Dare we say it? Spring is here, which means Pearl Market is right around the corner. The Market opens Tuesday, May 14, and we can hardly wait to kick off the Ohio farmers’ market season. (Psst…mark your calendar for the official kick off at noon. We’ve got some fun photo ops planned.) We welcome back some favorite farmers and merchants and also some newbies that bring some social entrepreneurship to the urban alleyways. Find out what’s headed your way in just two short weeks.

Last year, the weather was so warm leading up to Pearl Market that it seemed like summer fruits and veggies peaked as soon as we opened. The weather hasn’t been quite as kind to us this year, but farmers assure us there will be bounty. Look for lots of familiar faces at the top of the alley in Pearl and along Broad, and make sure to say hello to our newbies.

Thanks to the Puffin Foundation West, we will offer a 1:1 match (while supplies last) for the Ohio Direction Card, which will help make fresh, locally grown produce affordable for everyone.

Some of Pearl Market’s newest vendors developed their businesses based on social issues. You may not think that you can fight human trafficking, help musicians, the homeless or inspire artists with disabilities, but that’s exactly what you will do when you support some of our new social entrepreneurs, Freedom  a la Cart, VSA Ohio, Studio West and Candle With a Cause. They each will bring a diversity and richness to Pearl Market, and we are excited to welcome them.

But wait, there’s more. We haven’t even touched on all the vendors. Pearl Market will have baked goods, dog treats, hot sauce, jewelry, soaps, pottery, clothing, handmade embroidered items, fine art, fragrances, sweaters, honey, and tons more. Rumor has it that Café Napolitana will also be serving up deep fried calzones on Tuesdays and Fridays that you can pick up while you’re in the Market.

Man, do we really have to wait until May 14? What are you looking forward to seeing in Pearl Market this year? Post a comment here and you'll be entered to win two tickets to the Columbus Symphony's Fantastique Finale!