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.

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.

North Market will celebrate its seventh Grillmasters Festival during Father’s Day Weekend. The event will emphasize grilling, techniques and sauces (the smoke) as well as putting a little bite into your recipes with spices and hot sauces (the fire). North Market Grillmasters Festival will take place on Saturday, June 16 and feature special barbeque and fiery 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 special barbeque and fiery foods vendors including Royal Fireworks 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 Amateur Barbeque 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.” A of trio 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. The winner will take home the title “Baron of Barbeque” and $200 in North Market gift certificates.

Grillmasters Festival Schedule of Activities
Saturday, June 16
• 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. – 3 p.m., Face Painting by Rita
• 10 a.m., Amateur BBQ Sauce Contest
• 11 a.m.- 1 p.m., music by Miss Molly
• 11 a.m., Cooking demonstration by TBD
• 12 p.m., Thrilla at the Grilla, three chefs face off for the title “Baron of BBQ”
• 1 – 3 p.m., music by Cowboy Hillbilly Hippy Folk
• 1 p.m., Cooking demonstration by TBD
• 2 p.m., Cooking demonstration by TBD
• 3 p.m., Cooking demonstration by TBD
• 4 p.m., Cooking demonstration by TBD
The North Market Grillmasters Festival is a free event on Saturday, June 16 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.

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. Our Artisan Sunday event started in 2008 on the first Sunday of the month from May through October. In 2010 we grew to the first and third Sunday of each of those months. Now, Artisan Sunday has proved to be so popular that it has been expanded to take place every Sunday. From May through October 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.

Participating vendors, dates and product listing:

adrollbag (October 23, 28): fabric bags, art quilts, hand wovens
Alexandra’s Authentics (4th Sundays): uniquely handcrafted jewelry, scarves, totes
Backroom Coffee Roasters (various dates): small batch locally roasted coffee beans
Batik Creations (May 13): batik clothing
BC Appliqué (1st Sundays): guardian angels, appliquéd towels & bibs
Beads, Stones, Etc. by Olive (June 24, July 15): crocheted and handmade jewelry 

Beaniestalk (2nd & 4th Sundays): upcycled leather and suede accessories
Beau and Pearl (every Sunday): handcrated sterling jewelry,organic body care
Big-Caboose (4th Sundays): specializing in baby bottom pieces
Black Cat Designs (3rd Sundays): enamels for your body and home
Black Market (every Sunday): jewelry, coasters, crocheted items
Brad Alexander’s Boxes and Bowls (1st Sundays): handmade wood products, gifts
Bubeez (October 7): mittens, headbands from recycled wool sweaters
Carmacazzi (every Sunday): hand-printed, eco-conscious apparel
ChristinaKristin (May 20): handmade accessories, earrings, necklaces
Clay Creations by Katherine (1st Sundays): hand thrown pottery
Clay Street Ceramics (2nd Sundays): hand painted pottery for all occassions.
Corazon y Manos (every Sunday): jewelry, coasters, crocheted items
Crafty B’s of Bexley (1st Sundays): Bold. Inspired. Talented. Creative. Handmade.
D. Action Productions (various dates):: floral designed hand-rolled beeswax candles
Dotdesign (May Sundays): t-shirts, scarves, lotions
Dragon Ikka (every Sunday): spiritual message in Japanese calligraphy
Eric Rausch Art (3rd Sundays): functional pottery and decorative wonders
The Forties Revisited (May 6): vintage style aprons and accessories
Gallifrey Farm Goatmilk Soap (August 12): goatmilk soaps from fresh local goatmilk
Green Handle Designs (every Sunday): hand-crafted jewelry, duct tape art
Handmade by KarmaCat (various dates): soft toys, snack bags, art cases
Hunter Preston Design (June 3, October 28): graphically designed artwork, cards, prints
In Mind 4 U (various dates): hand painted distressed wood wall art
Infantaisle (4th Sundays): unique baby shower and toddler gear
Jam Anarchy (1st Sundays): small batch jam featuring unusual flavors
Jennifer’s Custom Designs (various dates): accessories for women
Jewels by Juls (every Sunday): one of a kind jewelry for the one of a kind woman
Rebecca Kuhlman (May 6, June 3, July 1): market bags, totes, messenger bags
MaraM (1st Sundays): unique, eco-friendly bags, accessories and artwork
Moon Garden (1st Sundays): soaps, bath and body products, soy candles
New Things from Old Things (June 24, Sept. 2): beach umbrella totes, pedestal dishes
Objet Adapté (1st Sundays): unique, upcycled vintage material bags & accessories
Margie Ogle (1st Sundays): wire wrapped and fused glass jewelry
Poshta Design (1st Sundays): stationery and paper goods
Rock & Royalty (various dates): rocker chic boutique, clothing & accessories
RockNRoadTripper Design (4th Sundays): purses, totes, walker & wheelchair bags
Senta Rousseau-Taylor (3rd Sundays): recycled, eclectic vintage furnishings
Rubbish to Riches (4th Sundays): up-purposed décor utilizing mixed media techniques
Sarah Loch-Test Jewelry (2nd Sundays): elegantly handcrafted in metal and enamel
Sew Darn Simple (1st Sundays): fabric cases, pouches, purses
SoKava Designs (1st Sundays): artisan lampworking beads and jewelry
Sweet Stella Designs (various dates): confectionary jewelry & accessories
toodles to the noodles (June 3, October 28): noodleology style home sewn items
Umbrella Girl Productions (various dates): accessories, housewares, and paper goods!
Una Tia Especial (3rd Sundays): handcrafted jewelry, necklaces, earrings, bracelets
Valerie Long Jewelry (every Sunday): artisan jewelry with upcycled vintage findings
Vintage Gal Creations (3rd Sundays): vintage découpaged items, jewelry
Vintage Vamp (every Sunday): artisan jewelry with upcycled vintage findings
Windy Lane Alpacas (October): alpaca shawls, scarves, clothing and yarn
With the Grain (1st Sundays): traditional wheatweavings, house blessings, ornaments

Artisan Sundays will be held on the outdoor Farmers’ Market plaza at the North Market weekly from 12 noon until 5 p.m. from May through October. For more information please contact Mary Martineau at 614-463-9664 or mmartineau@northmarket.com.

INAUGURAL NORTH MARKET COFFEE ROAST ON MARCH 31

Columbus, Ohio- We’ve brewed up a brand new fete to add to our roster of food events at the North Market. We started with A Touch of Earth, the North Market merchant that’s been selling coffee to market-goers for 22 years, threw in a dozen local specialty coffee roasters, added two local dairies and voila! We bring you the North Market Coffee Roast on Saturday, March 31from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The North Market in conjunction with A Touch of Earth and our local coffee roasters will host a celebration of all things related to those wondrous caffeinated beans. No coffee house is complete without live music so we’ll have some of our favorite local musicians and singer-songwriters on hand for ambience. And the fine folks from A Touch of Earth have coordinated a schedule of demonstrations in the Dispatch Kitchen to elevate your coffee acumen.

Participating local roasters include: Backroom Coffee Roasters (Upper Arlington), Bexley Coffee Shop (Bexley), Café Brioso (Downtown), Caffé Apropos (Harrison West), Crimson Cup Coffee (Clintonville), Impero Coffee (Short North), Luck Bros’ Coffee House (Grandview), One Line Coffee (Granville), 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 present to answer 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 in your cup of joe if that’s how you take yours.

“Great flavor and high quality are dominating today’s food trends. Our first-ever Coffee Roast will give North Market visitors the opportunity to try some of the best coffee in Columbus,” said David Wible, Executive Director of the North Market. “The roasters and baristas participating in the event raise the level of coffee roasting, tasting and drinking to an art form.”

Think your home-roasted beans can compete with the pros? Sign up for our Home Roasters Competition. You bring a pound of your custom-roasted coffee beans to the North Market for evaluation by our expert panel of judges. The winner will receive $50 in North Market gift certificates, a WhirleyPop stovetop roaster courtesy of Pam’s Market Popcorn and green beans for home-roasting!

Admission to North Market and the demonstrations is free. Coffee tasting admission is $5 at the door (no presale of tickets) and includes a souvenir coffee mug (while supplies last) and a passport to sample coffee with each of our participating roasters. Partners of the North Market Coffee Roast include Columbus Crave Magazine (media sponsor), Full Circle Soil Cooperative (in-kind sponsor) and The Graham School.

North Market Coffee Roast
Schedule of Activities:
• 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Coffee Roast tasting activity and demonstrations in the Dispatch Kitchen

• 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., “Open Bar”, practice with a professional Barista on our espresso machine in the Dispatch Kitchen

• 9-11 a.m., live music by the Shaw Brothers

• 9-9:45 a.m., demonstration: “Espresso Drinks 101” in the Dispatch Kitchen with John Justice of Café Brioso and Dave Forman of One Line Coffee

• 10-10:45 a.m., demonstration: “Seed-to-cup” in the Dispatch Kitchen with Jeff Davis of Café Brioso and Mark Swanson of Stauf’s Coffee Roasters

•10:45-11 a.m., demonstration, “Fair Trade” by Lorraine Walker of Silver Bridge Coffee Company

• 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., live music by Ira Chaiffetz (banjo)

• 11-11:40 a.m., demonstration: “Comparative Tasting: Profiling and Regional Differences” in the Dispatch Kitchen with Dave Eldridge and Brandon Bir of Crimson Cup Coffee.

• 12-1 p.m., Home Roasters Competition, judged by Backroom Coffee Roasters, Café Brioso, Crimson Cup Coffee, Impero Coffee Stauf’s Coffee Roasters and Thunderkiss Coffee. Email info@northmarket.com to register

• 1-3 p.m., live music by Miss Molly

• 1:30-2 p.m., demonstration: “Home Brewing” in the Dispatch Kitchen with Andy Luck of Luck Bros’ Coffee House

• 3-5 p.m., live music by Elijah Aaron

Event hours are 9AM-2PM. Market hours are 8AM-5PM. For more information or to sign-up for the home roasters contest, please email info@northmarket.com or visit www.northmarket.com.

January has been rather dreary and drizzly, but we are firing things up at the North Market Fiery Foods Weekend on February 18th and 19th. 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.

Special fiery foods vendors for the weekend so far include Aimee’s Blue Ribbon Spices, Bigfat’s Hot Sauce, Black Swamp Gourmet, CaJohns Flavor & Fire, Chuck Evans’ Montezuma Brand, Dragonfire Foods, Heartbreaking Dawns, Mudflats Chef Inspired Sauces, Patter Fam Sauces, Race City Sauce Works, Red Lion Spicy Foods Company and Uncle Jester’s Fine Foods. Several additional vendors are expected to join us.

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 your alley. 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 (entry closed). 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, Jalapenos, Hot Ice Cream Sundaes and Hot Wing eating contests. All contest winners will be rewarded with gift certificates or fiery foods prize packages.

In its seventh year the Chef Chili Challenge pits local professionals against one another as contenders for the title “North Market Chili Champ 2012,” a special trophy and $200 in North Market gift certificates. Participating in the battle are market merchants, fiery foods vendors and chefs from local restaurants.

New this year: BEER! The brilliant brewers at Columbus Brewing Company and Elevator Brewing Company are each concocting a special spicy elixir just for Fiery Foods Weekend at the North Market. You’ll be able to buy simply a sample, or if you are the brave sort, a whole pint for just $4.00. Also on tap will be a couple of non-throat-burning offerings to combat the capsaicin-laden offerings that will be abundant during the weekend.

“The enthusiasm for our Fiery Foods Festival has increased exponentially over the years,” said David Wible, Executive Director of the North Market. “We are excited to be able to offer an entire weekend’s worth of activities to our capsaicin-consuming devotees!”

Fiery Foods Festival
Schedule of Activities

Saturday, February 18
• 9-11 a.m., music by Ira Chaiffetz (banjo)
• 10 a.m., Guacamole contest in Dispatch Kitchen
• 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., face painting
• 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Mark Wood Cowboy Fun Show
• 11 a.m., Chef Chili Challenge in northwest corner of mezzanine ($5 sample fee includes chef chili sampling)
• 11 a.m., kids give-aways including cowboy hats, bandanas, sheriff badges and chili-pepper shaped cookies from Mozart’s Bakery
• 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., music by Gipson & Fitz Trio
• 12:30 p.m., Hot Sauce Contest in the Dispatch Kitchen
• 1-3 p.m., music by Island Breeze
• 2 p.m., Fiery Cornbread eating contest in Dispatch Kitchen
• 3-5 p.m., music by the Piano Pedaler
• 3:30 p.m., Jalapeno eating contest in Dispatch Kitchen

Sunday, February 19
• 12-2 p.m., music by Canned Goods
• 12 – 5 p.m., face painting
• 12:30 p.m., Amateur Chili Cook-off Contest in northwest corner of mezzanine ($5 sample fee includes amateur chili sampling) Admission CLOSED
• 2 p.m., Amateur Salsa Contest in Dispatch Kitchen
• 2:45 p.m., Hot Ice Cream Sundae eating Contest 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 18 and Sunday, February 19 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 mmartineau@northmarket.com. Sign up for the all fiery foods consumption contests will take place in the Dispatch Kitchen on the day of those events.

There’s no place like the North Market to get you into the holiday spirit. From the friendly salutations of the merchants to the array of delectable cuisine, the bustle of market commerce on a winter weekend is sure to warm your heart and have you humming holiday tunes! Join us for the most splendid of seasonal weekends at the North Market for the Holiday Open House & Craft Extravaganza on Saturday, December 3 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, December 4 from 12-5 p.m.

Our merchants will be armed with an array of samples to tempt your taste buds and help you formulate your holiday feasts. As always, they are endowed with the wisdom of years of experience to give you excellent advice. The second floor will be devoted to forty-five local artisans and crafters for a weekend of shopping for distinctive handmade gifts. Jewelry, glass, textiles, bath and body products and knitted items are just a few of the categories represented by the local artists in our craft fair. Local musicians will provide holiday tunes to shop and dine by and the kids will enjoy the face painting and the Nutcracker Toy Solider. The whole family can get into the holiday spirit at the North Market Holiday Open House & Craft Extravaganza!

Scheduled Holiday Open House Activities include:

Saturday, December 3

• 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., North Market merchants and Craft Extravaganza vendors on second floor open for business
• 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., Christmas tree sales at the farmers’ market
• 9 a.m. – 11 a.m., holiday music by Marion Funk, accordion
• 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., face painting
• 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., roasted chestnuts and pretzels with Short Stop Youth Center (farmers market)
• 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., holiday music by Miss Molly
• 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Joyunspeakable, the living statue as the Nutcracker Toy Soldier
• 1 – 3 p.m., holiday music by Island Breeze
• 3 – 5 p.m., holiday music by the Eileen Howard Jazz Trio

Sunday, December 4

• 12-5 p.m., North Market merchants and Craft Extravaganza vendors on second floor open for business
• 12 – 5 p.m., face painting
• 1 – 3 p.m., Joyunspeakable, the living statue as the Nutcracker Toy
• 12 -2 p.m., holiday music by Dan Heidt
• 2-5 p.m., holiday music by the Piano Peddler

Participating artisans include:

Amy made it! ~ bags, purses and totes made from recycled Starbucks packaging

Andy Glass ~ hand-blown glass ornaments and sun catchers

B. Radley ~ cross stitched finery, jewelry and accessories

BC Appliqué ~ appliquéd towels, bibs, guardian angels

Beaniestalk ~ upcycled hair accessories

Beau and Pearl ~ hand forged sterling silver jewelry

Black Cat Designs ~ enameled jewelry, purse bling and art pieces

Black Market ~ hand knit scarves, crocheted hats, jewelry

Carmacazzi ~ hand printed apparel for men and women

Corazon y Mano ~ cigar box jewelry boxes, jewelry, cards

Crafty Beavers ~ knitted kitty hats, plush knitted kitties and dinosaurs, DIY lip balm kits

Mary Ann Crago ~ original art magnets, light switch plates and small assemblages

D.Action Productions ~ hand rolled beeswax candles decorated with flowers, stones and shells

David Morgan Art Works ~ wire sculpture, ornaments, kinetic mobiles, watercolor postcards

Dolly Girl Designs ~ aprons, pot holders, mittens and accessories

Kristin Ellis ~ original silver-smithed jewelry

Genoa Soap ~ sixteen varieties of soap, gift sets, bath fizzies

Girl Pie ~ pressed fern ornaments, crocheted animals, headbands, mosaics and more

Green Handle Designs ~ beaded and semi-precious stone jewelry

Infantaisle ~ baby gear including bibs, burp cloths, snack pads and more

Jan’s Gourds ~ decorative hand-painted gourd accessories and bird houses

Brenda Jennings ~ hand-dyed silk scarves, gift bags and wraps

Jennifer Sadler Designs ~ jewelry made with resin, glass and stone beads

Jenny Pope Designs ~ dichroic and fused glass jewelry

Jonathan Juravich ~ metal hand-punched ornaments, recycled key chains, greeting cards

Lark Meadow ~ handmade bound books and prints

Patrice Lehocky ~ purses made from reclaimed materials

Leslie June Designs ~ handmade ceramic pendant jewelry and ornaments

Little Critter Plushies ~ plush toys, pillows and ornaments

MaraM ~ bags and accessories from recycled materials

Mary Moon Designs ~ appliquéd bags, wristlets and accessories

Moon Garden ~ handmade candles, soaps, lotions, lip balm, shea butter and perfumes

Objet Adapté (Saturday only) ~ upcycled vintage feed sack bags and aprons

“Pine”-ing Away (outdoors) ~ evergreen Christmas wreaths and swags

Poshta Design ~ handcrafted paper goods including cards, stationery and bookplates

Eric Rausch ~ pottery, wall tiles and ceramic sculpture

Clinton Reno ~ hand-screened rock posters, t-shirts, journals and stickers

Sparrow Vine ~ handcut one-of-a-kind paper cutouts, cards and ornaments

Sweet Stella Designs ~ sweet polymer accessories

Team Chipmunk ~ children’s clothing made from vintage materials

Ticking Cats ~ watercolor cat clocks, painted wooden boxes and pins

Umbrella Girl Productions ~ sewn stationery, greeting cards, gift cards, hair scarves and pot holders

Vintage Gal Creations ~ accessories découpaged with vintage style images

Vintage Vamp (Sunday only) ~ artisan jewelry incorporating vintage parts

Wholly Craft! ~ an array of hand-crafted items by local artisans

Windy Lane Farm Alpacas ~ knitted and hand-woven alpaca items

With the Grain ~ wheat weavings: ornaments, mobiles and wreaths

With Nature in Mind ~ soap, body butters, herbal bath bags, linen sprays, scrubs and masks

Zebra Pie Gifts ~ glass tile jewelry and 100% soy candles

The North Market Holiday Open House and Craft Extravaganza will take place on Saturday, December 3 from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday, December 4 from 12 – 5 p.m. Admission is free.  For more information, please call the North Market at (614) 463-9664 or visit www.northmarket.com. Artisan admissions are closed.

The North Market Harvest Festival is one of the culminating events of Local Matters Local Foods Week on Saturday, October 8. In addition to our usual extravaganza of harvest produce, baking contests, live music and kids’ activities, as part of their Local Foods Week celebration, Local Matters will do cooking demonstrations in a tent on the farmers’ market plaza.

This festival is a fun one for the kiddies with a plethora of activities and entertainment. Mark Wood will be twisting balloon animals and executing fancy rope tricks. Rita Miller will be on hand for fanciful full face painting. There will be give-aways of cookies and the Columbus Artmobile will offer harvest-inspired craft projects for the kiddies.

Jeni Britton-Bauer will host an ice cream making demonstration in the Dispatch Kitchen at the North Market from 12 – 2 p.m. Jeni will be discussing techniques and recipes from her recently published book, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams at Home. Registration for this limited attendance affair is $10 and available online here⇒. A free book signing will take place in the Dispatch Kitchen following the demonstration at 2 p.m.

Enterprising customers have a couple of opportunities to take home a prize in our Harvest Festival baking contests. In the pumpkin and apple pie contests, entrants are invited to submit their favorite recipe for judging. Each pie competition winner will receive $100 in North Market gift certificates. Second place will receive $50 in North Market gift certificates. Participation is limited to 12 entries per contest. To register or for more information, please email mmartineau@northmarket.com

Scheduled Harvest Festival activities include:
• Farmers’ Market and North Market merchants open at 8 a.m.
• Market to Market breakfast in the Dispatch Kitchen, 8 – 10 a.m.
• Cooking demonstrations at the Local Matters tent, 9 – 11 a.m.
• Live music by Joey Hebdo, 9 – 11 a.m.
• Face painting, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Free pumpkin cookies for the kids, courtesy of Mozart’s Bakery, 10 a.m. while supply lasts.
• Mark Wood Cowboy Fun Show, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Autumn crafts with the Columbus Artmobile, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Live music by Gipson and Fitz Trio, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Ice Cream making demonstration and book signing with Jeni Britton-Bauer in the Dispatch Kitchen, 12 – 3 p.m., registration fee of $10 required.
• Pumpkin Pie contest, 1 p.m.
• Live music by Cowboy Hillbilly Hippy Folk, 1 – 3 p.m.
• Apple pie contest, 2 p.m.
• Live music by Folkwood Players, 3-5 p.m.

The North Market Harvest Festival begins at 8 a.m. and is a free event. For more information or to sign-up for any of the contests, please call the North Market at (614) 463-9664 or visit www.northmarket.com.

Ahoy Maties! Supporting local foods, local merchants, Ohio purveyors and Ohio farmers (and having a little fun while doing it) is the mission at the heart of two Columbus markets, North Market and The Hills Market. The markets aligned to create the Market to Market ride in October of 2009 and have since sent more than 1,500 cyclists pedaling up and down the Olentangy River Greenway. On Saturday, October 8th they will host the fifth Market to Market ride. As it’s the Halloween season, the markets are using the October ride to encourage costumed cycling. All riders are encouraged to join “Team Pirate” or “Team Zombie” and dress commensurately while peddling their way up and down the bike path.

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, Columbus Alive, Columbus Crave, Columbus Food Adventures, The Fawcett Center, FLOW (Friends of the Lower Olentangy Watershed), Local Matters, Ohio Ecological Food & Farm Association (OEFFA), The Olive Orchard, Open Heart Creatures, Pattycake Bakery, Seagull Bags, Slow Food, Small Business Beanstalk, WCBE, Wexner Center for the Arts and YELP Columbus.

 Nash Imaging Events will be stationed at The Hills Market with a photo booth to capture costumed riders and prizes will be awarded to five costumed cyclists based upon photos posted on the Market to Market facebook page. Participants who arrive at their destination market will be rewarded with a scoop of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream and a drawstring 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 a messenger bag from Seagull Bags. Costumed riders are eligible for prizes including a gift certificate from B1 Bicycles, tickets to a Columbus Food Adventures Tour, Dine Originals Columbus certificates, gift certificates from the Small Business Beanstalk and a set of oils from The Olive Orchard.

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 be offering “Ohio Market Day” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. along with cooking demos featuring heart healthy and gluten-free cooking presented by the Wexner Heritage Foundation. Meanwhile, at the opposite end of the Olentangy River Greenway, the North Market will be celebrating its annual Harvest Festival. Local Matters will join the Market’s seasonal farmers in the plaza with cooking demonstrations to celebrate the culmination of Local Foods Week. Jeni Britton-Bauer will host an ice cream making demonstration and book signing in the Dispatch Kitchen from 12-2 p.m. and abundant live entertainment by local musicians will add to the gaiety of that day.

Market to Market will take place on Saturday, October 8. 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 a drawstring backpack filled with up to $50 worth of savings on Ohio foods from both markets. 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 at northmarket.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 beginning September 16. Participating organizations and sponsors include: The Hills Market, North Market, B1 Bicycles, Columbus Alive, Columbus Crave Magazine, Crimson Cup Coffee, Columbus Food Adventures, Dine Originals Columbus, The Fawcett Center, FLOW, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, Local Matters, Nash Imaging, OEFFA, The Olive Orchard, Open Heart Creatures, Pattycake Bakery, Seagull Bags, Slow Food, Small Business Beanstalk, Snowville Creamery, WCBE: Central Ohio’s NPR Station, Wexner Center for the Arts and Yelp Columbus.

Last call for summer fun! The North Market will toast the end of summer with the 6th annual Columbus Microbrew Festival on September 16 and 17. Celebrate locally brewed ales, lagers and stouts in the company of the brewmasters from participating local microbreweries.

Participating local microbreweries include: Barley’s Brewing Company, Barley’s Smokehouse & Brewpub, Columbus Brewing Company, Elevator Brewing Company, Elevator Brewery and Draught Haus, Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant, Hoster Brewing Company, Neil House Brewery and Weasel Boy Brewing Company. Representatives from each microbrewery will be on hand to answers questions about their signature drafts.

Admission to the event is free. Beer tasting admission is $20 and includes a commemorative pint glass, ten tasting tickets and a $5 North Market food certificate. Discount coupons good for $2 off the tasting admission fee will be available at all participating microbreweries in September. Additional tasting tickets will be available for $.50 each. Tickets will be available in advance online here⇒ (starting September 1st) at the North Market business office and at the door on the days of the event.

Schedule of Activities:

• 5-9 p.m., microbreweries open for tasting, second floor of the North Market
• 5-7 p.m., music by The Drowsy Lads
• 7-9 p.m., music Grace Adele

Saturday, September 17, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

• 8 a.m., North Market merchants and farmers open
• 9 a.m. – 11 a.m., music by Slate Ridge on porch
• 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., face painting
• 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., microbreweries open for tasting
• 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., music by Miss Molly on porch
• 1 – 3 p.m., music by Willie Phoenix on the second floor
• 3 – 5 p.m., music by Gipson & Fitz on the second floor
• 5–7 p.m., music by the Shaw Brothers on the second floor