Market Day Is Back in 2021 - Get the Scoop and Learn its History!

Market Day is upon us! The annual celebration of handicrafts, good food, and community fills up High Street on Saturday, October 2nd. 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.

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 2021?

Here are a few things to look forward to at the 2021 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:

  • Kona Ice

  • The Gourmet Farm Girl

  • Goodies from the TWHS Football Touchdown Club

  • Western Reserve Kettle Korn

  • Cobblestone Confections

  • Fudgetastic

  • Nectar of the Vine

  • 3rd and Spoon Edible Cookie Dough

  • Silver Bridge Coffee Company

  • Mondiale Collections artisan chocolates

  • The DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area) will be in effect, too, so guests can purchase drinks from participating establishments and bring them outside

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

  • The Society has been hosting sales on the Green since the 1950s!

  • 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, October 2

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Event parking is available at Thomas Worthington High School, 300 W. Dublin-Granville Road. A shuttle service will be operated from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., traveling from the high school to shuttle stops in the parking lot behind The Worthington Inn and The Griswold Center.

For more information, visit the site or check out the Facebook event!

Nicholas Dekker