Dumplings, dancing and community at the Jade International Night Market
Story by Misty Bouse. Photos by James Hill and Misty Bouse.
PCC hosts Jade International Night Market annually to strengthen ties between the college and its surrounding communities and to connect residents with resources.
Portland Community College’s Southeast Campus will host the 9th annual Jade International Night Market from 3-10 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 16. This year’s theme, “Our Families, Our Homes,” celebrates the vibrant cultures of the Jade District. The free, family-friendly event is expected to draw more than 10,000 attendees.
The festival will feature more than 100 vendors offering heritage foods and handcrafted goods, supporting local small businesses and diverse entrepreneurs. Starting at 5 p.m., a full schedule of cultural performances will showcase music and dance from the district’s diverse communities. The market takes place at the Southeast Campus (2305 SE 82nd Ave), near the Fubonn Shopping Center.
“There are a multitude of activities to choose from, especially for families,” said Alisa Kajikawa, community development director at APANO. “Families love decorating plant pots and taking home a free houseplant thanks to Portland Nursery, and they’ll enjoy all the dynamic performances we have this year.”
There are tons of activities for everyone, including families.
Food vendors will offer a variety of cold drinks and international flavors, from bubble and Thai iced tea to horchata and Filipino avocado shakes, to sumptuous snacks and meals.
New this year, the event will offer “Jade Dollars” to reduce financial barriers. Qualifying attendees can use Jade Dollars like cash at food and retail booths. To receive them (while supplies last), attendees can show an Oregon Health Plan or SNAP card to event staff or opt in via a short survey. No personal information will be recorded.
The event is a collaboration between PCC, the Jade District, APANO, the Portland Art and Cultural Center and several local organizations committed to community empowerment and economic development.
“To us, the night market is not just a summer evening,” Kajikawa said. “It’s a collective statement of love and hope.”
PCC hosts the event annually to strengthen ties between the college and its surrounding communities and to connect residents with resources such as affordable housing, health care, and career and educational opportunities.
The event supports local small businesses and diverse entrepreneurs.
To Flor Yanira Valle, the event is the highlight of the year for her family, who lives across the street from Southeast Campus. Valle is a working mother, returning student and member of the college’s Southeast Campus Career Services Team.
“I enjoy the Jade International Night Market and the music!” said Valle, a second-year PCC Computer Science student and member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. “I am in a place where I am loved and accepted for who I am. Attending APANO events has become significant to me and my children. It provides an opportunity to explore cultures outside of our Hispanic and Latino roots.”
Valle said her dream since childhood has been to study computer science. Her goal is to become a full stack developer and engineer, with a special interest in robotics and cloud infrastructure. Her youngest son, Sebastian, attends Early Head Start at the PCC child care center. Her oldest, Jahkai, is in first grade and has autism.
Valle said she loves APANO and what the organization represents.
Flor Valle helping out in the Southeast Learning Garden.
“My eldest son really enjoys the market’s decorations and music,” said Valle, who received a PCC Foundation Scholarship and a Ford Family Foundation Scholarship. “I am always invited to participate in their events. I really appreciate it and sometimes volunteer at APANO’s Friday food bank distribution.”
Valle began her studies in 2023 but had to take a yearlong break due to pregnancy and health complications. She said PCC was an attractive option as it offers low-cost tuition and classes, and a variety of support for every need, not to mention the opportunity to apply for scholarships.
“I feel beyond blessed to have decided to come back to PCC,” she added.
For more information on the Jade International Night Market, visit jadedistrict.org.