Severe weather causes 'huge impact' at Beaverton Night Market

BEAVERTON, Ore. (KOIN) -- A number of outdoor events were washed out and cancelled Saturday when severe weather rolled through the Willamette Valley. Portland Parks and Rec shut down all their outdoor events, including concerts and entertainment.

But the small businesses counting on sales at the Beaverton Night Market are now suffering the financial damage from the rain, wind and lightning that forced the 10th annual event to close just as it opened.

"It's certainly a huge impact," said Kyikyi, the owner of Himalyan Dumplings.

Oscar Aguilera, another small business owner, chalked it up to "Mother Nature. What can you do, right? Safety first."

Beaverton City Manager Jenny Haruyama agreed. "It's so unfortunate because this is such a revered event."

All the vendors are left with the financial impact of hundreds to thousands of dollars in cost and lost profits. The city of Beaverton said it's not likely they will be able to reschedule the event but they will look into a way to help the vendors financially.

"We will do our best to make them as whole as possible," Haruyama said. "We understand this is a huge investment for them and that will be our priority."

"Usually we have very long lines where we're serving hundreds of customers in a five-hour window, so we prepare for thousands of dollars worth of food," Kyiki said.

But she didn't want all her food going to waste, so she handed out free food to anyone passing by. Many refused and wanted to pay to show their support.

That, said Kyikyi, was "very uplifting. So I'm taking the most challenging situations. You see people really step in and be really kind. That gesture was very meaningful."