By Eliza PARTIKA

Cravings Night Market “will be back” after high winds devastated the outdoor market on Friday, Oct 16. Market organizers Eddie Ghazarian and Greg Kasabyan were on the ground the day of the accident to cut metal rods from wrecked and warped tent foundations and rescue any remaining vestiges of market infrastructure. 

The damage occurred during their October pumpkin patch event, said Kasabyan, who was with families enjoying the pumpkin carvings when the wind struck their market site. 

“There are only two stands left of 40. We had an excellent turnout at our pumpkin patch event and when the winds picked up we had to stop and get everyone to safety. They had to leave their food behind,” said Kassabyan. 

One vendor was hurt badly when a tent pole ripped from its foundation and hit him. 

“It was a scene from nightmares,” he shared. 

“It looks like a war zone,” said Ghazarian, full of emotion as he assisted with the soldering of a metal foundation.

Community members and high school groups have come by to assist with the cleanup efforts. 

“It’s reassuring and it has put a smile on our face to see how many people are willing to help get us back up and running,” Kasabyan said.

“Cravings Night Market has been so much more than a food court market for the community. It has been a true sanctuary where families, elderly community members, disabled community members and neighbors from all walks of life can gather in a safe place at night. It has become the heartbeat of the community,” said Vicky Nailing, a Tujunga neighbor and the architect of the Cravings Night Market’s Go Fund Me. 

The Cravings team needs to raise at least $7,000 to pay for replacement of essential equipment for the vendors who work the market. 

Greg Kasabyan said the goal is to reopen by Oct. 28 as they gather new vendors and make new plans for the space. Kasabyan made it clear that the market will be open again for the community to enjoy. 

“We are not going to give up. Let people know we are not going anywhere, we will be back” he told the CV Weekly. 

To donate to the Cravings Night Market Go Fund Me, visit https://tinyurl.com/3t9873ar or contact Vicky Nailing at (323) 228-2089.