Visit the Market, Go Green, Test Drive an Electric Car – All This Saturday!

By Nicholas Dekker

Old Worthington is the place to be this Saturday, May 5! From 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. there are no less than three big events happening along High Street and on the Village Green. Gather up the whole family for a memorable morning of fun for the first Farmers Market of the season, the annual Green on the Green, and a special visit from Smart Columbus for the Ride & Drive Roadshow!

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What’s New at the Farmers Market?
One of Worthington’s favorite seasonal events, the Worthington Farmers Market, kicks off this Saturday. This season is especially exciting as the market unveils new adjustments to enhance the experience for residents, visitors, and vendors.

Here are some of the changes you’ll see this season:

  • An expanded market footprint: Market vendors will extend farther down the east side of High Street in front of the United Methodist Church.
  • Extended hours: In June, July, and August the market is piloting extended hours until 1 p.m. The extra hour is being tested as part of careful analysis of national farmers market trends, with the goal of better serving market customers and encouraging guests to spend more time in the neighborhood!
  • Improved handicapped parking: The Dewey’s parking lot will now be reserved for handicapped customers. Current tags must be visible in each vehicle.

The market is also partnering with the City of Worthington to present Market Fit. Held every first and third Saturday of the month from 8-9 a.m., Market Fit is a rotating series of classes on the Village Green. They’re open to everyone; guests with a Worthington Community Center Group Fitness Card can attend by using their card or signing in with the instructor; guests without cards can join any class for just $8! Keep up with the class schedule through the Facebook event.

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Go Green on the Green
Started in 2010, Green on the Green is an annual celebration of going green. The free and family friendly event promotes sustainable practices, environmental stewardship, and healthy living. More than 60 vendors will be on hand selling handcrafted items (can we say Mother’s Day gifts?) and offering interactive activities for the kiddos. You can enjoy snacks and live music while you play and browse through everything from candles to tea, pottery to essential oils.

Learn about better living habits, discover health and wellness techniques, and learn how to make your home more environmentally sustainable. See the exhibitors and festival map here, and check out the Big Green Guide to learn more about the vendors.

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Ride & Drive
Green on the Green will be made even more memorable this year with a visit from Smart Columbus’ Ride & Drive Roadshow. Dedicated to exploring electric vehicles and other transportation alternatives, Smart Columbus was formed in 2016 after the City of Columbus won a $40 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

They’re visiting the Northwest Village Green outside the Griswold Center (777 High St.). to demonstrate how electric vehicles are both exciting to drive and affordable. Registered guests will get to test drive one of the electric cars on the market today. This includes a guided, interactive experience about the Smart Columbus initiative and the benefits of electric vehicles.

Guests who want to take an electric car for spin need to be 18 or older and have a valid driver’s license. Register ahead of time here: smartcbus.com/oldworthington

Nicholas Dekker