Crowdfunding campaign launched for the “Afterglow Night Markets” project in Lansing

$13,000 goal to win matching grant through MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places initiative

 

LANSING, Mich. – Downtown Lansing’s riverfront district will soon be home to the Afterglow Night Markets, a series of recurring pop-up markets featuring local artists and vendors, with the help of a new crowdfunding campaign, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Downtown Lansing Inc., and YouShine Events & Consulting announced today. The campaign is being offered through the Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity.

If the campaign reaches its crowdfunding goal of $13,000 by July 25, the project will win a matching grant with funds made possible by MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places program. For project details and to donate, please visit: patronicity.com/afterglow.

“Pop-up retail and shared market spaces create an environment of natural gathering and community,” said MEDC Senior Vice President of Community Development Michele Wildman. “We are pleased to support and provide resources for this project through our Public Spaces Community Places program.”

Downtown Lansing Inc. is partnering with YouShine Events & Consulting, River Town Adventures, Dancing with the Nordes, All of the Above Hip Hop Academy and other local partners to create a cultural hub and market along Lansing's riverfront. This effort will create a bustling river trail full of local vendors, food trucks, live music, and more each week. Residents and visitors can sip and stroll the social district or even paddle down the Grand River in the heart of Lansing's Riverfront District.

“Downtown Lansing Inc. and YouShine Events & Consulting are excited to have the support of the MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places program. With this crowdfunding campaign, together we will be able to present a fun and interactive weekly night market for the community in the heart of downtown Lansing,” said Najeema Iman of YouShine Events & Consulting. “Featuring a rotating list of local vendors, food trucks, entertainment and family fun, this event is sure to light up the night at Rotary Park. Rotary Park is one of Lansing’s most beautiful hidden gems and it is time that families in the area can enjoy it with this unique event.”

Public Spaces Community Places is a collaborative effort of the MEDC, the Michigan Municipal League, and Patronicity, in which local residents can use crowdfunding to be part of the development of strategic projects in their communities and be backed with a matching grant from MEDC. Communities, nonprofits and other business entities can apply at https://patronicity.com/puremichigan.

“The Michigan Municipal League is a firm believer in building community wealth in ways that build on existing assets and enhance the human experience for everyone,” said Dan Gilmartin, League’s CEO and Executive Director. “This Afterglow Night Markets is an innovative way to accomplish both. It improves upon what already exists in ways that better serve everyone experiencing downtown Lansing. That is what community wealth building is about.”

The Public Spaces Community Places initiative started in 2014 with MEDC providing matched funding of up to $50,000 for community improvement projects throughout Michigan. As of April 28, 2021, MEDC has provided more than $8.4 million in matching grants. Since the launch of the program, 267 projects have been successful in reaching their goal, with $9.8 million raised from 47,364 individual donors.

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.