Saturday Farmers Market from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.*

Participating farms include:

Anderson Orchard: I will be bringing peonies (cut and ready for your vase), banana plants (Ohio hardy), castor beans, cardoons, larkspur and wild flowers.

Blossom Acres Produce: We will be bringing all naturally grown kale, peas, Swiss chard and garlic scapes.

Bridgman Farm: I’ll have eggplant, kohlrabi, lettuce, onions, radishes, squash plants, Swiss chard and tomato plants.

Davidson Produce and Cattle Farm: We will be bringing our boneless skinless chicken breasts, 100% grass fed beef and farm raised pork.

Folck Family Farm: We will have strawberries, peas and homemade jam.

Green Olive Company: We will have Strawberry White Balsamic and Basil Infused Olive Oil.

Honeyrun Farm: Black Locust Honey is here! I will also have summer, fall and tulip poplar raw honey, infused honey, granulated honey, spring pollen, beeswax candles, handcrafted soap and honeysticks.

Lazy Ridge Gardens: We will have kale, collards, mustard and turnip greens as well as flowering hanging baskets.

Lucky Cat Farm and Bakery: A staple food made from flour, mixed with other dry and liquid ingredients, combined with a leavening agent, then kneaded and shaped into loaves…also known as artisan bread. We will have several varieties for you to choose from.

Ohio Farm Direct: We’ll be bringing a variety of homemade cheeses made from  100% grass fed cow’s milk as well as several flavors of drinkable yogurt.

Procter Farm: We will have Easter egg radishes, Napa cabbage, spinach, lettuce mix, broccoli, and scallions.

Rhoads Farm Market: Coming next…sweet cherries then “collosal” size blackberries!

Rock Dove Farm: We will be bringing dry-farmed, chemical-free strawberries, baby greens and herbs including mint and lemon balm.

Somerset Greenhouse: I will have perennial plants, herb plants, annual baskets and planters, flowers and lettuce.

Summer Thyme Farm: We will be bringing our fabulous selection of potted herbs, herb planters, raspberries, succulent plants and zinnias.

Toad Hill Farm: I will have chard, dried tomatoes and lettuce mix.

Toby Run Growers: I will have shiitake and oyster mushrooms and cut flowers.

Wishwell Farms Produce: We will be bringing hydroponic greenhouse tomatoes, sugar snap peas and yellow squash.

*It’s the Grillmasters Festival this Saturday. Holy Smoke BBQ will have their smoker on premises for the occasion so stop in for your barbeque fix!

Grillmasters Festival Saturday

Schedule of Activities Saturday, June 15

• 8 a.m., Farmers Market opens

• 9 – 11 a.m., music by Slate Ridge (bluegrass)

• 9 a.m., Cooking demonstration by John Croke of The Cooking Caravan

• 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Cowboy Fun Show

• 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Face Painting by Rita

• 10 a.m., Amateur BBQ Sauce Contest

• 11 a.m.- 1 p.m., music by Willie Phoenix

• 11 a.m., Cooking demonstration by Hannah Curran of Jeni’s Ice Creams

• 12 p.m., Thrilla at the Grilla, four chefs face off for the title “Baron(ess) of BBQ”: Marcus Meacham of Bodega, Ed Kowalski of MANBQUE, Janel Hedgepeth of Renaissance Banquet Services and Chuck Johnson of The Cooking Caravan

• 1 – 3 p.m., music by The Gipson & Fitz Trio

• 1 p.m., Cooking demonstration by Patter Fam Sauces

• 2 p.m., Cooking demonstration by Ed Kowalski, MANBQUE

• 3 – 5 p.m., music by One More Time String Band

Artisan Sunday

Participating vendors on Sunday, June 16

Angelflie Design: fine metal and gemstone jewelry

Backyard Living: bird houses, jewelry frames, wine holders and more

Beaniestalk: upcycled leather and suede accessories

Beau and Pearl: handcrafted sterling jewelry, organic body care

Carmacazzi: hand-printed, eco-conscious apparel

Chimera Sisters: handbags, stuffed animals, jewelry

Courtney B Designs: handmade glass bead jewelry

Creux Poche: fabric bowls and baskets

Cricket Jones: jewelry from repurposed flatwear

Dragon Ikka: spiritual message in Japanese calligraphy

Five Stars Herbals: handmade soaps, lotions, salves and lip balms

Green Handle Designs: hand-crafted jewelry, duct tape art

Homohio: LGBT proud handmade t-shirts, home décor, pet bandanas

Jackpot Treats for Lucky Dogs: homemade vegetarian dog treats

Jennifer’s Custom Designs: vintage, steampunk and repurposed jewelry

Jeremy Burdge Glass: hand-blown glass art

Jewels by Juls:  one of a kind jewelry for the one of a kind woman

The Lab Partners LLC: wearable art created using lasers and chemistry

LD Graham Designs: handmade handbags, totes and wristlets

Lucky Cat Craft: hair accessories from vintage trims and ribbons

Maria Whetstone: etched copper cuff bracelets

Metal. Recycled. Jewelry.: chainmaille and copper jewelry, canvas wrapped photos

SoKava Designs: artisan lampworking beads and jewelry

S.W.A.G.G. Revolution: Columbus inspired vintage style t-shirts

Uniquely Yours: personally designed women’s jewelry

Valerie Long Jewelry:  artisan jewelry with upcycled vintage findings

Vintage Gal Creations: vintage découpaged items, vintage inspired jewelry

Vintage Vamp: artisan jewelry with upcycled vintage findings

Saturday Farmers Market from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.*

Participating farms include:

Anderson Orchard: I will be bringing peonies (cut and ready for your vase), banana plants, bamboo, castor beans, hyacinth beans and cardoons.

Blossom Acres Produce: We will be bringing all naturally grown fresh strawberries, red-green salad mix, spinach and green garlic.

Bridgman Farm: I’ll have eggplant, kohlrabi, lettuce, onions, radishes, squash plants, Swiss chard and tomato plants.

Davidson Produce and Cattle Farm: We will be bringing our boneless skinless chicken breasts, 100% grass fed beef and farm raised pork.

Folck Family Farm: We will have strawberries, peas and homemade jam.

Green Olive Company: We will have Strawberry White Balsamic and Basil Infused Olive Oil.

Honeyrun Farm: I will have summer, fall and tulip poplar raw honey, infused honey, granulated honey, spring pollen, beeswax candles, handcrafted soap and honeysticks.

Lucky Cat Farm and Bakery: Make pizza with our focaccia or amazing sandwiches with our Ohio sourdough. You cannot go wrong with Lucky Cat breads!

Ohio Farm Direct: We’ll be bringing our grass fed, whole milk organic cheeses in a variety of styles, summer sausage, trail bologna and various flavors of drinkable yogurt.

Procter Farm

Rhoads Farm Market: We will have STRAWBERRIES!

Rock Dove Farm: We will be bringing dry-farmed, chemical-free strawberries, cilantro and spinach.

Somerset Greenhouse: I will have perennial plants, herb plants, annual baskets and planters, flowers and lettuce.

Summer Thyme Farm: We will be bringing our fabulous selection of potted herbs and zinnias.

Toad Hill Farm: I will have chard, dried tomatoes and lettuce mix.

Toby Run Growers: I will have shiitake, gray and yellow oyster mushrooms and cut flowers.

Wishwell Farms Produce: We will be bringing hydroponic greenhouse tomatoes.

*In the Neighborhood: Park Street Festival will result in Park Street being closed from Goodale to Vine Street (Vine Street remains open) starting late Friday afternoon through early Sunday morning. For more information visit the official website here⇒

Artisan Sunday

Sunday from 12-5 p.m.

Participating vendors on June 9 include:

2 Urban Hippies: handmade vegan soaps Alexandra’s Adornments: Victorian and steampunk hats and accessories  Beau and Pearl: handcrafted sterling jewelry, organic body care Black Market: jewelry, coasters, crocheted items Carmacazzi: hand-printed, eco-conscious apparel Clay Street Ceramics: hand painted pottery for home and garden Coffico: soaps, body butters Columbus Idea Foundry: representing various affiliated artists Corazon y Manos: jewelry, coasters, crocheted items Courtney B Designs: handmade glass bead jewelry Cricket Jones: jewelry from repurposed flatwear  Dragon Ikka: spiritual message in Japanese calligraphy Eclectic Electric Restorations: stylized vintage electric fans Five Stars Herbals: handmade soaps, lotions, salves and lip balms Forever and Ever: fabric yo-yo flowers, wooden Ohio signs, Cbus pillows Gourmet Salt Blends: locally produced cooking salt blends Green Handle Designs: hand-crafted jewelry, duct tape art Homohio: LGBT proud handmade t-shirts, home décor, pet bandanas Jewels by Juls: one of a kind jewelry for the one of a kind woman Lucky Cat Craft: hair accessories from vintage trims and ribbons Monica Beagle: handmade cards My Speakerbox Costume Design:original art, costume masks and wearable art. Nontle Jewelry: jewelry and small handbags Ornaments by Pattie Larimer: jewelry and cork ornaments Poshta Design: stationery and paper goods Sidelake: hammered vintage fishing spoon jewelry Solar Fire Jewelry: handcrafted gemstone jewelry S.W.A.G.G. Revolution: Columbus inspired vintage style t-shirts Sweet Stella Designs: confectionary jewelry & accessories Valerie Long Jewelry: artisan jewelry with upcycled vintage findings Vintage Vamp Jewelry: artisan jewelry with upcycled vintage findings  Yeager Glass: stained glass star catches, recycled frames with stained glass Yours & Mine Design: handcrafted jewelry, children’s book

ZestFest Midwest

North Market sponsors a new fiery foods event at Ohio Expo Center

Mark your calendars for June 28-30, 2013, and don’t miss the very first “ZestFest Midwest” at the Ohio Expo Center for a flavorful, fun foodie experience sure to tempt the palate.

ZestFest Midwest will bring together exhibitors with spicy foods and tasty products from around Central Ohio and the country for one exciting weekend featuring hot and barbeque sauces, salsas, spices, condiments, snacks, sweets—a host of specialty and flavorful foods and beverages of all types to tantalize taste buds.

ZestFest Midwest will be open on Friday, June 28 from 1pm to 9pm, Saturday, June 29, 10am to 6 pm, and Sunday, June 30, 10am to 5pm. Admission includes food and beverage sampling, competitive eating contests and all of the Celebrity Chef stage cooking demonstrations. Tickets are available in advance and for a discount at www.zestfestmidwest.com. Ticket pricing is $10 on the opening Friday and $12 for Saturday and Sunday at the Ohio Expo Center. There is a $2.00 box office fee. Children 12 and under are free. Plus attendees can help The Children’s Hunger Alliance by donating to the charity when purchasing tickets.

ZestFest Midwest will be action-packed – the ultimate party for food enthusiasts! Cooking demos by celebrity chefs, live music, interactive contests and delicious foods and beverages to sample and purchase will make June 28-30, 2013 the zestiest weekend of the year! Participating sponsors include CaJohns Flavor & Fire and The North Market.

North Market Grillmaster’s Festival Father’s Day Weekend

Columbus, OH- North Market will celebrate its eighth Grillmaster’s Festival during Father’s Day Weekend. The event will emphasize grilling, techniques and sauces as well as putting a little zest into your recipes with spices and sauces. North Market Grillmasters Festival will take place on Saturday, June 15 and feature special barbeque and sauce foods vendors, cooking demonstrations, culinary contests, live music and entertainment for the kiddies.

Our regular farmers’ market will take place on Saturday and be augmented by specialbarbeque and fiery foods vendors includingBlack Swamp Gourmet, The Chesterville Pepper Company and Patter Fam Sauces. The vendors will be present and you can see them in action along with local chefs at our grilling demonstrations that will boast a host of flavorful grilling recipes. Attendees are invited to watch as recipes are prepared, taste what the presenters have created and take tips to go home and try out on the grill.

On Saturday, customers are invited to demonstrate their BBQ prowess in an AmateurBarbeque Sauce Contest that will be judged by local BBQ sauce makers. First prize is $50 in North Market gift certificates. Returning in the “professional” category is the popular, “Thrilla at the Grilla.” Local chefs are given their own hibachis and charcoal then use their imagination as far as what they whip up on the grill. Our discerning judges will choose a champion and the public can taste their creations.  Participating chefs include Marcus Meacham of Bodega and Janel Hedgepeth of Renaissance Banquet Services. The winner will take home the title “Baron of Barbeque” and $200 in North Market gift certificates.

Grillmaster’s Festival Schedule of Activities

Saturday, June 15

•8 a.m., Farmers Market opens

•9 – 11 a.m., music by Slate Ridge(bluegrass)

•9 a.m., Cooking demonstration by TBD

•10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Cowboy Fun Show

•10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Face Painting by Rita

•10 a.m., Amateur BBQ Sauce Contest

•11 a.m.- 1 p.m., music by Willie Phoenix

•11 a.m., Cooking demonstration by Chef John DiGiovanni of Nationwide Arena

•12 p.m., Thrilla at the Grilla, three chefs face off for the title “BBQ Master”

•1 – 3 p.m., music by The Gipson & Fitz Trio

•1 p.m., Cooking demonstration by Patter Fam Sauces

•2 p.m., Cooking demonstration by TBD

•3 p.m., Cooking demonstration by TBD

•3 – 5 p.m., music by One More Time String Band

•4 p.m., Cooking demonstration by TBD

The North Market Grillmaster’s Festival is a free event on Saturday, June 15 from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information or to enter the Amateur BBQ Sauce Contest or Thrilla at the Grilla, please email info@northmarket.com or call the North Market at (614) 463-9664 or visit www.northmarket.com.

Apron Gala on Saturday

The North Market Apron Gala is this Saturday! Here’s what you need to know:

1. Who: YOU! Tickets are $75 each. Buy them onlinehere⇒

2. What: an amazing grazing party with food from all of your favorite merchants not to mention Columbus Brewing Company beer, Volteo Wine and Enza Prosecco.

3. When: Saturday from 7-10PM

4. Where: at the North Market

5. Why: to support your favorite public market, eat great food, meet our new Executive Director and have a great time!

Farmers’ Market

8AM – 3PM on Saturday.

Race for the Cure will affect traffic in the morning. Please review the course map to plan your entrance and exit strategy for Saturday Farmers’ Market shopping! Access to North Market will be restricted from the South and East (High Street) as early as 7:45 a.m. until approximately 9:45 a.m. Access to North Market will be restricted from the North and West (Park Street) from 9:30 a.m. until approximately 11:45 a.m.

Live music by Miss Molly Winters 10AM-12PM.

Live music by Directions for Youth’s World Percussion Ensemble from12-2PM.

Participating farms include: Anderson Orchard, Blossom Acres Produce, Bridgman Farm, Davidson Produce & Cattle Farm, Folck Family Farm, Lucky Cat Bakery and Farm, Ohio Farm Direct, Rhoads Farm Market, Somerset Greenhouse, Summer Thyme Farm, Toad Hill Farm,Toby Run Growers, Wishwell Farms Produce

Artisan Sunday

Columbus’ creative class of artisans and crafters converges on the farmers’ market every Sunday from 12-5PM from May through October peddling their handmade wares.

Music by One More Time String Band from 12-2PM

Participating vendors include:

Angelflie Design, Backyard Living, Beau and Pearl, Black Market, Carmacazzi, Columbus Idea Foundry, Corazon y Manos,Courtney B Designs, Cricket Jones, Dragon Ikka, Five Stars Herbals, Forever and Ever, The Gourmet Farm Girl, Gourmet Salt Blends, Green Handle Designs, Jewels by Juls, Joy Did It, Lenise Alexandra – Visionary Art, Mark Bair Photography, Nontle Jewelry, Sidelake, Solar Fire Jewelry, S.W.A.G.G. Revolution, Sweet Stella Designs, Valerie Long Jewelry, Vintage Vamp, Yeager Glass and Yours & Mine Design.

Red Cross Blood Drive

Our next Red Cross Blood Drive in the Dispatch Kitchen at the North Market will be Saturday, May 25 from 9AM to 2PM.

Appointments are available at 9:15, 9:30, 9:45, 10, 10:15, 10:45, 11, 11:15, 11:30, 11:45am, 1pm, 1:15, 1:30, 1:45 To register please email mmartineau@northmarket.com with the following:

Name: Preferred appointment time: Date of birth: Blood type (if you know it):

North Market will pay for your parking in our lot and give you a coupon for a free trio of Jeni’s Ice Cream!

North Market Welcomes Our New Executive Director Rick Harrison Wolfe

The North Market Development Authority is pleased to announce the selection of its newest Executive Director, Rick Harrison Wolfe to replace David Wible who retired in January after 12 years of service.

“We are excited to have Rick join the North Market team,” said Board President, Matthew Hall. “This is an important time for the Market as we focus on building the vision for the future and Rick’s experience, passion, creativity and energy will be key to our ongoing success.”

Wolfe brings to the Market more than two decades of retail and branding experience with internationally known brands such as Cole Haan and Skechers. He founded The Wolfe Group as an independent consultant specializing in branding, new and strategic business development, marketing and design for the apparel, footwear, digital and hospitality industries. Wolfe returned to Ohio after stops in Chicago, San Francisco and Los Angeles to launch The Cheesy Truck, a Los Angeles style gourmet mobile food truck that he profitably sold last year after 13 months of successful operation.

“I am beyond honored and ecstatic to have been selected to lead this 137 year old Columbus institution into the future,” said new Executive Director Rick Wolfe. “The North Market continues to thrive because of its passionate group of merchants, staff, directors and the great support of our community. Cheers to a bright future!”

Farmers’ Market Saturday*

It is finally upon us…the official opening day of the North Market Farmer’s Market! Come catch up with your favorite farmers and vendors after the winter hiatus.

Participating farms and Ohio Proud vendors include:

A Bit of A Bite Salsa: Pegge’s delicious salsas!

Aimee’s Blue Ribbon Spices: Spice blends for cheese balls, dips, soups and rubs.

Anderson Orchard

Backroom Coffee Roasters: Locally roasted coffee beans, t-shirts, hats and mugs.

Bridgman Farm: I’ll have plants galore for a successful 2013 garden: heirloom, hybrid and cherry tomatoes, a huge variety of herbs, eggplants, long and pickling cucumbers, summer squash, lettuces, peas and peppers.

Bunker Hill Cheese Co: Heini’s cheese, butter, fudge and buckeyes.

Davidson Produce and Cattle Farm: We will be bringing our beef, chicken and pork and sampling our homemade sausages.

Eban Bakery: Gluten-free Breads and Baked Goods: Fresh gluten-free breads, cookies and other sweet treats.

Folck Family Farm

Gatherings Ashtabula County: Pepper jellies and  jams.

Gourmet Farm Girl: Specialty foods including infused olive oils, soup mixes, balsamic vinegars and rubs.

Honeyrun Farm: I will have summer, fall and tulip poplar raw honey, infused honey, beeswax candles, handcrafted soap and honeysticks

Lucky Cat Farm and Bakery

Ohio Farm Direct: We’ll be bringing our whole milk cheeses including cheddar, feta, gouda,  havarti, low fat low salt colby, muenster, mozzarella, baby swiss, pepper jack, garlic and herb, tomato basil pinenut, lemon zest and other flavored special blends.

Peace for Paws: Local nonprofit organization with adoptable dogs.

Roger’s Honey:  We offer honey, jams made with honey, beeswax candles, soaps made with honey and bee pollen.

SCF Alpaca Products: Alpaca products including hats, scarves, yarn, roving and more.

Silver Bridge Coffee Company: Fresh roasted coffee from Gallipolis

Snowville Creamery: Sampling their local milks and yogurts.

Somerset Greenhouse: I will have annuals and perennials for planting.

Summer Thyme Farm: We will be bringing our fabulous selection of herbs, potted tomatoes, rhubarb and kitchen gardens. Along with this, we will have some great Calibrachoa hanging baskets, hens and chicks and sedum mixes. Our Dahlias are in bloom and gorgeous, and we’ll be bringing some great succulent combinations also.

Toad Hill Farm

Toby Run Growers: I will have assorted mushrooms.

Wishwell Farms Produce

*The Capital City Half Marathon will take place this Saturday. Please consult the course map here⇒

Traffic: The southbound lanes and the middle-northbound lane of North High Street in the Short North will be closed for the race just prior to the race start at 8:00AM and will then follow a rolling closure format behind the last runners. Runners will be heading west on Vine Street at the start of the race until about 9:30AM.

One northbound lane of North High Street will remain open to traffic the entire race. Runners will enter the Short North Arts District at mile 6 of the race heading south in the southbound lanes of North High Street from approximately 8:30AM through approximately 10:00AM

Market to Market Ride Saturday

The North Market and The Hills Market created the Market to Market ride in 2009 to celebrate Ohio-made foodstuffs, the opening of the farmers market and the start of bicycling season with a cross-town trek up and down the Olentangy River Greenway. Somewhere along the way they realized that everything is more entertaining with themes and costumes and another element of amusement was added to an already enjoyable outing. Thus May 4, 2013 version of Market to Market is hereby dubbed, “Clippers and Crew: A Celebration of Spring Sports in Columbus.”

Riders are encouraged to ride attired in the garb of their favorite local sports team. Bonus points for anyone bold enough to come costumed as mascots Crew Cat, Crash or Lou Seal. Registration is $20 in advance and $25 at the door. The cost includes breakfast, a scoop of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream (at either location), an event t-shirt and a drawstring backpack filled with goodies and coupons from both locations with up to $50 worth of savings on Ohio foods. Breakfast will be served at both locations from 8- 10 a.m. to allow for riders to eat and set out on the trail at their leisure. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams will be available at both locations upon ride completion. Registration can be made online here⇒ until noon Friday, May 3.

Artisan Sunday returns this weekend!

Our mission at the North Market is to bring you the best of everything local from merchants, farmers and musicians to outstanding local artisans and crafters. Every Sunday from May through October from 12-5 p.m. the outdoor pavilion will host a splendid array of artisans peddling their handmade local wares. Shoppers will find a unique mix of artwork, glass, handbags, jewelry, plush, soaps, stationery, textiles and other distinctive locally created goods. For a complete list of participating artisans go here⇒

Save the date: Apron Gala on May 18

Break out your sewing machine, grab your glue gun and get going on creating and/or decorating your apron for the 17th annual North Market Apron Gala. It’s the North Market’s yearly fundraiser celebrating the public market tradition, local food and the creativity of our merchant family. Creative aprons are highly encouraged attire. The Apron Gala will take place on Saturday, May 18 from 7 – 10 p.m. Tickets are $75 per person.

As the title of the event implies, all in attendance are encouraged to wear their favorite apron or create one in honor of the gala! Best male and female aprons will be selected and all guests wearing an apron will be entered into a drawing for a special prize. In case you lack the time and energy to create or buy your own apron, we’ll make it easy on you: AmyD will be selling her fanciful aprons at the North Market on May 4 and May 11 from 10AM – 2PM and commemorative Apron Gala aprons will be available on sale for $15 at the event.

School of Cooking Summer Schedule

Our School of Cooking Summer Schedule is now available online!

We’ve got a great lineup of demonstration-style classes available all summer for just $35 per person. Each class includes a minimum of three courses: appetizer or salad, main course and dessert. Our Chef Series classes featuring popular restaurants from around Central Ohio also generally include wine pairings. You can find our full class schedule and register online HERE

Upcoming classes include:

MAY Cinco de Mayo, Sunday, May 5 from 1-3 p.m.

JUNE Chef Series: Hyatt Regency, Wednesday, June 5 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Summer Salads, Sunday, June 9 from 1-3 p.m. Chef Series: Barcelona, Wednesday, June12 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Chef Series: Hubbard Grille, Wednesday, June 26 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

JULY Chef Series: Sidecar Catering (Barcelona), Wednesday, July 17 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. From the Herb Garden, Sunday, July 21 from 1-3 p.m. Fast and Fresh with Robin Davis, Sunday, July 28 from 1-3 p.m.

AUGUST darista café: Fresh from the Market, Sunday, August 4 from 1-3 p.m. Chef Series: Trattoria Roma, Wednesday, August 7 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Chef Series: Local Matters, Wednesday, August 14 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Chef Series: Bodega, Wednesday, August 25 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Best of Summer, Sunday, August 25 from 1-3 p.m.

Columbus, Ohio – The North Market Development Authority is pleased to announce the selection of its newest Executive Director, Rick Harrison Wolfe to replace David Wible who retired in January after 12 years of service.  “We are excited to have Rick join the North Market team,” said Board President, Matthew Hall. “This is an important time for the Market as we focus on building the vision for the future and Rick’s experience, passion, creativity and energy will be key to our ongoing success.”

Wolfe brings to the Market more than two decades of retail and branding experience with internationally known brands such as Cole Haan and Skechers. He founded The Wolfe Group as an independent consultant specializing in branding, new and strategic business development, marketing and design for the apparel, footwear, digital and hospitality industries. Wolfe returned to Ohio after stops in Chicago, San Francisco and Los Angeles to launch The Cheesy Truck, a Los Angeles style gourmet mobile food truck that he profitably sold last year after 13 months of successful operation.

“I am beyond honored and ecstatic to have been selected to lead this 137 year old Columbus institution into the future,” said new Executive Director Rick Wolfe. “The North Market continues to thrive because of its passionate group of merchants, staff, directors and the great support of our community. Cheers to a bright future!”

In operation since 1876, the North Market is Columbus’ only true public market. More than 30 merchants offer a wide variety of fresh produce, meat, poultry, seafood, flowers and other specialty food items (like spices!). The Market also provides an international selection of freshly prepared foods, distinctive gifts and personable service from owner/operators. The North Market is open daily and located steps away from the Columbus Convention Center and Nationwide Arena.

Columbus, Ohio – The North Market and The Hills Marketcreated the Market to Market ride in 2009 to celebrate Ohio-made foodstuffs, the opening of the farmers market and the start of bicycling season with a cross-town trek up and down the Olentangy River Greenway. Somewhere along the way they realized that everything is more entertaining with themes and costumes and another element of amusement was added to an already enjoyable outing. Thus May 4, 2013 version of Market to Market is hereby dubbed, “Clippersand Crew: A Celebration of Spring Sports in Columbus.” Riders are encouraged to ride attired in the garb of their favorite local sports team. Bonus points for anyone bold enough to come costumed as mascots Crew Cat, Krash or Lou Seal.
Participants have the option of starting at either market to fuel up with breakfast before embarking on the 13 mile adventure to the market at the other end of the bike trail. Each participating rider will be issued a passport at the beginning of their journey. Bikers can collect stamps along the way by visiting with local vendors and organizations set up along the path including B1 Bicycles, Bike OSU,Civitas Now, Columbus Food Adventures, Consider Biking, FLOW (Friends of the Lower Olentangy Watershed), Gateway Film Center, Live Local, Luna Burger, Luna Kombucha, Nash Imaging, Pattycake Bakery, Small Business Beanstalk, Snowville Creamery, Wexner Center for the Arts, Wild Goose Creative and YELP Columbus.Nash Imaging will be stationed at The Hills Market with a photo booth to capture costumed riders for display on facebook. Participants who arrive at their destination market will be rewarded with a scoop of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream and adrawstring backpack filled with coupons and goodies from local foods purveyors worth a total value of $50 worth of savings and samples. All participating riders will also be entered into a random drawing for prizes donated by our participating organizations including a Columbus Food Adventures tour for two, a $100 B1 Bicycles gift card, Dine Originals gift certificates, Homage t-shirts,Clippers and Crew gear and more.

But wait! There’s more! Both markets will be hosting activities to provide riders a bitof entertaining “distraction” during each leg of their cycling journey. The Hills Market will be offering “A Taste of The Hills Market” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. featuring a decadent day of samples of some of the best products that are created within The Hills Market. They’ll be dealing out Hills Own classic creations, from their famous Hills Own Ohio Beef Meatloaves to the store’s iconic Carrot Cake. Samples will be available throughout the store, paired with wines and beers. Meanwhile, at the opposite end of the Olentangy River Greenway, the North Market will be celebrating the opening of its Farmers Market. Ohio Proud vendors will join the Market’s seasonal farmers in the plaza selling Ohio-made foodstuffs and abundant live entertainment by local musicians will add to the gaiety of that day. Riders who arrive at the North Market will each receive a $10 token sponsored by Chipotle that is applicable towardsthe purchase of Farmers’ Market goods on Saturday, May 4 only. And more still! The Hills Market Downtown will play host to a Market to Market After Party on Saturday, May 4th from 4:30 to 9 p.m. Market to Market riders that present their Passport from the ride will receive special pricing on Hills Own Brats and Luna Burgers ($1 each). The free event will also feature $2 beers and live music. Net proceeds from the sales will benefit Faith Mission. As parking is limited, cycling to The Hills Market Downtown is encouraged. Rain or shine. The Hills Market Downtown is located at 95 North Grant Avenue between Long and Gay.

Market to Market will take place on Saturday, May 4. Registration is $20 in advance and $25 at the door. The cost includes breakfast, a scoop of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream (at either location), an event t-shirt and a drawstring backpack filled with goodies and coupons from both locations with up to $50 worth of savings on Ohio foods. Breakfast will be served at both locations from 8- 10 a.m. to allow for riders to eat and set out on the trail at their leisure. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams will be available at both locations upon ride completion. Registration can be made online atnorthmarket.com or thehillsmarket.com by phone by calling 614-846-3220 (The Hills Market) or 614-463-9664 (North Market), or in person at either location. Participating organizations and sponsors include: The Hills Market, North Market, B1 Bicycles, Bike OSU, Chipotle, Civitas Now, Columbus Clippers, Columbus Crew, Consider Biking,Crimson Cup Coffee, Columbus Food Adventures, Dine Originals, FLOW, Gateway Film Center, Homage, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, Live Local, Luna Burger, Luna Kombucha, Nash Imaging, Pattycake Bakery, Small Business Beanstalk, Snowville Creamery, WCBE: Central Ohio’s NPR Station, Wexner Center for the Arts, Wild Goose Creative and Yelp Columbus.

With two locations serving Central Ohio, The Hills Market provides the best of Ohio and beyond with high quality meat, seafood, produce, bakery, wine, beer and cheese departments, as well as custom in-house prepared foods, a delicatessen featuring custom sandwiches and pizza, full service catering and grocery delivery. The Hills Markets are known for special events, including weekly $5 Pancake Breakfasts, Charity Happy Hours and countless wine and beer tastings. Visit The Hills Market Worthington at the bottom of the Worthington Hills and the top of the Olentangy Bike Path. Visit The Hills Market Downtown at 95 North Grant Avenue, between Long and Gay and across the street from CCAD.

In operation since 1876, the North Market is Columbus’ only true public market. More than 30 merchants offer a wide variety of fresh produce, meat, poultry, seafood, flowers and other specialty food items. The Market also provides an international selection of freshly prepared foods, distinctive gifts and personable service from owner/operators. The North Market is open daily and located steps away from the Greater Columbus Convention Center and Nationwide Arena.

North Market Celebrates 17th Annual Apron Gala

Break out your sewing machine, grab your glue gun and get going on acquiring, creating and embellishing your apron for the 17th annual North Market Apron Gala. It’s the North Market’s yearly fundraiser celebrating the public market tradition, local food and the creativity of our merchant family. Aprons with personality are highly encouraged attire. The Apron Gala will take place on Saturday, May 18 from 7 – 10 p.m. Tickets are $75 per person.

Graze on delightful and delectable appetizers, main tastes and desserts, artfully prepared by our merchants. Enjoy assorted wines from Deutsch Family Wine and Spirits, Columbus Brewing Company micro-brews, soft drinks, coffee and tea, plus live music, a silent auction and other entertaining surprises. Prizes will be awarded for the night’s best aprons and music includes the lively steel drum reverberations of Island Breeze and the sassy, sultry sounds of the Columbus’ female quartet, The Salty Caramels. As an additional special treat, Dara Schwartz, North Market School of Cooking Class Coordinator and Darista Café proprietor will be creating canapés in the Dispatch Kitchen throughout the evening and discussing upcoming School of Cooking classes. 

An extraordinary silent auction continues to be one of the most popular features of the evening. Up for bid are various themed packages highlighting market merchants, neighborhoods (like Downtown, the Short North, Grandview and German Village), sporting events (Blue Jackets, Columbus Crew, golf), and getaways. Each bundle will contain a host of amenities from theatre tickets and restaurant gift certificates to spa services, gourmet products and hotel stays. Attendees are encouraged to bring their checkbooks or credit cards to take advantage of the unique deals!

As the title of the event implies, all in attendance are encouraged to wear their favorite apron or create one in honor of the gala! Best male and female aprons will be selected and all guests wearing an apron will be entered into a drawing for a special prize. In case you lack the time and energy to create or buy your own apron, we’ll make it easy on you: AmyD will be selling her fanciful aprons at the North Market on May 4 and May 11 from 10AM – 2PM and commemorative Apron Gala aprons will be available on sale for $15 at the event.

Tickets are available online at www.NorthMarket.com or in person during Market hours in our 2nd floor business office. Heck, you can even call us at (614) 463-9664 and we’ll mail ’em to you.

World Kidney Day is Thursday, March 14

The National Kidney Foundation is urging all Americans to give their kidneys a second thought and a well-deserved checkup. Join us in celebration of World Kidney Day on Thursday, March 14, 2013 at the North Market. The event will take place on the farmers’ market plaza from 10:00am to 2:00pm. You can take part in kidney health screenings, gain valuable information on kidney disease, enjoy refreshments and win prizes. We look forward to seeing you!

Red Cross Blood Drive on Saturday, March 16

Help save lives by donating blood with the Red Cross this Saturday in the Dispatch Kitchen on the second floor of the North Market from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Appointment times are still available at 9:00, 9:15, 9:45, 10:00, 11:45, 1:15 and 1:45.  For your donation you will receive free parking in the North Market lot, a coupon for a free trio of Jeni’s Ice Cream and a t-shirt from the Red Cross. To register please email mmartineau@northmarket.com with your name, preferred appointment time, cellnumber, date of birth and blood type (if you know it). Every effort will be made to accomodate walk-in donors on Saturday too!

Artisan Sunday Application Deadline Friday, March 22

Every Sunday from May through October the outdoor plaza at the North Market is home to local artisans including candle and soap makers, apparel designers, jewelry artists, ceramicists, glassblowers and more. If you create unique, locally handmade items and would like the opportunity to become a vendor at Artisan Sundays, please email mmartineau@northmarket.com to receive an application. The deadline for the first round of submissions is Friday, March 22 at 7 p.m. Spaces are $25 per Sunday. Additional applications will be considered as the season progresses if space is available.

Coffee Roast Returns on Saturday, March 23

Plans are brewing for a return of the wildly successful North Market Coffee Roast on Saturday, March 23 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The fabulous crew from last year will be on hand and we have added two local roasters to the roster this year: LTown Coffee from London and Hemisphere Coffee who roasts in Mechanicsburg, but also operates out of a food cart on Indianola. Providing “Coffee Relief” in the form of a self-serve station, Boston Stoker from Dayton is adding to the festivities. This year’s event promises to be brimming with flavorful coffee samples and educational opportunities for attendees. The Coffee Roast is supported by A Touch of Earth and Columbus Crave Magazine.

Participating local roasters include: Backroom Coffee Roasters (Upper Arlington), Bexley Coffee Shop (Bexley), Boston Stoker (Dayton), Café Brioso (Downtown), Crimson Cup Coffee (Clintonville), Hemisphere Coffee (Mechanicsburg/Clintonville), Impero Coffee (Short North), LTown Coffee (London), One Line Coffee (Columbus), Silver Bridge Coffee Company (Gallipolis), Stauf’s Coffee Roasters (Grandview), Thunderkiss Coffee (Columbus) and Upper Cup Coffee (Olde Town East). Representatives from each roaster will be on hand to answers questions about their coffees and techniques. What goes better with coffee than milk? Hartzler Family Dairy and Snowville Creamery will also be on hand to offer a splash of dairy (maybe chocolate milk for a mocha) in your cup of java if that’s how you prefer yours.

We will host two sampling sessions on March 23 the first from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. and a second from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online in advance for $10. Admission at the door will be $12. Coupons good for $2 off same day admission will be available at all participating coffee roasters. Admission fee includes souvenir mug, drawstring backpack and a passport to sample coffee from 12 participating roasters. Admission to North Market and coffee demonstrations is free. For tickets and more information visit NorthMarket.com.

School of Cooking Spring and Summer Class Schedule

Do you still have gift certificates leftover from the holidays that you would like to convert to a cooking class? Want to watch some of Columbus’ iconic chefs in action as they create an exclusive three course meal for you and your classmates? Or maybe you are in search of some creative homecooking recipes that you can recreate in your own kitchen for your family.  If so, check out the newest class SCHEDULE for an evening with Chef Olivia Giesler from M at Miranova (May 1) or Chef Marcus Meacham of Bodega (August 21). Or spend a Sunday afternoon with Sheri Lisak, Betty Rosbottom’s former assistant from La Belle Pomme Cooking School as she cooks up seasonal menus with themes like Cinco De Mayo (May 5), Summer Salads (June 9), From the Garden (July 21) and Best of Summer (August 25).

North Market Fiery Foods Weekend

Stimulate, agitate and otherwise arouse your taste buds at the North Market Fiery Foods Weekend on February 16th and 17th. From special vendors to fiery foods cooking and eating contests plus kids activities and live music there’s mild to wild fun to be had at the North Market Fiery Foods Weekend.

Fiery foods vendors for the weekend so far includeAimee’s Blue Ribbon Spices, A Bit of a Bite Salsa,Bigfat’s Hot Sauce, Black Swamp Gourmet, Blaze Gourmet, Born to Hula, CaJohns Flavor & Fire, The Chesterville Pepper Company, Chuck Evans’ Montezuma Brand, Heartbreaking Dawns, Jac’s Tailgaters, The Madison Chocolatiers West, Mild to Wild Herb & Pepper Co., Mudflats Chef Inspired Sauces, Race City Sauce Works, Smoking J’s Fiery Foods, Sweet Thing Gourmet and Volcanic Peppers.

Want to get directly in on the fiery foods action? Customers can take a shot at fame and fortune (OK, infamy and North Market gift certificates) in a number of contests. Make great green stuff? Then the Homemade Guacamole Contest is right up youralley. If you’ve got chops with chopped avocados, it’s the one for you. Then there’s the tried and true Amateur Salsa Contest. If you’ve got a good mix of chunky or pureed fruit or vegetable salsa, put it to the test against other homemade salsa makers. Or maybe you like to play with fire? For you we have the Amateur Hot Sauce Contest. Or one can prove their chili preparing proficiency in our ever-popular Customer Chili Cook-off. Finally, those with iron gullets can register on the day of the event for one of the myriad fiery food eating contests including Fiery Cornbread sponsored by Heartbreaking Dawns, Jalapenos, Spicy Meatballs sponsored by Race City Sauce works, Volcanic Popcorn Balls sponsored by Volcanic Peppers and Hot Wing eating contests. All contest winners will be rewarded with gift certificates and/or fiery foods prize packages.

In its eighth year the Chef Chili Challenge pits local chefs against one another as contenders for the title “North Market Chili Champ 2013,” a special trophy and $200 in North Market gift certificates.  Participating in the battle are market merchants (including Ben Walters of North Market Spices) and chefs from local restaurants (including Andrew Bell of Latitude 41, Justin Boehme of Da Levee, Janel Hedgepeth ofRenaissance Banquet Services and Matthew White ofMilestone 229).

Back this year: BEER! The brilliant brewers atColumbus Brewing Company and Elevator Brewing Company are concocting special spicy elixirs just for Fiery Foods Weekend at theNorth Market. You’ll be able to buy simply a sample, or if you are the brave sort, a whole pint for just $4.00.  Elevator is returning with “Hot Brown” Chipotle Nut Brown Ale, and their new Three Hot Frogs IPA made with 3 different chilies.  Columbus Brewing Company is crafting a piquant Habanero Bodhi. Also on tap will be a couple of non-throat-burning offerings (Elevator’s Fly’n Hydrant Light and CBC’s Pale Ale) to combat the capsaicin-laden offerings that will abound over the weekend.

“It is amazing to me how many devoted people flock to this event from far and wide,” said Mary Martineau, Director of Marketing at the North Market. “From the vendors selling their peppery products to the chefs in the Chili Challenge, from the fiery foods eating and making contestants to the event attendees, everybody is just extremely enthusiastic about their fiery foods and has a lot of fun.”

• 9-11 a.m., music by Ira Chaiffetz (banjo)
• 10 a.m., Guacamole contest in Dispatch Kitchen
• 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., face painting
• 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Mark Wood Fun Show
• 11 a.m., Chef Chili Challenge in northwest corner of mezzanine ($5 sample fee includes chef chili sampling)
• 11 a.m., kids giveaways including cowboy hats, bandanas and sheriff badges
• 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., music by Ian Hummel
• 12:30 p.m., Hot Sauce Contest in the Dispatch Kitchen
• 1-3 p.m., music by Island Breeze
• 1:30 p.m., Fiery Cornbread eating contest sponsored by Heartbreaking Dawns in Dispatch Kitchen
• 2:30 p.m., “Schweaty Samballs” Spicy Meatball eating contest sponsored by Race City Sauce Works in Dispatch Kitchen
• 3-5 p.m., music by The Piano Peddler
• 3:30 p.m., Jalapeno eating contest in Dispatch Kitchen

• 12-2 p.m., music by Angela Perley
• 12:30  p.m., Amateur Chili Cook-off Contest in northwest corner of mezzanine ($5 sample fee includes amateur chili sampling)
• 1 – 4 p.m., face painting
• 2 p.m., Amateur Salsa Contest in Dispatch Kitchen
• 2:45 p.m., Volcanic Popcorn Husker Balls from Hell eating contest sponsored by Volcanic Peppers in Dispatch Kitchen
• 2-5 p.m., music by Willie Phoenix
• 3:30 p.m., Hot Wing eating contest in Dispatch Kitchen

The North Market Fiery Foods Festival will take place on Saturday, February 16 and Sunday, February 17 and is a free event. A tasting fee of $5 on Saturday enables onlookers to sample the chilis of the professional chefs. A separate $5 tasting fee on Sunday applies to the chili by the amateur contestants. All tasting opportunities available only while supplies last.  Market hours are 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday and 12 – 5 p.m. on Sunday. To participate in the Guacamole, Salsa or Hot Sauce Contests, the Customer Chili Cook-off or the Chef Chili Challenge, and for more information, please call (614) 463-9664 or email info@northmarket.com. Sign up for the all fiery foods consumption contests will take place in the Dispatch Kitchen on the day of those events.