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.

The North Market Farmers’ Market was established at the old market in the Quonset Hut in 1979. In 1981 the first celebration of Ohio farmers was held there and twenty years later we still have grand cause to celebrate! Come to the North Market for a Saturday of farm-tastic fun during the 20th Farmers’ Festival on Saturday, August 13th. The annual event held at the prime of the Ohio growing season will highlight bushels of locally grown farm-fresh produce, a Homemade Jam and Jelly Contest, an “Ugly Tomato” Contest, the “You say to-may-to, I say to-mah-to” Chef Challenge, children’s activities, cooking demonstrations and live music.

The North Market Farmers’ Market is one of the oldest and largest in central Ohio, featuring more than 20 farmers offering an array of locally-grown fruits, vegetables, flowers, plants, honey and herbs. Farms scheduled to participate this year include Anderson Orchard, Blossom Acre’s Produce, Breezy Knoll Farm, Bridgman Farm, Ehmann and Sons Greenhouse, Honeyrun Farm, K & R Garden Fresh Produce, Oakvale Farmstead Cheese, Ohio Farm Direct, Oink Moo Cluck Farm, Thomas Family Orchard, Persinger Farm, Quiverfull Farm, Rhoads Farm Market, Rock Dove Farm, Shady Brook Farm, Somerset Greenhouse, Summer Thyme Farm, Toad Hill Farm, Toby Run Growers, The Wayward Seed Farm and Wishwell Farms Produce.

“We are proud to host the longest-running farmers’ market in Columbus at the North Market each Saturday morning during the growing season,” said David Wible, Executive Director of the North Market. “As a ‘sell what you grow’ market our farmers offer high quality homegrown produce nurtured right here in Ohio and we think that’s something worth celebrating!”

Saturday Farmers’ Festival activities include:
• 8 a.m., North Market Merchants & Farmers’ Market open
• 8 a.m., free North Market reusable shopping bags for the first 500 customers
• 9 a.m., amateur jam and jelly contest
• 9 - 11 a.m., music by Slate Ridge
• 9:45 a.m., ugly tomato contest
• 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., face painting
• 10:30 a.m., cooking demonstration
• 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., free cut out cookies from Mozart’s Bakery for the kids
• 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., music by Gipson & Fitz 

• 11 a.m., Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream samples while supplies last

• 11:30 a.m., cooking demonstration by Preston Fitch of Due Amici
• 12:30 p.m., “You say to-may-to, I say to-mah-to”, Chef contest including Preston Fitch of Due Amici,  Marcus Meacham of Barrio Tapas
• 1 – 3 p.m., music by One More Time String Band
• 1:30 p.m., cooking demonstration TBA

• 2:30 p.m., cooking demonstration by Marcus Meacham of Barrio Tapas
• 3 p.m. – 5 p.m., Music by Cowboy Hillbilly Hippy Folks

The Farmers’ Festival runs on Saturday, August 13 from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. and is a free event. For more information about the Farmers’ Festival or to sign-up for the Amateur Jelly and Jam or the Ugly Tomato contests, please email mmartineau@northmarket.com or call Mary at the North Market at (614) 463-9664.

For the tenth year, the North Market has gathered a collection of Ohio’s finest wineries to celebrate fine local cuisine and vino at the North Market Food & Ohio Wine Festival Presented by PNC. The festival will take place the weekend of July 8-10. Sponsoring organizations include PNC Bank, Ohio Grape Industries, Master Clean, Columbus Alive, Columbus Crave, Ohio Magazine and YELP.

The Food & Ohio Wine Festival will kick-off on Friday night with a special preview party from 7-10 p.m. Tickets to the event are $20 and include a commemorative wine glass, 10 tasting tickets and $5 in Market bucks to spend with market merchants. Proceeds benefit the historic North Market. Columbus celebrities will serve as guest pourers for the wineries. Taking the stage Friday night will be Columbus natives Grace Adele and her Grand Band. The group will be visiting from Nashville where they are endeavoring to break into the music business. Tickets for the Preview Party will be available at the door.

The following wineries from around Ohio will offer select wines by the 2 oz. taste ($1.00 to $4.00 each), glass, bottle and case: Brothers’ Drake Meadery, Columbus; Chalet Debonne Vineyard, Madison; Ferrante Winery, Geneva; Firelands Winery, Sandusky; Henke Winery, Cincinnati; Laurello Vineyards, Geneva; Maize Valley Winery, Hartville; Markko Vineyard, Conneaut; Meranda-Nixon Winery, Ripley; Mon Ami Winery, Port Clinton; Raven’s Glenn Winery, West Lafayette; Soine Vineyards, Powell; St. Joseph Vineyards, Thompson; Stoney Ridge Winery, Bryan; Troutman Vineyards, Wooster; The Winery at Wolf Creek, Norton; Valley Vineyards, Morrow; Viking Vineyard, Kent and Wyandotte Winery, Columbus.

Throughout the weekend there will be live music on two stages and cooking demonstrations. Chefs from local restaurants and North Market merchants will conduct the demonstrations and samplings. Additional activities include the Saturday Farmers Market and a Sunday marketplace featuring local artisans and Ohio Proud vendors.

“The quest to shop locally and eat locally has now moved to drink locally,” said David Wible, Executive Director of the North Market. “The Ohio wine makers that will be in attendance at the festival are the leaders in the Ohio wine movement. You’ll find an amazing selection and depth of quality, and you’ll be supporting yet another locally-based movement. The weekend will provide the perfect opportunity to sample, learn and purchase great wines made right here in Ohio.”

Festival hours are Friday, July 8, 7-10 p.m., Saturday, July 9, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Sunday, July 10, 12 – 6 p.m. Preview Party admission is $20. Tickets available at the door.   Saturday and Sunday admission is free. A $5 tasting fee on Saturday and Sunday includes a souvenir glass with tasting tickets available for purchase in any quantity for $.50 apiece. For additional information on the North Market Food and Ohio Wine Festival, please call 614-463-9664.
North Market Food and Ohio Wine Festival Presented by PNC Bank
Schedule of Activities

Friday, July 8th - Admission $20 (includes souvenir glass, 10 tasting tickets, $5 North Market certificate)
Festival Hours, 7–10 p.m.
• 7-10 p.m. Ohio Wineries open for tasting, North Market remains open
• 7-10 p.m. Meet the winemakers, celebrity wine pourers, music by Grace Adele and her Grand Band

Saturday, July 9th – Tasting admission $5 (includes souvenir glass)
Festival Hours, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
• 8 a.m., North Market merchants and Farmers Market, open for business
• 9 a.m.-11 a.m., music by Slate Ridge on the porch
• 11 a.m., Ohio wineries open for tasting
• 10 a.m.-12 p.m., music byIsland Breeze on the Spruce Street stage
• 11 a.m.-4 p.m., face painting
• 11 a.m.-1 p.m., music by Loosely Strung on the porch
• 11 a.m., culinary demonstration by Alana Shock of Alana’s Food & Wine
• 12 p.m., culinary demonstration by David MacLennan of Latitude 41

• 12-2 p.m., music by Cowboy Hillbilly Hippy Folks on the Spruce Street stage
• 1 p.m.-3 p.m., music by Miss Molly on the porch
• 1 p.m.-4p.m., Mark Wood Cowboy Fun Show
• 1 p.m., culinary demonstration by John Hard of CaJohns Flavor & Fire
• 2 p.m., culinary demonstration by Henry Butcher of Creole Kitchen                                                                 

•2-4 p.m., music by Gipson and Fitz on the Spruce Street stage
• 3 p.m., culinary demonstration by Preston Fitch of Due Amici
• 3-5 p.m., music by Grace Adele on the porch
• 4 p.m., culinary demonstration by Peter Chapman of Martini Modern Italian
• 4-7 p.m., music by Willie Phoenix on the Spruce Street stage
• 5-7 p.m., music byJoey Hebdo on the porch

Sunday, July 10th - Tasting admission $5 (includes souvenir glass)
Festival Hours, 12–6 p.m.
• 12 p.m., North Market merchants, Ohio Proud and Artisan Market open for business and wineries open for tasting
• 12-2 p.m., music by Grace Adele on the Spruce Street Stage
• 12-2 p.m., music by Miss Molly on the porch
• 1 p.m., culinary demonstration by Black Swamp Gourmet

• 1 p.m.–3 p.m., JoyUnspeakable, the living statue as the god of wine
• 12–5 p.m., face painting
• 2 - 4 p.m., CD101 prize wheel, you spin, you win!
• 2 p.m., culinary demonstration by Barrio Tapas
• 2-4 p.m., music by Ira Chaiffetz on the porch
• 2-4 p.m., music by Island Breeze on the Spruce Street stage
• 3 p.m., culinary demonstration by Steve Lawrence of CaJohns Flavor & Fire
• 4–6 p.m., music by Eileen Howard Jazz Trio on the Spruce Street Stage
• 4 p.m., culinary demonstration by  North Market staff
• 4–6 p.m., music by the Shaw Brothers on the porch

North Market Grillmasters Festival

North Market will celebrate its sixth Grillmasters Festival over Memorial Day Weekend. The Saturday and Sunday event will emphasize grilling, techniques and sauces as well as putting a little bite into your recipes with spices and hot sauces. The North Market Grillmasters Festival will take place May 28 and 29 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 Aimee’s Blue Ribbon Spices, Black Swamp Gourmet, Crazy Uncle Jesters Inferno World, Heartbreaking Dawns, Ole Ray’s Sauces, Patter Fam Sauces, Race City Sauceworks, Silver Bridge Coffee Company and Urban Chefs. The vendors will be present Saturday and Sunday where 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 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. On Sunday the activities of the day will commence with an amateur Salsa Fresca Contest with another winner taking home $50 in North Market gift certificates.

Grillmasters Festival Schedule of Activities
Saturday, May 28
• 8 a.m., Farmers Market opens
• 9 – 11 a.m., music by Ira Chaiffetz
• 9 a.m., Cooking demonstration David MacLennan of Latitude 41
• 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Face Painting by Rita
• 10 a.m., Amateur BBQ Sauce Contest
• 11 a.m., Cooking demonstration by Andy Fields of Due Amici
• 11 a.m.- 1 p.m., Columbus Dog Connection with adoptable dogs
• 12 p.m., Thrilla at the Grilla, three chefs face off for the title “BBQ Master”
• 1 – 3 p.m., music by Loosely Strung
• 3 - 5 p.m., music by the Shaw Brothers
• 1 p.m., Cooking demonstration by Jim Budros, co-founder of City BBQ
• 2 p.m., Cooking demonstration by Heartbreaking Dawns
• 3 p.m., Cooking demonstration by Race City Sauce Works
• 4 p.m., Cooking demonstration by Patter Fam Sauces

Sunday, May 29
• 12 p.m., North Market and outdoor vendors open
• 12 – 2 p.m., music by One More Time String Band
• 12 – 3 p.m., Mark Wood’s Cowboy Fun Show
• 12: 30 p.m., Salsa Fresca Contest
• 1:15 p.m., Cooking demonstration by Brian Cook, Columbus Brewing Company
• 2 p.m., Cooking demonstration John Hard, CaJohn’s Flavor & Fire
• 2 – 4 p.m., music by the Folkwood Players
• 2:45 p.m., Cooking demonstration by TBD
• 3:30 p.m., Cooking demonstration TBD

The North Market Grillmasters Festival is a free event on Saturday, May 28 from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday, May 29 from 12 – 5 p.m. For more information or to enter the BBQ Sauce or Salsa Fresca contests, please call the North Market at (614) 463-9664 or email info@northmarket.com.

It’s time to summon up your creative side and assemble, abscond with or otherwise acquire an apron for the gastronomically legendary North Market Apron Gala. We’re not apron authorities, but through the years we’ve witnessed waist-tied attire that runs the gamut from naughty to nice, vintage to topical, unbiased to political and even some that resembled colorful creatures (the late, great Fred Holdridge and his flamingo, for instance). One of the nicer things about wearing an apron to the affair (aside from the prizes to be won) is that it nicely camouflages any inflated midsections that may arise from the fabulous feasting to be done. So get ready to tie one on at the 15th annual fundraiser for the North Market Development Authority. The Apron Gala will take place at the North Market on Saturday, May 21 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, 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 special culinary awards to merchants for their gastronomic entries. As an added special treat, Tricia Wheeler, Chef and Editor of Edible Columbus will be creating canapés in the Dispatch Kitchen throughout the evening and giving away copies of her new local-foods-centric publication.

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: commemorative 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.

North Market Artisan Sundays

Columbus, Ohio – 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. On the first and third Sundays from May through October the outdoor pavilion will be 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 (3rd Sundays): fabric, hand dyed, hand woven and leather bags
Alexandra’s Adornments (various dates): vintage inspired pins and jewelry
Anering Jewelry (May 15, Sep. 4, Sep. 18): jewelry
BC Appliqué (1st Sundays): appliquéd towels, bibs, guardian angels
Beau and Pearl (full season): handcrafted jewelry
Black Cat Designs (3rd Sundays): enamel jewelry, art and items
Black Market (full season): jewelry, fiber art accessories
Blue Flame Leather (various dates): leather accessories
Carmacazzi (full season): hand-printed eco-conscious apparel for men and women
Claudia Carreon ~ Wearable Art (May 15, July 17): copper and brass jewelry
Clay Creations by Katherine (various dates): handmade pottery
Columbus Handblown Glass (3rd Sundays): hand blown glass objects
Corazon y Manos (full season): jewelry, jewelry boxes
Deborah Correa (1st Sundays): art prints
Crafty by Nature (July 3, Aug. 7): bath and body products and pottery
Crazy Craft N Ladies (1st Sundays): felted and crocheted bags, hats, scarves
Sarah DeAngulo (1st Sundays): paintings, cards, mural work
Doc Schneider’s Natural Products (various dates): hot and cold therapy pads
Dotdesign (May 15, June 5, Oct. 16): jewelry, accessories, photography
Fairview Farms Luxury Soap (full season): soaps, candles, bath and body products
Fifi Paper (Sept. 18): tile coasters, alphabet art cards
Glass by Katherine (3rd Sundays): fused glass and copper jewelry
Gooseneck Cottage Creations (full season): found object and driftwood sculpture
Green Handle Designs (full season): handcrafted jewelry
Handmade by KarmaCat (Aug. 7, Sep. 4, Oc. 2): handmade bags, art cases
Hedy Regal Designs (1st Sundays): vintage inspired jewelry, hair accessories, tote bags
Hello Bailey (1st Sundays): felt accessories and plush creatures
Susan Henn (3rd Sundays): handmade jewelry
J Dixon Enterprises (3rd Sundays): hand painted leather handbags
Jennifer’s Custom Designs (full season): jewelry, jewelry boxes, home decor
KLZArt (Sept. 4, Sept. 18): custom pet portraits, original child-friendly art
Kate Morgan Image Design (1st Sundays): mixed media artwork, painting
Patrice Lehocky (various dates): necklaces and handbags from up cycled materials
Long Mountain Art (full season): screen printed organic onesies and t-shirts
James Manning (full season): pottery
MaraM (first Sundays): purses, bags, pouches and accessories  from recycled materials
Mary Moon Designs (1st Sundays): appliquéd bags, purses, journals and wall hangings
Miss Megan Mac (1st Sundays): hand woven fabrics, hand dyed and painted silk
Molly Pocket Bags (3rd Sundays): handmade tote and messenger bags
Moon Garden (1st Sundays): soaps, lotions, lip balms, bath salts, whipped soy candles
Morgan Art Works (various dates): wire sculpture, ornaments and mobiles
NOLAA Gallery (various dates): original art, prints, cards
Objet Adapté (various dates): feed sack and recycled fabric aprons and bags
Poshta Design (1st Sundays): greeting cards, stationery, bookplates, magnets�
Chad Redmond (various dates): antique items upcycled into planters filled with herbs
ReDux Jewelry (1st Sundays): jewelry, vintage style art blocks, handmade journals
Liz and Molly Ryan (May 15, June 5): painted furniture, jewelry, wire sculpture
Sasikirana Handmade (1st Sundays): handbags, wristlets, pouches and hair accessories
Deborah Shaheed (3rd Sundays): handmade jewelry with semi-precious stones
Silver Twilight Designs (1st Sundays): sterling silver jewelry
Spacedog Studios (1st Sundays): handmade books and bookmarks
Sweet Stella Designs (various dates): confectionary handmade jewelry and accessories�
Toodles to the Noodles (Aug. 7): adult and child aprons, dish towels, hankies
Umbrella Girl Productions (full season): handmade scarves, sewn cards, potholders
Una Tia Especial (May 15, June 5): handmade jewelry
Vintage Gal Creations (May 15, June 19): découpaged vintage boxes and suitcases
Vintage Vamp Jewelry (full season): artisan jewelry with a vintage twist
Vivisect Apparel (full season): men’s and women’s hand-printed organic t-shirts, bags Windy Lane Farm Alpacas (3rd Sundays): hand-woven and knitted alpaca items, yarn
With the Grain (1st Sundays): wheat weaving wall hangings, ornaments and mobiles

Artisan Sundays will be held on the outdoor Farmers’ Market plaza at the North Market from 12 noon until 5 p.m. on the following dates: May 1, May 15, June 5, June 19, July 3, July 17, August 7, August 21, September 4, September 18, October 2 and October 16. For more information please contact Mary Martineau at 614-463-9664 or mmartineau@northmarket.com.

THE HILLS MARKET & NORTH MARKET’S MARKET TO MARKET RIDE CELEBRATES BEING GREEN
 

Columbus, Ohio – Supporting local foods, local merchants, Ohio purveyors and Ohio farmers 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 1,000 cyclists peddling up and down the Olentangy River Greenway. On Saturday, May 7th they will host the fourth Market to Market ride. With the coming of Spring, the markets are using the May ride to celebrate the start of the biking season and “being green in Columbus.”

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 the Cbus, Columbus Alive, Columbus Food Adventures, Eartha Limited, FLOW (Friends of the Lower Olentangy Watershed), Local Matters, The Olive Orchard, Open Heart Art, Pattycake Bakery, Seagull Bags, Small Business Beanstalk, Wexner Center for the Arts, Wild Goose Creative and Yelp Columbus.

Participants who arrive 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 locally sourced prizes including a messenger bag from Seagull Bags, tickets to Bike the CBus, a Columbus Food Adventures tour, 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 “A Taste of The Hills Market” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Participants will have an opportunity to taste the best of Hills Market’s classic creations, from their famous Hills Own Ohio Beef Meatloaves to their intricate, housemade Hills Own Carrot Cake. Samples will be available throughout the store, paired with seasonal wines. This event is free; there will be a small fee for wine tastings.  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 7. 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 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 April 12.

Participating organizations and sponsors include: The Hills Market, North Market, Amanda Hills Spring Water, B1 Bicycles, Bike the Cbus, Columbus Alive, Crimson Cup Coffee, Columbus Food Adventures, Eartha Limited, FLOW, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, Local Matters, The Olive Orchard, Open Heart Art, Pattycake Bakery, Seagull Bags, Small Business Beanstalk, Snowville Creamery, WCBE: Central Ohio’s NPR Station, Wexner Center for the Arts, Wild Goose Creative and Yelp Columbus.

The Hills Market is a locally-owned specialty grocer on the north end of Columbus, at the bottom of the Worthington Hills and the top of the Olentangy Bike Path. For 16 years, The Hills Market has provided the best of Ohio and beyond with high quality meat, seafood, produce, bakery, wine, beer and cheese departments, as well as more than 40 feet of in-house prepared foods, a delicatessen featuring custom sandwiches and pizza, full service catering and floral shops and a state liquor agency. The Hills Market is home to The Veranda, a seasonal outdoor lunch space, as well as special events including Pancake Breakfasts, Cooking Classes, Wine Tastings and the Salmon Roast.

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.
 

Fiery Foods Weekend at the North Market

Columbus, Ohio – The North Market has been bringing the heat to dreary Ohio winters for the past seven years with our annual Fiery Foods Festival. Folks just can’t get enough of the fire when it’s February in Central Ohio so this year we’re hosting a whole Fiery Foods Weekend! Melt away the mid-winter monotony at the North Market Fiery Foods Weekend on February 19th and 20th. 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 include Aimee’s Blue Ribbon Spices, Black Swamp Gourmet, CaJohns Flavor & Fire, Chuck Evans’ Montezuma Brand, Crazy Uncle Jester’s Inferno World, Dragonfire Foods, Happy Trails! Chili Company, Heartbreaking Dawns, Mudflats Brands, Ole Ray’s Sauces, Race City Sauceworks and Urban Chefs.

Want to get directly in on the fiery foods action? Customers can take a shot at fame and fortune (OK, infamy, gift certificates and fiery foods prize packages) in a number of contests. New this year is the Homemade Guacamole Contest. 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, Jalapenos, Hot Ice Cream Sundaes and Hot Wing eating contests.

In its sixth year the Chef Chili Challenge pits local chefs against one another as contenders for the title “North Market Chili Champ 2010,” a special trophy and $200 in North Market gift certificates. Participating chefs and market merchants include representatives of Alana’s Food & Wine, Barcelona, Barrio Tapas, Burgundy Room, Candy Shack, Creole Kitchen, Due Amici, Kitchen Little, Latitude 41, Marcellas, Martini Modern Italian, Nationwide Arena, North Market Spices, Renaissance Hotel, Two Caterers and even a group effort from the mysterious “Cooking Caravan!”

A few new features for the Fiery Foods Weekend include a Fiery Sunday Brunch and a Chile Pepper Art Contest. The buffet-style brunch will take place on Sunday from 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. on the mezzanine level of the North Market. Participating chefs include John Hard and Steve Lawrence of CaJohns Flavor & Fire, Brian Cook of Columbus Brewing Company Restaurant, John McLaughlin of Heartbreaking Dawns and Donte Allen of Curds & Whey. Price per person is $12. The Art Inferno Chile Art Contest will be judged on Sunday, February 20 at noon. Creative chile heads are invited to enter any artistic endeavor featuring chile peppers.

“The enthusiasm for our Fiery Foods Festival has increased exponentially over the years,” said David Wible, Executive Director of the North Market. “The flames have been fanned so much that we are excited to devote an entire weekend to our capsaicin-consuming devotees!”

Fiery Foods Festival Schedule:
Schedule of Activities

Saturday, February 19
• 10 a.m., Guacamole contest in Dispatch Kitchen
• 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., face painting
• 11 a.m., Chef Chili Challenge in northwest corner of mezzanine ($5 sample fee includes chef and amateur chili sampling)
• 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., music by Gipson & Fitz Trio
• 12:30 p.m., Amateur Chili Contest in northwest corner of mezzanine
• 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 Shaw Brothers
• 3:30 p.m., Jalapeno eating contest in Dispatch Kitchen

Sunday, February 20
• Fiery foods vendors open at 10 a.m. for brunch traffic
• 10 – 11:30 a.m., Fiery Foods Brunch on mezzanine
• 12 p.m., Judging of Chile Pepper Art Contest in northwest corner of mezzanine
• 12-2 p.m., music by Island Breeze
• 12-3 p.m., Mark Wood Fun Show
• 12:30 p.m., Amateur Hot Sauce Contest in Dispatch Kitchen
• 1:30 p.m., Amateur Salsa Contest in Dispatch Kitchen
• 2-4 p.m., music by Andrew Hartman
• 2:30 p.m., Hot Ice Cream Sundae eating Contest in Dispatch Kitchen
• 3-5 p.m., music by Willie Phoenix
• 3:30 p.m., Hot Wing eating contest in Dispatch Kitchen

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The North Market Fiery Foods Festival will take place on Saturday, February 19 and Sunday, February 20 and is a free event. A tasting fee of $5 enables attendees to sample all of the chilis by both professional chefs and amateur contestants on Saturday while supplies last. Market hours are 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday and noon  – 5 p.m. on Sunday. Doors will open at 10 a.m. on Sunday for the Fiery Foods brunch. 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 visit www.northmarket.com. Sign up for the all fiery foods consumption contests will take place in the Dispatch Kitchen on the day of those events. 

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.