Clarington says more than 800 attended 2026 Black Vendor Village in Bowmanville

More than 800 people attended Clarington’s third annual Black Vendor Village on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, at the Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex in Bowmanville, according to a municipal news post.

The event, held during Black History Month, drew local vendors and community organizations into one venue and included scheduled performances and activities. Clarington said it hosted the Vendor Village in partnership with the Region of Durham and Clarington Library, Museums & Archives.

The municipality reported that more than 45 Black-owned businesses took part. Products for sale included handcrafted goods, fashion, food, wellness products and creative arts.

Activities at the event included live performances, spoken word, dancing and face painting.

Mayor Adrian Foster said in the municipal post that the event was a “powerful reminder” of the impact of celebrating diversity. “The Black Vendor Village not only showcases incredible talent and entrepreneurship, but also reflects Clarington’s commitment to inclusion, equity and opportunity for all,” Foster said.

Angela Anderson, chair of Clarington’s Anti-Black Racism Advisory Committee, said the event “creates opportunity” and that she was encouraged by “how interactive the event was and by the shared conversations that took place throughout the event.”

In addition to vendors, Clarington said guests could visit booths from community partners, including the Ontario Black History Society, Durham Community Health Centre’s Black Health and Wellness Mobile Clinic, and the Durham Region Transit Black History Month bus.

Clarington’s post also referenced the municipality’s 2024–2027 IDEA Strategy, described as focused on inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility.