A Brantford entrepreneur is combining small business promotion with a nostalgic dance party in an effort to raise funds and food donations for families struggling with food insecurity.
On July 12, the Lunar Webb Summer Market will return to The Polish Hall, offering residents a chance to shop from more than two dozen local vendors before the space transforms into an 80s-themed dance party later in the evening.
Organizers say proceeds and food collected during the event will go to the Brantford Food Bank, which assists more than 1,200 households each month.
According to the latest estimates, roughly one in six Brantford households is food insecure, reflecting broader trends in rising grocery prices and housing costs across southern Ontario.
“It affects so many people right here in this community,” said Veronica Webb, founder of Lunar Webb Candles and Markets, which hosts four seasonal events each year. “We see this as a chance to come together, have some fun, and help where we can.”
The market runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will feature vendors selling handmade goods, baking, and crafts. Admission is free, though attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations.
Beyond shopping, the event includes a raffle, with proceeds directed to the food bank.
Organizers say the market has become an important venue for small business owners in the region to sustain revenue during slower periods.
At 7 p.m., the hall will reopen for an 80s Video Dance Party.
The evening will include a costume contest, dance-off, and prizes, with music videos projected on a large screen. Tickets to the dance party are $10 in advance or $15 at the door, with a portion of each ticket supporting local food relief.
According to Feed Ontario, food bank use in the province has climbed nearly 40 per cent over the past three years, driven by rising rents and the cost of living.
Demand in Brantford has followed a similar trajectory, prompting organizers to expand the fundraising component of the market series.
Webb said the goal is to balance practical support with a sense of community. “People want to feel like they can contribute in a way that’s positive,” she said. “That’s really what this is about.”
