Monthly market kicks off on Water Street in Henderson

In an attempt to stimulate the Water Street District with economic growth, the city of Henderson announced its new monthly event called the Waterday Street Market.

From 5 to 10 p.m. on the first Saturday of the month, the Water Street District is expected to feature craft booths, local vendors and entertainment to draw the community to the area. Water Street is expected to be shut down from Atlantic Avenue to Basic Road to host the event, which is free and open to the public.

“The city contacted me about how to bring redevelopment to the area,” said Roy Hassett, president of O Entertainment.

The city contracted California-based O Entertainment to put on the inaugural Cowboy BBQ cook-off in October.

The city of Henderson has decided to partner with O Entertainment again to put on the monthly event.

“While this isn’t a traditional partnership, the city is providing the space, and the promoter is paying all related costs for hosting the event,” said Kim Becker, a spokeswoman with the city of Henderson. “We are always looking for innovative ways to draw visitors to the Water Street District, particularly those who may be looking to spend a few dollars.”

Becker added that the event should have an economic impact for the community and businesses on Water Street.

The city of Henderson puts on other entertainment-centered events, such as ArtBeat presented by Target.

“Waterday is very different from ArtBeat, but it complements it at the same time,” Becker said. “ArtBeat is designed to be a true cultural event where people come out to enjoy a free concert.”

The city received a grant that allows it to offer a free entertainment and art festival that takes place over several weekends in the fall and spring.

In addition to a free concert at the Henderson Events Plaza, 200 S. Water St., a few craft vendors are set up and artists are allowed to display works.

“Its main intent is cultural, to make music and art accessible to everyone and get people familiar with the Water Street District,” Becker said.

The Waterday Street Market, she added, is expected to have historic and entertainment elements.

“But it’s meant to have an economic impact,” she said. “Most of the people attending Waterday are likely looking to make a purchase of some kind.”

Hassett said there are about 70 vendors along with street performers, a beer garden and several local bands scheduled to perform.

He added that this event would be similar to First Friday offered in downtown Las Vegas each month.

Becker added that the community had a strong interest in having something similar that has the same arts and cultural vibe.

“Henderson does have a family-friendly vibe,” she said. “That is an important consideration in all of the events and performances we present to the community.”

According to Hassett, O Entertainment is expected to sponsor several events in the fall, including a lobster festival and a crawfish festival.

The Cowboy BBQ cook-off is also slated to return.

“We have always wanted to take action in the Las Vegas market,” Hassett said. “Henderson has welcomed us in to do this.”

For more information on the event, visit www.waterdaystreetmarket.com.

For more information about O Entertainment, visit www.oentertainment.com.

Contact Henderson/Anthem View reporter Michael Lyle at mlyle@viewnews.com or 702-387-5201.