The Moonlight Market returns to Gay Street on Saturday, April 11th from 6pm to 11pm for its third season. The monthly event takes place Downtown every second Saturday from April to October, and features a unique shopping and entertainment environment that provides attendees with the opportunity to browse artisan products from sidewalk vendors in addition to shopping at the brick-and-mortar retail businesses on Gay Street during extended evening hours.
“I launched my vintage furniture and decor business in the Spring of 2014 and The Moonlight Market was the first market event I participated in,” said Ty Williams, owner of Fwd Furnishings. “I found Moonlight to be one of the best-travelled of all the market events in the city. Shoppers are in a relaxed mood and willing to take the time to talk about your wares and ask questions. I had a fantastic first year in business and Moonlight was my marquee event every month.”
Since its launch in 2013, the Moonlight Market has expanded each year to accommodate additional street vendors. With over 80 businesses participating each month in 2014 and a waiting list for spaces, the footprint of the event is expanding in 2015 to accommodate up to 160 street vendors on three full blocks of Gay Street — from Front Street to Fourth Street.
Another first for the Moonlight Market in 2015 is the addition of Telhio as a season sponsor. The locally-based credit union has been a part of the event since 2013, maintaining a vendor booth to represent its Downtown location at 96 North Fourth Street, right around the corner from Gay Street. Telhio’s financial contribution to the Moonlight Market allows for increased marketing, additional entertainment and other support.
“By sponsoring Moonlight Market, we feel we’re not only supporting this particular event, but rather helping to enhance our local community,” said Karen Daniels, Senior Vice President of Member Services at Telhio Credit Union. “We are proud to be a part of this Downtown tradition and are excited to watch its continue to growth this year.”
Gay Street is already known for its great brick and mortar restaurants and retailers, though some do not typically keep weekend or evening hours. The Moonlight Market provides an opportunity for shoppers to visit during extended hours, as well as an opportunity for those businesses to welcome new customers and increase sales. New brick and mortar businesses this season include B. Loved Bridal at 36 West Gay Street, Flying Gent at 46 North High Street and Nosh Columbus at 100 East Gay Street.
“We just opened last month, making this our first Moonlight Market and we couldn’t be more excited to participate,” said Jennifer Bartosek, co-owner of B. Loved. “We are looking forward to showcasing our exclusive selection of bridal gowns, opening our doors to the community, and getting to know our neighbors.”
Additional businesses participating in the Moonlight Market include: Cafe Brioso, Zen Cha Tea Salon, Zeroz, J. Gumbo’s, Due Amici, Tip Top Kitchen & Cocktails, Plantain Cafe, Cafe Napolitana, Phatt Taco, 39 Below Fro Yo, Wholly Craft!, Candle With a Cause, Red Giraffe Designs, Traxler Custom Printing, Ignite Fitness, Pursuit and many more.
The Moonlight Market is an official partner of the Greater Columbus Arts Council (GCAC) Street Performer program, which connects local musicians and entertainers with community festivals in Central Ohio and provides matching funds so that performers can be paid a fair wage for their artistic talents. Musicians and entertainers participating in the 2015 Moonlight Market season include Joey Hebdo, Andy Shaw, Ryan Smith, Kelly Zullo and others.
The Moonlight Market is free for shoppers and visitors to attend.
More information can be found online at www.moonlightmarketcolumbus.com.