attendees, highlighted 157 vendors and organizations, and produced average vendor sales across the season that Sway reported as roughly $275,000 (aggregate sales across events), city staff said Jan. 7.
Wesley Wynne, the city’s economic development coordinator, said the city contracted with Sway in April 2024 after a competitive process. "We selected Sway after a robust RFP and interview process," Wynne said, and the night‑market approach — held on alternating Fridays — was intended to build consistent community activity at the Depot.
Jason Huang, owner of Sway LLC, provided operational metrics to council: 16 events over the season, 157 vendors and community organizations, an estimated total attendance just under 50,000 across 72 event hours, and substantial social‑media reach within a 75‑mile radius. Huang said about 33% of attendees were City of Lacey residents, roughly 46% returned to multiple events, and nearly 70% of attendees were parents who brought children. He said Sway collected vendor sales estimates and used surveys and onsite stickers to supplement outreach metrics.
Council members praised the activity and asked about sustaining momentum: Huang said he would keep the Friday schedule and build on stronger vendor relationships. City staff said they will pursue a feasibility study in 2025 to evaluate a permanent food‑truck location and possible ADA and infrastructure upgrades at the Depot area. The city manager described the current Depot site as a successful temporary activation that could inform a permanent solution while preserving museum plans for the site.
Economic development context: the city also reported other 2024 efforts including business recruitment, the Lacey Makerspace (with training and classes), workforce partnerships and an indoor sports facility (DBAT) under development. The council asked staff to consider neighborhood safety improvements related to larger crowds and to continue coordination with public safety, parks and economic development teams.
Next steps: feasibility study on a permanent food‑truck depot expected in 2025; staff to return with options and cost estimates.
