Vendor seeks approval for Kitsap Bazaar ‘Moonlight Market’; council tables request for more information

Taylor McGlison, owner of Kitsap Bazaar, requested city approval on March 12 to stage a monthly evening “Moonlight Market” in the waterfront park on second Saturdays from May through September, with a later evening for a June event. McGlison said the market would feature local vendors, food, entertainment and coordinated trash and restroom plans, and that organizers would work with businesses and provide a shuttle to help with parking.

McGlison described a typical market as 35 vendors (25 for the special June date) with a setup beginning in the afternoon and tear‑down after 9 p.m. (one special market would run to 10 p.m.). She said vendors would be required to collect sales tax and that vendors with food service would be required to hold appropriate city permits.

Council members asked about organizer structure, tax collection, impacts on downtown businesses, parking and sanitation logistics. Several council members said they had not received the organizer’s full packet in advance and asked staff to review the materials and the special‑event permit requirements. Staff confirmed that the event would be processed as a special event permit because it involves after‑hours use of the park and public services, and that separate approvals and potential cost recovery for city services (police, public works) may be required.

Council voted to table action and asked staff to return with a recommendation after reviewing the application and the packet materials. Staff will also work with the applicant to identify staging, vendor locations on the park surface, food‑vendor placement, and precise trash and restroom plans, and to estimate city service costs and possible fees or cost recovery arrangements.