All Star Bazaar forced to relocate by the City of Salt Lake during NBA All-Star Weekend
All Star Bazaar: A Black History Month Celebration is back on track, thanks to the outpouring of support from the community. Despite having permits revoked by the City of Salt Lake, organizers of All Star Bazaar were undeterred and rallied to find a new venue for the event where much of the same elements will go on as planned. Now at the Utah State Fairpark, All Star Bazaar will be just three short stops away from the Vivint Arena where the 2023 NBA All Star Weekend is simultaneously happening.
The decision by the City of Salt Lake to revoke permits for All Star Bazaar, a celebration of Utah’s local Black community and the inclusive histories of the nation and state, took Bazaar organizers by surprise and was a major setback. This has raised discussions of discrimination and the unnecessary hoops Utah’s Black Community often has to work around.
With over 50 Black owned businesses and more than 30 Black artists and performers impacted by the decision, event organizers had to work quickly to find an alternative venue. Thanks to the tireless efforts of Utah’s Black Community and speedy venue coordination with Utah State Fairpark, the event is now set to forge ahead and showcase the incredible resiliency and creativity of Utah’s Black community.
All Star Bazaar is more than just an event. It’s a celebration of creativity and community connectedness. This year, the event has taken on an even deeper meaning, as it represents the triumph of community over adversity. With the new venue secured, Utah’s Black community can look forward to showcasing their work and talents, while sharing their stories and experiences. It’s a chance for all of us to come together, celebrate diversity, and appreciate the powerful role that the arts can play in bringing us together.
