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Northern Star
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The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star
The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

Gallery: Back Alley Market brings local vendors to DeKalb community

By Ethan Rodriguez, Photo Editor
September 29, 2025
Ethan Rodriguez
DeKalb Back Alley Market attendees browse through the vendors set up inside the Egyptian Theatre on Saturday. Several vendors were set up inside the First Floor of the Egyptian Theatre to create additional space for the DeKalb Back Alley Market. (Ethan Rodriguez | Northern Star)
DeKalb musician Steve Deiss tunes his acoustic guitar at the DeKalb Back Alley Market on Saturday. The Back Alley Market featured several musicians playing in several locations across the market. (Ethan Rodriguez | Northern Star)
DeKalb Back Alley Market attendees browse through the oddities section on Saturday. The section of Palmer Court between North First Street and North Second Street was labeled as the oddities section for its crystals, paintings and bones for sale. (Ethan Rodriguez | Northern Star) 
Attendees of the DeKalb Back Alley Market browse the several vendors set up at 210 E. Locust St. on Saturday. The DeKalb Back Alley Market was held between North First Street and North Third Street. (Ethan Rodriguez | Northern Star)
DeKalb Back Alley Market attendees line up for the Fresh Time lemonade truck on Saturday. The DeKalb Back Alley Market hosted five food trucks scattered between North First Street and North Third Street. (Ethan Rodriguez | Northern Star)
Attendees of the DeKalb Back Alley Market browse and buy products from the Natural Refinery vendor on Saturday. The DeKalb Back Alley Market was attended by 168 different vendors. (Ethan Rodriguez | Northern Star)
Kirkland musician Anthony Padilla prepares to play another song on his guitar in front of the Egyptian Theatre on Sunday at the DeKalb Back Alley Market. The DeKalb Back Alley Market was attended by several hundred residents from DeKalb and neighboring towns. (Ethan Rodriguez | Northern Star)
Dave Balika (left) and Brian Balika play on hammered dulcimers at the DeKalb Back Alley Market on Saturday. The DeKalb Back Alley Market was held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. (Ethan Rodriguez | Northern Star)
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About the Contributor
Ethan Rodriguez
Ethan Rodriguez, Photo Editor
Ethan Rodriguez is a sophomore from the greater St. Charles area majoring in mechanical engineering. He started his career at the Northern Star in the fall 2024 semester. Outside of the news cycle, he enjoys photographing nature and the night sky.
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Gallery: DeKalb hosts their annual Corn Fest for residents and students
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The Huskie Marching Band trumpets yell and spell “NIU” at the end of “Fight Song” during their practice on Thursday in the Huskie Stadium. The “Pride of the Midwest” will be joined by high school marching bands on Saturday during the football game against San Diego State University. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)
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