Uptown Westerville is a Place for Fresh Foods!

Today is Wednesday and that means Uptown Farmers' Market Day!

Check the fabulous Photo Gallery of foods that look good enough to eat and friendly merchants that will happy to meet you!

Visit these Farmers' Market vendors located at the NE Corner of N. State and E. Home in the Church of the Messiah parking lot:

Bildsten Landscape Services
Bird Haven Farms
Carousel Watergardens & Nursery
Cathy's Tasty Treats
The Flying J Farm
Mockingbird Meadows
Landrum Cottage Designs
Plieades Maple Products
RJ Gourmet Foods
Sue's Kitchen
Taste of Seattle Coffee Company

Also.... take a few minutes to visit the Uptown Merchants during their extended Wednesday hours, including WUMA members:

A Gal Named Cinda Lou, 24 East College, 614.766.1409
Amish Originals, 8 and 38 N. State Street, 614.891.6257
Encircle, 30 North State Street, 614.889.1355
Gallery 202, 38 N. State Street., Upstairs, 614.890.8202
Morgan’s Treasure, 12 West Main Street, 614.882.4401
Ruth Reed Antiques, 21 East College Ave, 614.891.6202

For a complete list of extended hour Uptown Merchants, click here.

Every Wednesday through October 24th is Uptown Farmers' Market Day!

Uptown Westerville is a Place to Make Room for Art!

Gallery 202, 38 N. State St., Upstairs, is offering a unique approach to help artists make space and you build your original art collection.

From May 25th through June 30th, Gallery 202 is inviting you to "Make Room for Art!"

Gallery 202 has invited artists to clean out their studios for great art that needs a new home to add to the Gallery 202 Art Adoption Center for a special "Reverse Art Sale."

• Find a work of art you like between today and June 9th and you save 30% to 50%.
• Find a work of art you like between June 13th and June 16th and you save 25%.
• Find a work of art you like between June 20th and June 23rd and you save 15%.
• Find a work of art you like between June 27th and June 30th and you save 10%.

Artists get a commission from the sales and proceeds go to Gallery 202 to support continuing programs, events, and exhibits.

Stop by anytime you are uptown, and tonight during Fourth Friday!

Uptown Westerville is a Place to Honor the Members of Our Armed Services

The 2007 Westerville Memorial Day Parade is Monday, May 28th beginning at 9:45 a.m.

The parade starts at State St. and College and will make a stop at City Hall, continue south on State St. to the Armory then west on Bishop, and north onto Knox, entering Otterbein Cemetery.

Members of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7883 and the American Legion - Westerville will be participating in the parade.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Getting Back to Nature

It's the start of summer! It's May! It's Memorial Day Weekend! It's Fourth Friday!!

This month's Fourth Friday features "Back to Nature."

And, like every Fourth Friday, it's a great family event.

Come Uptown for dinner at WUMA members, Dairy Queen, Michael's Pizza, The Old Bag of Nails Pub, or Pasquale's Pizza and Pasta, and stay for the festivities.

Take the time to visit these WUMA merchants:

• A Gal Named Cinda Lou, 24 E. College, off Haywood Alley
• Amish Originals, 8 and 38 N. State
• Captivating Canines, 46 N. State
• D J's Feed Store, 41 N. State
• Edward Jones Investments, 39 N. State
• Encircle, 30 N. State
• Flowers by Doris, 30 E. College
• Gallery 202, 38 N. State, Upstairs
• Generations Performing Arts Center, 11 W. College
• Morgan's Treasure, 12 W. Main
• Ruth Reed Antiques, 23 E. College
• Uptown Pharmacy, 23 N. State
• Westerville Bike Shop, 29 W. Main

Gallery 202 features include The Beaded Pouch exhibit and the Westerville Art League Spring Show. Check out the Gallery 202 gift shop for unique and imaginative gift ideas.

Captivating Canines is celebrating its 10th Anniversary! Look for Captivating Canines' ad in this week's ThisWeek and stop by!

For more information about Uptown Westerville's Shopping Experience, including a street map, visit the Uptown Merchants website.

Check out these Fourth Friday guests to experience the local flora and fauna:

The Columbus Zoo
Inniswood Metro Gardens
Sharon Woods Metro Park
Ohio Division of Wildlife
Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission
Franklin Soil and Water Conservation
Otterbein Lake Project
Friends of the Alum Creek Tributaries
Central Ohio Geocachers (Geocaching is GPS "treasure hunting")
Ohio to Erie Trail

Hanby Arts Magnet School will host its Annual Plant Sale (3 - 8 p.m.) at Hanby School.

For entertainment, the WVCB Music Stage will feature rock and jazz from Mind's Eye and The Alum Creek Singers will be performing at the front of City Hall. And, stop by the WVCB, at 20 W. Main, and you'll find performing arts groups from local elementary schools.

Westerville Police and Fire and Westerville Public Library displays will feature children's activities. And, look for performances and demonstrations from iYooWee Dance and Fitness, the Taoist Tai Chi Society, and Generations Performing Arts Center.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Shopping

Look for the Westerville Uptown Merchants Association ad appearing in the May 24th ThisWeek, Westerville edition.

This month's ad features a Uptown business Captivating Canines, 46 N. State, 614.882.8863 Distinctive Gifts for Dog Lovers, (bring the ad with you for special savings) and these uptown merchants:

A Gal Named Cinda Lou 24 E. College -- right behind Amish Originals -- the door faces Haywood Alley. 614.599.0308 Friendly, eclectic -- featuring art, vintage decor, clothing, jewelry, cards, candles and other hip gift items.

Amish Originals Furniture Company 8 & 38 N. State Street, 614.891.6257, Beautiful furniture and home accents made in Ohio, by select Amish crafters.

Edward Jones Investments 39 N. State St., 614.882.1131 Financial Services. Investments. Retirement. 401(k). Contact Financial Advisor Tim Bullock today.

Morgan's Treaure 12 W. Main St., 614.882.4401 A goldsmith and graduate gemologist, Bill Morgan offers services like repair and remounting along with custom design, artisan works, and select jewelry lines.

NorthStar Pet Services 614.352.1144 Vacation, Travel, Work Day, Scheduling Conflicts, Hospital Stay or Recovery, New Pet in the Household, When You Need Assistance to Care for Your Pet. Pet sitter, Linda Foor, urges you to go away.... often! And, go away with the peace of mind that your pets are well-cared for by a professional pet sitter.

Suite 59 Hair Design 59 E. Home St., 614.891.HAIR Suite 59 Hair Design offers friendly, personal services to help you make your personal style statement from cutting edge to classic. Call for an appointment today: Tuesdays through Saturdays, evenings by appointment.

The Uptown Farmers' Market Northeast Corner of E. Home and N. State Streets, Wednesdays 3 - 6 p.m., May 9th - October 24th. Make your Wednesdays special and stop by the outdoor Farmers' Market to bring something special home for dinner! An Uptown favorite, the Farmers' Market features local vendors selling organic beef, roasted coffee, baked goods, fresh vegetables, flowers, and more. Home-made and Home-grown in our Hometown!

Your community marketplace destination -- Uptown Westerville is A Place for People.

The Westerville Uptown Merchants Association Co-Op Advertising Program currently runs an ad once a month in ThisWeek Community Newspapers. Are you a merchant who would like to participate in the WUMA Co-Op Advertising Program? WUMA member and Non-WUMA member rates available. Contact Linda Foor, Brickstreet Communications, ljfoor@brickstreet.net or 614.352.1144 for more information.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Our Friends

The Earlene Wandrey Celebrity Event at The Old Bag of Nails Pub on May 18th was a rousing success!!

Over 200 people attended the event, which included a new feature beverage called "The Earlini!" and the event raised over $7,000 for Earlene's Relay for Life Team.

Mayor Diane Fosselman presented a proclamation to Earlene naming May 18, 2007 as Earlene Wandrey Day in Westerville.

Best Wishes to Earlene!

Uptown Westerville is a Place to Celebrate Captivating Canines' 10th Anniversary

No need for a double-take – that is indeed a bandana-wearing bloodhound waiting ever faithfully at the door of Captivating Canines at 46 N. State Street in Uptown Westerville. As a matter of fact, that’s Bruno! And, as you get closer, you’ll probably also notice the dog-walking-friendly water bowl and, once through the front door, you’ll discover quickly that, at Captivating Canines, it’s a dog lover's world!

Celebrating its tenth anniversary, this long-time favorite stop for Central Ohio dog lover's, located in Uptown Westerville, carries a clever collection of select merchandise that celebrates our four-legged friends and their people.

Owners, Gordon and Rodie Solomons have created a shop with true personality and charm that honors both our enthusiasm for our dogs and discriminating tastes. “We always want our shop to feel fun and entertaining,” says Rodie, “We like to find creative, dog-oriented products that are useful, but stylish, with hand-crafted elements and artistic flair. Our products genuinely express our passion for dogs.”

For the discerning dog, Captivating Canines features a special selection of practical, yet posh dog items including I.D. tags, dishes and feeders, designer collars and leashes, and dog-tested favorite toys.

Whatever your breed, you’ll find an imaginative assortment of gift items like figurines, ladies purses, jewelry, apparel, doormats, afghans, home and office accessories, golf club covers, and more. And, formal to fun, enjoy a truly captivating selection of original art for all decors and tastes.

Captivating Canines features entertaining and collectible customer favorites like bejeweled fashion accessories, "Doogies,” bobbleheads, “Pupper Weights,” and “Junkyard Dog” sculptures.

Whether you have dogs or know someone with dogs, join in on the celebration of our canine friends with a regular visit to Captivating Canines in Uptown Westerville

Captivating Canines is located at 46 N. State Street in historic uptown Westerville, Ohio. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday, Noon to 5 p.m., Closed Tuesdays.

Check the May 24th edition of ThisWeek - Westerville for special savings at Captivating Canines. Save up to 20% on dog figurines (with coupon and feature ad, offer good through June 30, 2007) or 10% with coupon on any purchase!

For more information, contact Gordon Solomons at 614-882-8863 or captivatingcanines@sbcglobal.net.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Think Pink and Big Fun!

The 2007 Think Pink/Flamingo Festival event was indeed big fun.

The weather cooperated (the skies opened up in a downpour just as vendors finished packing up!) for a quite pleasant Sunday afternoon of browsing, laughing, chasing bubbles, and just enjoying the festive atmosphere. A great day for fun with family and friends.

Over 60 street vendors participated in Gallery 202's Think Pink and they lined the sidewalks from W. College north to E. Home featuring everything from fabulous baked goods to hand-carved walking sticks to crafters to jewelry to art.

Event co-sponsor, A Gal Named Cinda Lou, 24 E. College, hosted the flamingo games and handed out fantastic flamingo leis. The leis, along with a hand-painted flamingo on your cheek, by artist Cindy Hayter, were THE accessories for the day!

WUMA members Morgan's Treasure and The Old Bag of Nails Pub also co-sponsored the event. For a full list of sponsors visit the Gallery 202 website.

Paricipating street vendors took advantage of the chance to save $5 on their exhibit fee by bringing an artistic tribute to the fabled pink-feathered lawn icon to Gallery 202 for judging entries included tennis shoes, jewelry, a flamingo-themed throne, and framed art. Gallery visitors voted for their fav flamingo expressions by dropping pennies into a jar for each entry.

Congratulations to Grand Prize winner Stephanie Forney (Stephanie and Sean's station featured fine art and caricatures) for her impressive creation.

Special thanks go out to all uptown merchants for their Sunday hours. Uptown Westerville -- truly A Place for People.

Thanks to Ric Kropat for the photo images.

By the way, if you are reading this and you participated as a vendor in Think Pink, check the Think Pink webpage -- you can also set up in Uptown Westerville on June 16th during The Garrett Wonders Memorial Bike Race sponsored by WUMA member Westerville Bike Shop at a discounted space rental price. Space is limited, so reserve your space early. Even if you didn't participate in Think Pink and would like to rent space for the bike race, check the Gallery 202 website.

Uptown Westerville is a Place to Start Summer!

The next 10 days will be busy days in Uptown Westerville.

First, please take some time on any uptown visit, to stop by Gallery 202, 38 N. State St., Upstairs, to check out the Westerville Art League Spring Show.

This Friday evening stop by The Old Bag of Nails Pub 24-26 N. State St., hit the stairs or the elevator at the back and head to the third floor banquet room to attend Earlene's Celebrity Event.

Saturday, check out Westerville's Fire Station 111 Open House from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 400 W. Main St.

Also on Saturday, check out the Tour de Westerville bicycle event through the Westerville Rec Center -- organized rides are leaving from the Rec Center and from the Senior Center. Call the Rec Center for details 614.901.6500.

Sunday, Think Pink! Look for 60 vendors lining both sides of N. State St., between College and Home, in this art-based Market Days homage from noon to 5 p.m. Flamingo-licious!

Wednesday is The Uptown Farmers' Market, in the Church of the Messiah parking lot at N. State and E. Home, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Also, keep in mind many uptown businesses are open later on Wednesday's, too.

And, it's already time for May's Fourth Friday on the 25th. This month's theme is Back to Nature.

Memorial Day will be officially recognized Monday, May 28th. Check back for parade details.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Farm-Fresh and Home-Made!

Just a reminder that today is Uptown Farmers' Market Wednesday in Uptown Westerville!

The open-air market is located in the Church of the Messiah parking lot at E. Home and N. State Street.

From setting the atmosphere to good eats, you'll find home-grown, home-made ingredients for tonight's dinner through and to tomorrow's breakfast!

Check out maple products, meats, eggs, organics, in-season produce, spelt flour, flowers, hanging baskets, chutneys, snack fare, baked goods, honey, teas, herbs, beeswax candles, breads, dressing mixes, pet treats, select coffees, and pastries.

And, while you are visiting the Uptown Farmers' Market -- check out the Uptown Merchants with extended Wednesday hours.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Community

The Westerville Uptown Merchants Association welcomes its newest member:

Joe's Automobile Repair
80 N. State Street
614.882.9965

Uptown Westerville is A Place for Wednesday Extended Evening Hours

While you are shopping at The Farmers' Market, keep these WUMA member merchants and their new Wedneday evening hours in mind:

A Gal Named Cinda Lou, 24 East College, 614.766.1409
Amish Originals, 8 and 38 N. State Street, 614.891.6257
Encircle, 30 North State Street, 614.889.1355
Gallery 202, 38 N. State Street., Upstairs, 614.890.8202
Morgan’s Treasure, 12 West Main Street, 614.882.4401
Ruth Reed Antiques, 21 East College Ave, 614.891.6202

Most merchants will be open at least until 8:00 p.m., but call your favorite shop ahead of time just to make sure!

Special Thanks from WUMA to Hearts Content, 9 N. State St., for reaching out to Uptown merchants.

Click here for a complete list of Extended Hours merchants.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Supporting Friends

Join WUMA members and members of Our Community to support a good friend -- Earlene Wandrey of Déjà Vu and her team participating in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life at Earlene’s Celebrity Event.

Earlene’s Celebrity Event is Friday, May 18th from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at The Old Bag of Nails Pub’s 3rd floor banquet room at 24 N. State St.

Good fun, good food, good drinks and, yes, Celebrity Waiters! Including:

Tim Bullock - Edward Jones Investments, WUMA President

Cindy Crowe - Westerville School Board

Janet Davis - Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce President/CEO

Bob Dennis - Minuteman Press

Cindy Englefield - CEO The Publishing Company

CJ Fetchero - CJ Fetchero Insurance Agency

Scott Hrabcak - Former Chairman of the Board, Westerville Area Chamber of

Commerce

Dave Kaylor - Channel 10 News

Dave Lindemore - Westerville City Manager

Rocky Pentello - Westerville South Football Coach

Rick Rano - Realtor, Re/Max Affiliates

David Wandrey - Earlene’s son

Brenda Winebrenner - Owner, Westerville Inn.

You can also make a contribution by writing a check made payable to “Relay for Life” and send it to Earlene or visit Earlene's Relay for Life Team Page to make a donation online.

Admission is free and a portion of proceeds from sales benefit the Relay for Life.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Bicycle Enthusiasts

June 16th visit Uptown Westerville from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for The 4th Annual Garrett Wonders Memorial Bike Race sponsored by Raisin Rack and WUMA member Westerville Bike Shop, 29 W. Main St.

According to Westerville Bike Shop owner, Kurt Lemkuhl: "This is a non-profit race put on in honor of Garrett Wonders, a former employee of the Westerville Bike Shop, former president and cyclist for the OSU cycling team, member of the Armed Forces cycling team, and Olympic hopeful. He was tragically struck by a car while on a training ride in South Carolina. Because of his enthusiasm for developing new riders and for the sport of cycling, we put this race on every year."

All proceeds are being donated to the Garrett Wonders Memorial Fund,a 501C(3) organization which provides a collegiate cycling scholarship to an OSU student each year and promotes cycling awareness.

This event features a $3,000 purse with events including a citizens race, junior category, a women's open, children's street springs, and a Pro 123 race.

Pre-register through racelistings.com or register the day of the event.

Westerville Bike Shop is also sponsoring a Phoenix Racing junior training camp from June 13th through June 16th at Otterbein College. For more information visit the Phoneix Bike Racing website.

For details contact, WUMA member Westerville Bike Shop, 29 W. Main St., at 614.891.5654.

In addition, merchandising options for the race are available! If you would like to set up a street vendor station along the streets closed for the bike race, contact Renee Kropat at WUMA Member Gallery 202. There are limited number of spaces and each space costs $35, but if you are a vendor participating in Think Pink, you pay just $25. Gallery 202 can provide tables and market umbrella rental is available for $10. Contact Renee at renee@gallery202online.com or 614.890.8202.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Fun and… Flamingoes????

Mark May 20th on your calendars and… Think Pink!

WUMA member, Gallery 202, is sponsoring the first annual Pink Flamingo Festival! Sunday, May 20th from Noon to 5:00 p.m.

With the festival starting at noon, think about popping Uptown for lunch/brunch, visiting any number of Uptown Westerville restaurants like WUMA members Pasquale’s Pizza and Pasta, The Old Bag of Nails Pub, Michael’s Pizza, and Dairy Queen.

Visitors can stroll through Uptown Westerville visiting Uptown Shops and over 50 participating sidewalk vendors featuring crafters, jewelry, baked goods, flowers, carving, fine art, and more.

The Pink Flamingo Festival draws its inspiration from Uptown’s old-school “sidewalk sale” weekend called Market Days.

No denying that the pink flamingo is an infamous pop-art image – and love it or hate it, there is no arguing that the pink flamingo makes quite a statement! Participating vendors and shops will be adding to that statement by custom decorating their own flamingoes for you to view and judge!!

And, while you are Uptown for the festival, stop into Gallery 202, 38 N. State St., Upstairs, to check out the Westerville Art League Annual Art Show. You’ll find that Westerville is home to some very talented, creative artists!

Event sponsors include WUMA members, A Gal Named Cinda Lou, Gallery 202, Morgan's Treasure, and The Old Bag of Nails Pub.

Remember, May 20th – Think Pink!

For more information, visit the Gallery 202 website.