PRESS RELEASE: Market to Market
April 1st, 2010 by Mary
Two of Columbus’ premiere independent, locally-owned specialty foods markets are returning with an event that debuted with great success last October: Market to Market. The Hills Market and North Market share not only a philosophical connection: one that makes it a priority to provide and promote the best Ohio has to offer to consumers, but also a physical connection: the Olentangy River Greenway (or more commonly, the Olentangy Bike Trial). Join both markets on Saturday, May 1, as they connect to celebrate Ohio-made foodstuffs, the opening of the farmers market and bicycling season with Market to Market: a cross-city local foods-centric bike ride, for amateurs and aficionados alike.
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, Greenovate, Local Matters, Pattycake Bakery, Ohio Ecological Food & Farm Association (OEFFA), Ohio Proud, Opera Columb
us, Seagull Bags, Small Business Beanstalk, Sustainable Worthington and Wild Goose Creative. Participants who show completed passports at their destination market will be rewarded with a scoop of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream and a reusable bag filled with coupons and goodies from local foods purveyors. Those intrepid enough to bike back to their market of origin will receive a completely different bag of goodies, creating a total value of $50 worth of savings and samples. All participating riders will also be entered into a random drawing for a custom messenger bag created by local courier bag gurus Seagull Bags.
But wait! There’s more! Both markets will be hosting activities to provide riders a bit of entertaining “distraction” during each leg of their cycling journey. The Hills Market will leave riders with Polynesian dreams from Kahiki Day: a daylong celebration of Kahiki’s past and present. Hills will demo several of Kahiki’s frozen food products as well as a wide array of Polynesian-themed foods throughout the store from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 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.
Market to Market will take place on Saturday, May 1. Registration is $15 in advance and $20 at the door. The cost includes breakfast, a scoop of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream (at either location), an event t-shirt and reusable shopping bags from both locations filled 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> or by phone by calling 614-846-3220 (The Hills Market) or 614-463-9664 (North Market), or in person at either location beginning April 2.
Tags: 2010, bicycle, Events, Market to Market, Press Release

April 5th, 2010 at 9:15 am
Can’t wait!
May 30th, 2010 at 5:15 am
I see people using plastic bags in the grocery store every weekend. It makes me angry sometimes. When will our local government ban these ugly plastic bags? Sometimes, I wanted to tell the people in line to just bring their own plastic bags or get a few of durable green supply bags. These bags last me a long time. I even don’t remember the last time I paid for the bags. Do yourself a favor, buy a few of these reusable bags and put them in your car. Even better, give it to the nice person in front of the line when you see he/she is asking for plastic bags.