Market Day Is Here! See What's Happening and Learn Its History
Market Day is upon us! The annual celebration of handicrafts, good food, and community fills up High Street on Saturday, September 28.The day’s festivities will see the street lined with tents and booths from more than 200 vendors.
Produced by the Worthington Chamber of Commerce, Market Day has been held for over 50 years. The event serves as a fundraiser for the Chamber’s scholarship programs.
“Market Day hearkens back to the days when the farmers brought their crops to market,” says Kathryn Paugh, president and CEO of the Chamber. “It shows a shared love for conviviality, of people getting together downtown, bringing others to our downtown, showing off what we have – artistic talents, great food, all the things that make up a community.”
How Did Market Day Come About?
Curious about the history of Market Day? Thanks to the Worthington Historical Society for this timeline!
September, 1963: The Society holds the first Flea Market on the Village Green, "Olde World Market," sponsored by the Society study groups to support the restoration of Orange Johnson House. The opening of the market was signaled by ringing a cowbell at 9 a.m. Groups sold white elephants, fleas, antiques, baked goods, crafts.
1973: Friends of the Library began a book sale on the Village Green in front of the library in conjunction with the Flea Market; the title "Market Day" was first used in the newspaper to describe the event.
1974: Worthington Arts League set up artists on the sidewalks.
1975: Historical Society Flea Market expanded to two quadrants of the Village Green. Downtown merchants started hosting special events at their storefronts; High Street closed for the first time.
1977: Worthington Community groups participating include Sertoma Club, Worthington Community Band, Worthington Songsters, Worthington Community Theater, Worthington Civic Ballet, Worthington Art League, Worthington Crafts Guild, Worthington Arts Council, Worthington Athletic Association, Worthington Lions, Worthington Jaycee, Old Worthington Association, Downtown Merchants
1984: More than 40 community groups participate with fundraisers and meet-and-greets
1986: Theme of the market was "183 Years of Going to Market," as the event is reminiscent of times when folks would come to town for food and supplies each week and socialize; 50 community groups participate
1987: Farmer's Market begins participating in conjunction with events. By this time, "Old Worthington Market Day Incorporated" is in charge of the event and is comprised of representatives from Downtown Merchant Association, City of Worthington, Worthington Arts Council, Worthington Chamber of Commerce, and Worthington Historical Society
Early 1990s: Chamber of Commerce takes over the event
What’s Happening in 2019?
Here are a few things to look forward to at the 2019 Market Day!
Loads of Handcrafted Goods
More than 200 booths will line High Street during Market Day. Look for products and crafts like:
Home décor like stamped books and memorable signs
Homemade soy candles, essential oils, body products
Fabric goods like bandanas, doll clothes, custom clothing
Jewelry, beach glass, metal-smithing, leather, wood crafts
Apparel for people, pets, and dolls
Plenty to Eat
As usual, guests of Market Day will find plenty of good food throughout the neighborhood, including:
Cousins Maine Lobster parked in front of Worthington UMC
Momos from Everest Cuisine sold out front along High Street
Lemonade shakeups
Sweets like candies and chocolate-covered fruits
Plenty of street foods, from breakfast sandwiches to brats, prepared by local charitable organizations like the local Kiwanis club, veterans organizations, and Boy Scout troops
Restaurants in Old Worthington like La Chatelaine, the Whitney House, Everest, Old Bag of Nails, The Half Pint, House Wine
The DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area) will be in effect, too, so guests can purchase drinks from participating establishments and bring them outside
A Visit from the TWHS Marching Band
The Thomas Worthington High School marching band will perform on the northwest quadrant of the Village Green at noon!
Antique Sale on the Village Green
In tandem with Market Day, the Worthington Historical Society hosts an antique sale on the southeast quadrant of the Village Green
A variety of vendors will be selling antiques and collectibles throughout the day
The Shop at the Old Rectory will also have a booth set up on the Green, too
A Technology Fair with FCBank
In the parking lot at the northeast corner of New England and High Street, FCBank is hosting a Technology Fair
A collection of booths will showcase everything from 3D printers to robotics, plus virtual reality, digital caricatures, a selfie station, giveaways and prizes
Old Worthington Market Day
Saturday, September 28
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Free parking is available at Thomas Worthington High School. Shuttles for guests and vendors will run from the high school lot to the Griswold Center and the Worthington Inn from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
For more information, visit worthingtonchamber.org.
