During the 1800's, there were originally 9 public markets in the basin of the community of Cincinnati (originally called Losantiville).  Findlay Market is the last surviving market to this day.  Many German-American immigrants came through Pennsylvania to settle in Cincinnati and northern Kentucky because the land was plentiful and inexpensive.  Ohio's canal system was a practical way to move raw materials and finished goods to the Ohio River and places west.  So, a community emerged, consisting mostly of German-Americans, who built their homes and businesses in what we today call Over-the-Rhine.  They gave it this name as the canal, which ran along the path of today's Central Parkway, in the backdrop of the lightly forested hills leading to Clifton, reminded them of their beloved homeland and Rhine River.  We will continue looking at the rich history of the Market and its importance to Over-the-Rhine in the coming months. 

The next time you visit the Market, take a look at the renovated Market House.  It is a modern, glass building.  You will see brick red colored framework inside.   That is the original iron frame from 1852, when the Market was open-sided.  Findlay Market is the first iron framed structure in Ohio and was designed by Alfred West Gilbert.  The iron construction technology was championed by Miles Greenwood. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

Cincinnati has a true living landmark in Findlay Market. 

What is happening at the Market in the month of March?

There will be two Music in the Market performances, in advance of St. Patrick's Day.

3/15  noon - 2PM  Dulcimer players, Tom and Missy Strothers perform traditional Celtic music.

3/16  noon - 2PM  Prudence Hunt and the Homemade Jam band perform Celtic, traditional American ballads and more.

3/22  The day before Easter will be a busy one as shoppers will be buying hams, fresh vegetables, desserts, candies and flowers for the holiday. The Easter Bunny will visit from 10:00am to 2:00pm, distributing chocolate eggs to the kids and posing for pictures! . 

Mark your calendars for Monday, March 31, 2008 to attend the 89^th Annual Findlay Market Opening Day Parade.  This event has been the labor of love offered by the merchant community of Findlay Market to the citizens of Cincinnati since 1919.  The Parade celebrates the return of spring and the opening of baseball season.  Where else will you see high school bands, police, fire and military units marching along with more than 150 floats, all with the same theme - Findlay Market, baseball and the Cincinnati Reds! 

As we get closer to the Parade, I will provide you with more details to motivate you to watch as a spectator along the parade route from Race Street, 5^th Street to Broadway. Thanks to Channel 5 you can watch it on television and if you are on Fountain Square, you can watch it on the Jumbotron,  

See you at the Market!

For more information about Findlay Market, visit www.findlaymarket.org, where you can sign up for the weekly enewsletter.

Contributed by:  Cheryl Eagleson, Marketing Director Findley Market