During the 1960’s and 1970’ farmers assembled to show and sell their produce and livestock what was known then as the Guam Farmers market. After Typhoon Pamela in 1976, it became the Guam Public Market and visits to the market became a family outing and focal point of island activity where produce and local food were sold. The Guam Public Market was later called the Chamorro Village (I Sengsong Chamorro) which was created as an entity of the Guam Department of Commerce in 1978 through Public Law 14-154. Due to typhoons and fires that destroyed the temporary structures the government felt it was time to construct a permanent facility. A 1990 Public Market Redevelopment Plan was develop and grew into a $10 million dollar facility with the approval of former Governor Joseph F. Ada and the 21st Guam Legislature. Ground breaking on the new facility began on September 29, 1992 which took 2 years to complete Phase I & 2 of the new facility. Since most of the buildings were constructed a grand opening has held on December 2, 1994. In 1997, the final Phase 3 project began which included an additional seven (7) buildings located throughout the facility. The Chamorro Village purpose is to encourage, promote and provide a centralized support facility for local entrepreneurs. Its mission is to maintain a facility that will promote local products and produce of Guam. The department will strive to achieve its mission through encouragement, promotion, and support of local products of Guam, and through the showcasing of Guam’s culture and traditions. On September 2005, the Chamorro Village was later transferred under the Department of Chamorro Affairs through Public Law 28-68. To date, the Chamorro Village has a 90% occupancy rate consisting of a variety of shops that includes 25 retail outlets, 15 take out kitchens and 3 restaurants, 2 Guam’s master crafters (Robert Taitano, Master Carver & Jack Lujan, Master Blacksmith), 1 produce vendor and a Resource Center. Also included is an amusement ride and game park located in the rear parking lot of the Chamorro Village for a total of 48 businesses operating at the Chamorro Village. The Chamorro Village is also home to the famous weekly Wednesday Night Market that continues to draw a large crowd due to its local activities. The night market project was launched in April 8, 1998, it was initial a bi-weekly event but because of the confusion on the event dates the Chamorro Village management decided to have it weekly. We have seen an increased to the number of vendors during the night market, especially small entrepreneurs wanting to start their business during the market. There are a variety of vendors that you can find that includes arts and craft, gifts and souvenirs, jewelry, clothing, barbecue, produce, nursery and many more. There are over 80 vendors participating during the market. Besides the shopping you can enjoy a taste of local and international food, live entertainment and local performances scheduled throughout the night.