Downtown Newark streets were jammed with traffic. Every parking spot for blocks was taken. The sidewalks were full of people. They were laughing and chatting and looking at one renovated building after another ringing Courthouse Square.
It was a homecoming. A reunion. A celebration of something that had been missing from downtown Newark for decades.
After a $20 million renovation, the 116-year-old Arcade was back, with polished floors, fresh paint, bright lights — and tidy new shops. Adding to the festive mood on opening day on Feb. 7 was the first-ever indoor market for the Canal Market District, whose vendors lined the walls along the Arcade’s main corridor.
| Read more: Sneak preview: Here’s a look inside the historic Newark Arcade before its public debut hosting farmers’ market on Friday
Generations of Newark families showed up — grandparents with their adult children and their little grandchildren. A golden sunset gave downtown a warm glow even on a chill evening. The bustling streets looked like a scene from a 1940s post card.
A steady stream of hundreds of people swarmed the new shops to buy clothing, lotions and potions. Farmers’ market vendors ran low on produce and micro-greens, and some soon ran out of baked goods.
It was a sight to behold. Here are scenes from The Arcade’s debut:
Crowds that flocked to The Arcade Friday evening filled most parking spots around Courthouse Square. 
The front doors to The Arcade were rarely closed on Feb. 7 as shoppers flocked in to see the $20 million restoration and the shops and vendors there. 
A steady stream of people flooded the main corridor of The Arcade. 
The atmosphere in the renovated Arcade Feb. 7 was festive for the first Canal Market District indoor market. 
Martha’s Bath & Body was filled with customers and the aroma of soaps and lotions. 
Arcade shops did a brisk business on opening day on Feb. 7. 
Some Canal Market District vendors at the indoor market were running low on their products because business was so brisk. 
The Ohio TRUE store was a popular spot during the renovated Arcade’s debut. 
Many who visited The Arcade Feb. 7 left the 116-year-old landmark and filled downtown Newark restaurants and pubs.