essay about friday night lights

Friday Night Lights

By h. g. bissinger, friday night lights essay questions.

How does Brian Chavez differ from most of the boys on the team? Use at least three textual references.

Brian Chavez is the only Hispanic Player on the team. This separates him as a token example of the massive influx of Hispanic peoples migrating to into the Odessa area. Brian’s differences are not merely cultural. He is the one boy who excels at academics as well as football. Unlike the rest of the boys on the team, Brian will do well regardless if football is in his future or not. Brian’s many talents outside of football provides an interesting juxtaposition to the other boys who have all their dreams wrapped in one year of football or, at the very best, a few years in college ball.

Why are so many fans emotionally dependent on the success of a boys high school football team?

This is an interesting social phenomenon. One really has to study the history and socio-economic demographic of Odessa to learn exactly how high school football fits into their collective psyche. Certainly with the short boom and long bust economy, people are subjected very unstable times. With a mostly poor economy comes financial and social instability. For many people, Permian football remains the only constant they can depend on for entertainment and communal identity. The town lives vicariously through the boys’ thrill of victory and their agony of the defeat.

Gender roles in Odessa seem to be like a throwback to the 1950’s. Describe the gender expectations for both boys and girls.

The girls at Permian follow gender roles reminiscent of 1950’s America. Most every girl at Permian dreams of being a Pepette. These are girls who exclusively devote themselves to the football players. Each Pepette is assigned to a specific player. They act as domestic servants for their appointed player by cooking them football themed deserts or making signs for them. If a girl is blessed with a keen intellect, they simply “dumb down” themselves to fit into Permian school culture. Bissinger paints a world where the boys on the team are treated as men through the lens of male hegemonic masculinity rather than the kids they really are. The coaching staff often hurls insults, laced with sexist language, at the boys under the guise of motivation.

Discuss how Boobie Miles acts as a commodity within the machinery of high school and college football.

Boobie is a black athlete from the poor side of Odessa. Boobie can barely read but has been courted by major colleges and universities since he was a junior at Permian high. As Boobie progressed, it became apparent that he had all the makings of a champion player. Booby is so good that Coach Gaines bets the team’s chances at going to state on his wonder kid. Colleges and universities are willing to promise him the world on the remote chance that he can perform at an even higher level despite the fact that he can barely read their glossy brochures. When Boobie injures his knee during a pre-season scrimmage, everything is lost. Interest in Boobie vanishes from both his high school and the colleges. Boobie becomes the collateral damage from the machine that is West Texas football.

Desegregation of schools and racism in Odessa is a major theme in this book. While the rest of the country has progressed, Odessa seemed unwilling to change until the future of its football program was at stake. Discuss this statement.

Although segregation in America officially ended in 1964, apparently Odessa never got that memo. Anyone visiting Odessa from more populated centers might think that they are caught in a time warp. As it turns out the lack of desegregation was based more on what would happen to the Permian football team rather than just “good old Southern racism.” Permian parents were worried that desegregation would destroy their football team, their last bastion of white glory. It wasn’t until the obvious finally dawned on the white population of Odessa. White football teams simply could not compete against mixed race football teams or all black teams. Desegregation would transfer some fabulous black athletes to Permian. The racial rhetoric waned and finally, in 1982, Odessa adhered to a federal law that was instituted eighteen years earlier.

These boys are treated as heroes on the football team; yet after their final season, most are forgotten or only briefly acknowledged at football pep rallies. Explain this seeming contradiction.

Bissinger paints a pretty grim picture of life after Permian football. In their final year of football, these boys live in a surreal world of hero worship and dreams. Unfortunately, once their final year is done, most of these boys will simply be spit out of this machine back into the land of mortals. Perhaps a few might go onto college football scholarships but ultimately, these will be a let down. All the boys, with the exception of Tony Chavez, will be ill equipped to handle the academic and social rigors of college life. All of them will find that, no matter how “good” they were in high school, they are disposable in college. The hero worship they felt at Permian, vanishes if they should get on a college team. Without all the external stimuli and motivation most players simply drop out of school, their football dreams merely illusions fading away in the springtime mist.

The sad truth is that in Permian’s fifty-five year football history, only six players have tried for or made the pro leagues. Most of these boys obtain jobs in or around the oil business that will slowly tax their bodies and souls, just as the business had done to their fathers. When they become men, many Permian football alumni will relive their glory days through their own sons or in the stupor of a bottle.

Football, political ideology, and culture are all closely related in Odessa. Explain the dynamics of these relationships.

At one point in the book Permian wins a game 42-0 over the Midland Bulldogs. What is most impressive, however, is the surreal scene after the game; it is a scene that creates the illusion of America that West Texas football fans conjure up in their dreams. The bands on both teams belt out patriotic tunes; the smell of hot dogs; popcorn and beer lingers in the air. The teams line up on both sides of the field, their helmets off, looking like young gladiators after a battle. Children, parents and grandparents stand in awe of this truly American spectacle before them. This brief revision of days gone by is directly related to the politics of the white middle class. The white middle class in Odessa clings to “traditional” American values of hard work, church, minimal government and racial homogenization. George Bush and the Republican Party are synonymous with the values most middle class West Texans cling to amidst their rapidly changing world. The idea of hot dogs, barbecues and football fit within the cultural milieu of the Republican platform.

Odessa is a like a surreal world unto its own. It is a "small pond” where football-playing boys have grown accustomed to hero worship and academic accommodation. What are the stark realities that they suffer after Permian football has ended?

The vast majority of these boys don’t go on to play college football. They re-enter the world of mere mortals with a mediocre education and some fond memories of greatness. Many slip into their old habits of drinking and raising “hell” except this there is a sense of melancholy and emptiness; this time there are no reasons for their celebrations. The few that are invited to venture into the world of college football are quickly disillusioned. At university they are not worshiped and easily expendable. Academics prove to be a big problem because, unless they are superstar status, they are left to drown in their academic dysfunction.

Friday Night Lights Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for Friday Night Lights is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

Why will Jerrod McDougal not be playing college football?

In context, Jerrod was far too small to play football at the college level. Recognizing this, he decided that he would focus on coaching and mentoring high school athletes.

Who is the protagonist?

I would have to say that each of the six football players, on whom the book is focused, would be considered the protagonists.

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Study Guide for Friday Night Lights

Friday Night Lights study guide contains a biography of H.G. Bissinger, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

• About Friday Night Lights
• Friday Night Lights Summary
• Character List

Essays for Friday Night Lights

Friday Night Lights essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of Friday Night Lights by H.G. Bissinger.

• Analyzing Friday Night Lights: Like Father Like Son?
• Society and It's Status Quo

Wikipedia Entries for Friday Night Lights

• Introduction
• Inspiration

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Essay: Friday Night Lights

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The first complaint was from a parent of a sixth grader at Odom Academy, in Beaumont, Texas, due to the language and racism. This caused Beaumont School District librarians to question whether or not they should carry Friday Night Lights. With this complaint from a single parent, almost two decades after the book was published, schools in the surrounding areas started to question whether or not this book should be in their library for children to read.

The complaints made are varied, in the reasoning on why young kids should not read this book, however, in all of the complaints, they all had three main points: offensive language, sexual content, and racism. Many feel as if, “Kids today often grow up too fast and are exposed to things their young minds can’t handle. It’s unfortunate, but it certainly shouldn’t happen in a public school classroom.” (Beaumont Enterprise). However some feel different. For instance, Timglase responded to the banning by saying,

“Yes, it does contain some profanity and references to sex and racism. How about that? Three things that are present in life itself. It doesn’t help to shield students from these realities. It helps to educate them so they can deal with life’s challenges. In fact, students in some classes at West Brook study this book without any apparent problems.”

These complaints caused Beaumont School District to question whether they should carry Friday Night Lights in their library. These also caused the Texas Prison to ban Friday Night Lights.

A main complaint made was the explicit language throughout the book. On the second page of the book, “[the game] was against Midland Lee – Permian’s arch rivals – the rebels, those no-good son of a bitch bastard rebels…” Then, during the first scrimmage, a player from the opposing team tells the main character, star running back Boobie Miles, “You ain’t nothin’ but a pussy, a Goddamn pussy! … Com’on, Boobie, you tough mother fucker, com’on, let’s see how tough you really are!” Parents of youth had complained about this vulgar language. All throughout the book these teenageres cuss left and right, and parents do not want their children reading this. Especially with the harsh name calling. “Fuck you… you motherfucking bitch.” (Bissinger 334).

Another reason for the banning, is constant prejudice. Prejudice is, in this case, intolerance of or dislike for people of a specific race, religion, etc. This is shown throughout the book. For instance, on page twenty-four, the football players feel as if they are superior to everyone else in the school because they play football. They also believe that football is more important than their school work. Boobie says that football is the only way he can get into college, so, “… he couldn’t be bothered with classes.” (Bissinger 1)

Racism is a huge part of this banning. All throughout the book, Caucasians felt superior to the African-American and Hispanic populations. African-Americans and Mexicans, races of a lower standard at this time, lived on the opposite side of town, referred to as “nxxxxx town”. Where all the Caucasians lived on the other, nicer, side of town. On page three, Boobie, a teenage African-American, “Felt good as he made his way out of the Southside part of town, the place where the low-income blacks and Mexicans lived, and crossed the railroad tracks as he headed for Permain over on the northeast side of town, the fancy side of town, the white side of town.” (Bissinger 3). Throughout the whole book, Caucasians were separated from African-Americans. Throughout the book, the word “nxxxxx” was used constantly in a harsh contex. Boobie was often referred to as a, “‘Big ol’ dumb nxxxxx.’” (Bssinger 67). This rural town, in southern Texas, did not acknowledge segregation until they had to. Therefore, Caucasians did not have to even associate with the other minorities for a long time.

Contant stereotype, a widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing, is all throughout the book. “… before thousands of fans who had once anointed him the chosen son but now mostly thought of him as just another nxxxxx.” (Bissinger 1). The idea of one having to fit a certain standard of what they are thought of is constantly shown. The football players are stereotyped throughout the book. “He fit every stereotype of a dumb jock, all of which went to show how meaningless stereotypes should be,” (Bissinger 127). Females, the pepettes mainly, were also stereotyped in numerous occasions. Urban Ministry says, the pepettes spent as much as one hundred dollars on posters for their player; they also had to bring their player “a sweet” before every game.

The final reason for the banning is the constant sexual references. After one football practice, in the locker room, the players were comparing their pepettes sexually. Urban Ministry later tells that every pepette fully devotes themselves to their player. The football players could fully use their pepettes, along with any other girl in the school, in any way they wanted.

Friday Night Lights is only banned in two places, both happen to be in texas. “… while prisoners are not allowed to read the Texas football classic Friday Night Lights because of a single ‘nxxxxx’ reference, any one of them can request a copy of Adolf Hitler’s Mein Kampf.” (John Bonazzo). This book is also banned in Beaumont School District due to one complaint made by a mom of a sixth grader. The complaint said, “The book is not appropriate for that age.” (Beaumont Enterprise).

Friday Night Lights, certainly has upset some feelings. The intention of the story was to tell about a high school football team in southern, rural, Texas. In reality, the book’s explicit language, mature sexual references, and constant racism overpowered the author’s desired message.

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Friday Night Lights

Buzz bissinger, everything you need for every book you read..

Welcome to the LitCharts study guide on Buzz Bissinger's Friday Night Lights . Created by the original team behind SparkNotes, LitCharts are the world's best literature guides.

Friday Night Lights: Introduction

Friday night lights: plot summary, friday night lights: detailed summary & analysis, friday night lights: themes, friday night lights: quotes, friday night lights: characters, friday night lights: symbols, friday night lights: theme wheel, brief biography of buzz bissinger.

Historical Context of Friday Night Lights

Other books related to friday night lights.

• Full Title: Friday Night Lights: A Town, a Team, a Dream
• When Written: 1988-89
• Where Written: Odessa and Philadelphia
• When Published: 1990
• Literary Period: Contemporary non-fiction
• Genre: Non-fiction; sports; social criticism
• Setting: Odessa, in West Texas
• Climax: The Permian Panthers lose a close came to Carter High School, in Austin, during the state semifinals of the 1988 football season.
• Point of View: Third-person omniscient

Extra Credit for Friday Night Lights

Adaptations. Friday Night Lights has been made into two separate TV series—in the 1990s and the 2000s—and a movie. The movie and second (NBC) TV show received a great deal of critical attention and largely positive reviews.

Friday Night Lights

69 pages • 2 hours read

Friday Night Lights: A Town, a Team, and a Dream

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Preface-Chapter 1

Chapters 2-3

Chapters 4-6

Chapters 7-9

Chapters 10-12

Chapters 13-15

Chapter 16 and Epilogue

Key Figures

Index of Terms

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

As an outsider to Odessa, how does Bissinger demonstrate the town’s fanatical devotion to the Permian Panthers football team? Consider and discuss both positive and negative actions by the townspeople that illustrate their commitment to the team.

A central theme in Bissinger’s work is how football is a valuable prism for analyzing anti-Black racism in America. From what Bissinger describes, to what extent do you think the Permian Panthers football program helped or hindered true social integration in Odessa?

By the time Bissinger conducted his research, Odessa had been legally desegregated for six years, and a small percentage of Permian High school students were Black or Mexican. Bissinger argues that Black students were valued by the white school board officials and coaching staff primarily for their athletic potential, and he suggests the dynamic between the white authorities and Black students was exploitative. What evidence does he provide to make this argument? Use specific examples from the text.

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Aimee Teegarden Talks 'Wonderful' Reunion With 'Friday Night Lights' Costars

Aimee Teegarden doesn't know which former Friday Night Lights costar she'd ask to join the Hallmark family, but she isn't ruling out another football project.

"I see castmates every now and then at different events or things like that or just catching up," Teegarden, 34, exclusively told Us Weekly of her FNL coworkers while promoting her newest Hallmark Channel film , An Easter Bloom .

Teegarden noted that she recently had a reunion with Zach Gilford and Scott Porter in June 2023 as part of their "It's Not Only Football: Friday Night Lights and Beyond" podcast. (Gilford, 42, and Porter, 44, launched the podcast in 2022 alongside Parenthood alum Mae Whitman .)

'Friday Night Lights' Cast: Where Are They Now?

"It was really great seeing them and just catching up," she gushed. "They have full-on kids and wives and things like that!"

The actress played quarterback Matt Saracen's (Gilford) high school sweetheart , Julie Taylor, on the NBC series from 2006 to 2011. Julie was also the daughter of lead character Coach Eric Taylor ( Kyle Chandler ) and his wife, Tami Taylor ( Connie Britton ).

Porter, meanwhile, portrayed the initial Dillon Panthers' quarterback Jason Street, who after getting injured gives up his position to Matt.

"It was really wonderful just reconnecting with people who have been in your life [during] your formative years," Teegarden told Us of Gilford and Porter, who have both since gotten married in 2012 and 2013, respectively. "Everybody gets busy with life and just being able to spend some face time was great."

Looking back, Teegarden said the Texas-based TV show "played such an important part of my life and was such a huge part of my life for so long." She noted that "football is having a massive resurgence" so she wouldn't be opposed to doing another project about the topic.

Going Through Super Bowl Withdrawals? Watch These Football Movies, TV Shows

However, when asked which FNL castmate she'd want to collaborate with for a Hallmark rom-com, Teegarden couldn't pick.

"That is a tough one, I dunno if I have an answer for that one," she replied, teasing, "I mean I guess it would really just depend on the project and story line."

Fans are still hopeful for an on-screen FNL reunion , but for now, they can catch Teegarden in Hallmark Channel's An Easter Bloom . The spring movie premieres on Saturday, March 30.

"I've never done an Easter film before," Teegarden told Us of her reason for signing onto the project. "I just thought there were a lot of really beautiful connections and relationships in the script between all the characters, and it felt like a really fun opportunity."

In the film, Teegarden plays a gardener named Amanda who is trying to save her family's floral farm by entering a floral design competition. Along the way, she meets a pastor named Derrick ( Benjamin Hollingsworth ) and his mother, Lori ( Frances Flanagan ), who help restore her faith and get her ready for the event.

Ring in Spring With All-New Hallmark Movies: A Guide

"The heart that ties through the script is really about community and having people around you that support you in the good times and the bad," Teegarden explained, noting that for her character there is an added layer of Amanda's "journey through grief and refining her sense of purpose."

She teased that unlike many Hallmark movies, the spark between Amanda and Derrick is more of a side story.

"It is really an interesting thing about the script that the love story isn't the main focus," Teegarden revealed to Us . "Because I think [it's] really refreshing and I feel like it's a similar [and] inclusive story, especially for Easter."

An Easter Bloom premieres on Hallmark Channel Saturday, March 30, at 8 p.m. ET.

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Aimee Teegarden Recalls ‘Wonderful’ Reunion With Friday Night Lights’ Zach Gilford and Scott Porter (Exclusive)

Aimee Teegarden doesn’t know which former Friday Night Lights costar she’d ask to join the Hallmark family, but she isn’t ruling out another football project.

“I see castmates every now and then at different events or things like that or just catching up,” Teegarden, 34, exclusively told Us Weekly of her FNL coworkers while promoting her newest Hallmark Channel film , An Easter Bloom .

Teegarden noted that she recently had a reunion with Zach Gilford and Scott Porter in June 2023 as part of their “It’s Not Only Football: Friday Night Lights and Beyond” podcast. (Gilford, 42, and Porter, 44, launched the podcast in 2022 alongside Parenthood alum Mae Whitman .)

Related: 'Friday Night Lights' Cast: Where Are They Now?

“It was really great seeing them and just catching up,” she gushed. “They have full-on kids and wives and things like that!”

The actress played quarterback Matt Saracen’s (Gilford) high school sweetheart , Julie Taylor, on the NBC series from 2006 to 2011. Julie was also the daughter of lead character Coach Eric Taylor ( Kyle Chandler ) and his wife, Tami Taylor ( Connie Britton ).

Porter, meanwhile, portrayed the initial Dillon Panthers’ quarterback Jason Street, who after getting injured gives up his position to Matt.

“It was really wonderful just reconnecting with people who have been in your life [during] your formative years,” Teegarden told Us of Gilford and Porter, who have both since gotten married in 2012 and 2013, respectively. “Everybody gets busy with life and just being able to spend some face time was great.”

Looking back, Teegarden said the Texas-based TV show “played such an important part of my life and was such a huge part of my life for so long.” She noted that “football is having a massive resurgence” so she wouldn’t be opposed to doing another project about the topic.

Related: Going Through Super Bowl Withdrawals? Watch These Football Movies, TV Shows

However, when asked which FNL castmate she’d want to collaborate with for a Hallmark rom-com, Teegarden couldn’t pick.

“That is a tough one, I dunno if I have an answer for that one,” she replied, teasing, “I mean I guess it would really just depend on the project and story line.”

Fans are still hopeful for an on-screen FNL reunion , but for now, they can catch Teegarden in Hallmark Channel’s An Easter Bloom . The spring movie premieres on Saturday, March 30.

“I’ve never done an Easter film before,” Teegarden told Us of her reason for signing onto the project. “I just thought there were a lot of really beautiful connections and relationships in the script between all the characters, and it felt like a really fun opportunity.”

In the film, Teegarden plays a gardener named Amanda who is trying to save her family’s floral farm by entering a floral design competition. Along the way, she meets a pastor named Derrick ( Benjamin Hollingsworth ) and his mother, Lori ( Frances Flanagan ), who help restore her faith and get her ready for the event.

Related: Ring in Spring With All-New Hallmark Movies: A Guide

“The heart that ties through the script is really about community and having people around you that support you in the good times and the bad,” Teegarden explained, noting that for her character there is an added layer of Amanda’s “journey through grief and refining her sense of purpose.”

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She teased that unlike many Hallmark movies, the spark between Amanda and Derrick is more of a side story.

“It is really an interesting thing about the script that the love story isn’t the main focus,” Teegarden revealed to Us . “Because I think [it’s] really refreshing and I feel like it’s a similar [and] inclusive story, especially for Easter.”

An Easter Bloom premieres on Hallmark Channel Saturday, March 30, at 8 p.m. ET.

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Georges Niang Lights Up Sixers in Cavaliers Victory

Georges Niang had a dominant shooting night against the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday.

• Author: Justin Grasso

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Seeing Georges Niang play with a chip on his shoulder is nothing new for the Philadelphia 76ers . After all, Niang was one of the most vocal veterans on the team, who was often fired up during his two-year tenure with the Sixers.

Now, Niang is giving that energy for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Unfortunately, the Sixers got another taste of it on Friday night, as Niang played like he was out for revenge.

“He was really in the right place at the right time a lot,” Sixers head coach Nick Nurse told reporters after the game. “Even when we changed coverages a few times, it just didn’t really work.”

Niang came off the bench for nearly 31 minutes on Friday night. He led the Cavs in shots taken, attempting 14 field goals. To no surprise, most of Niang’s production came from beyond the arc, where he’s been a reliable shooter throughout his career.

In Nurse’s eyes, the Sixers can surely blame themselves for their lack of defensive execution, which allowed Niang to get so many open looks. As a result, the reliable three-point threat made his former team pay.

“He’s one of the best shooters in the league,” Nurse finished. “He had a super game against his old team for sure.”

Niang credited the Cavaliers’ loss against a Joel Embiid-less Sixers team back in late February as a motivating factor for Friday’s win. Doing all he could to secure his new team another victory ahead of their playoff run, Niang lit up the Sixers by going 5-8 from deep, and scoring a game-high 25 points in the Cavs’ 117-114 win over Philadelphia.

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Northern lights may be visible in Michigan skies on Sunday, Monday night

Michigan may catch a glimpse of the northern lights overnight Sunday and Monday, if conditions are right.

The northern lights, or aurora borealis, represent waves of light from solar wind, creating a display of moving lights in the night sky.

A geomagnetic storm began Saturday and continued into Sunday, creating potential viewing conditions for the aurora borealis. The storm registered moderate at level G2 Saturday before increasing to a severe level G4 storm Sunday afternoon, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Space Weather Prediction Center .

The storm was prompted by a coronal mass ejection from the sun Friday evening, reaching the Earth early Sunday.

Ideal viewing conditions feature a clear, dark night sky. Cloudy conditions in northern Michigan on Sunday evening could dampen viewing chances.

The solar forecast predicts the geomagnetic storm to continue Sunday night, with strong G3 or higher storm levels. The storm may continue into Monday at up to G4 strong storm levels, per NOAA.

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Mar 29, 2024 | Softball

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A Dynamic New Thai Night Market Lights Up Chinatown This Weekend

The Damnoen Saduak night market debuts on Friday, March 29 in the Lax-C parking lot north of Downtown LA

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Another Thai night market is sprouting up in Los Angeles. Named after Thailand’s famous floating market , the Damnoen Saduak night market debuts on Friday, March 29, and comes from the producers behind the “Thai Town Check In” YouTube series . The night market will run every Friday through Sunday from 6 p.m. to midnight in the parking lot of Lax-C, also known as Thai Costco .

Chinnakrit “Oak” Soonthornwan, the media manager for Damnoen Saduak, has been working on establishing the night market for over a year. “Night market ideas are always on the mind because all Thai people want is to have street food,” says Soonthorwan. He and his team — which includes CEO Mile Ruangsri, CFO Worrapat “Bright” Attasawat, and COO Titinun “Jane” Jungudomcharoen — reached out to the mostly unpermitted vendors selling food on Sunset Boulevard in Thai Town and recruited them to vend at Damnoen Saduak.

Damnoen Saduak arrives on the heels of another new night market, At Siam, which debuted in Hollywood in October 2023 and has continuously grown in popularity. Some critics of the Damnoen Saduak night market include members of the local Thai community who feel unnerved by the increased competition, but Soonthorwan brushes any critical comments aside. “We see it as making the community bigger,” he says. “There are so many people that cook good food and we want to help them.”

There are currently 35 vendors signed up to participate at Damnoen Saduak, and Soonthorwan estimates that 80 percent of them are Thai. In addition to Thai food, the night market will also celebrate other Asian cuisines including Burmese and Cantonese foods, and flavorful fusion dishes like Thai interpretations of Korean marinated crabs and fish-shaped taiyaki stuffed with seafood tom yum.

“Because there are so many vendors and it’s competitive, people get really creative,” Soonthorwan says. Other dishes to be on the lookout for are deep-fried baby octopus smothered in chile-lime sauce, flaky roti drizzled with condensed milk, khao soi served with giant river prawns, mochi-like sweet potato balls, and Mae Ting’s famous kanom krok (coconut pudding pancakes). Cha Tra Mue , one of Thailand’s most well-known Thai tea chains with a location in the Lax-C plaza, will be open during the night market.

In addition to nearly three dozen food vendors, Damnoen Saduak will include businesses selling arts and crafts, and vintage wares. Special events including a fashion show on the grand opening night and a beauty pageant for the upcoming Songkran (Thai New Year) are also on the docket.

As with the Thai Town YouTube series, which was created in response to the COVID pandemic, Soonthorwan’s goal has always been to build community and support the vast culinary talent of Thai Angelenos. Damnoen Saduak serves as a physical — and hunger-inducing — manifestation of this mission.

Damnoen Saduak is located at 1100 N. Main Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012, and will be open Friday through Sunday from 6 p.m. to midnight.

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