Uptown Westerville is a Place for Scarecrows?

Tonight is the Westerville Uptown Merchants Association annual boo-fest -- that's right, Midnight Madness is finally here!! From 6 p.m. to midnight!!

The streets of Uptown Westerville are already starting to fill with fright-filled sights!!! With more to come as the midnight hour draws nigh....

Scarecrows! The scarecrows are already making their way to storefronts and window displays -- look for the headless Brutus Buckeye riding a giant horse in front of Amish Originals at 38 N. State or the ScareCow at DJs Feed Store or the Headless Customer at Suite 59 Hair Design!!

Vote for your favorite Scarecrow! For more information: Check out Gallery 202's website.

The Night of 100 Pumpkins has commenced!! The pumpkin display on W. Main St. has welcomed its first arrivals.

The Horse-Drawn Wagon Ride Station is at Rotary Park at E. Home and N. State from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Stalk the streets of Uptown Westerville ducking from store-to-store if you dare and find all sorts of treats, specials, and surprises. And, Avast! Look for the talking ghost pirate ghost!!

Don't forget the Westerville Visitors and Convention Bureau's Fourth Friday vendors will be hovering about all through Uptown Westerville!

Come up! Enjoy! Bring a pumpkin!!

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Kindness and Caring

If you've gotten this week's ThisWeek, you'll see a front page story on WUMA Member Gerry Domanik (Suite 59 Hair Design) and his Irish Setter, Killian.

Just click here to read Lin Rice's article online.

Killian is a therapy dog and after his 1,000th visit is officially retiring.

Earlier this year, Killian was recognized by the the Alzheimer's Association of Central Ohio as the first non-human recipient of their Giving from the Heart annual volunteer award.

Thank you, Killian. Thank you, Gerry and Joan.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Community

WUMA Member Edgewood Manor of Westerville, 140 N. State St., extends an invitation to join them at their 3rd Annual Halloween Party! Thursday, October 25th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Look for their ad in this week's Westerville News and Public Opinion (2A)!

Costumes encouraged! Along with refreshments and costume judging, Edgewood Manor is planning Pin the Nose on Jack, Donut Bobbing, Pumpkin Patch Picking, Pinatas and more!!

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Shopping Madness!

This year's Midnight Madness event on October 26th from 6 p.m. to midnight in Uptown Westerville includes over 80 Westerville Visitors and Convention Bureau Fourth Friday street vendors.

Look for street vendors all along State Street from City Hall (21 S. State) North to E. Home St., including E. College and the Church of the Messiah parking lot at E. Home and N. State.

Uptown Westerville is a Place to Start Traditions like... The Night of 100 Pumpkins!

Could 2007 be the first year of the Midnight Madness annual pumpkin display? You can help us find out!!

The October 2007 issue of Country Living Magazine featured a story on Keene, New Hampshire and the Keene Pumpkin Fest.

What we really liked about the article we saw were the photographs of rows of pumpkins, decorated by the citizens of Keene, on display in "uptown" Keene. We thought it might be fun to see if we could make a community pumpkin display a part of WUMA's annual Boo-Fest!

While Keene has 1000s of pumpkins and even a pumpkin tower!! This year, we are hoping that the first annual Midnight Madness pumpkin display will feature 100 pumpkins from Westerville residents and merchants.

Midnight Madness is this Friday, October 26th from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. in Uptown Westerville.

The 1st Annual Midnight Madness Pumpkin Display will be located in the parking lot on W. Main, between Morgan's Treasure (12 W. Main) and the Westerville Visitors and Convention Bureau (20 W. Main).

Pumpkin drop-off times on October 26th:

Noon to 4 p.m.

6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Horses and Wagons

This Friday, October 26th, is the Westerville Uptown Merchants Association's Midnight Madness.

This year is very exciting because there are a record number of participating merchants -- as you go from store-to-store, you'll enjoy lots of treats, specials, and surprises.

So a whole lot of Fun Boo going on Uptown!

One of this year's features is the WUMA sponsored horse-drawn wagon rides. The wagon rides are FREE from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and departure and arrival take place at Rotary Park at the corner of E. Home and N. State Streets.

The wagon route goes east on Home Street (look for the scarecrow on the front porch of Suite 59 Hair Design!!) South on Vine, West on Winter Street, and North on State Street back to Rotary Park.

A great way to enjoy family fun or take a cozy, romantic autumn tour of Westerville's historic neighborhoods.

Uptown Westerville is a Place that's Spooktacular!!!!

Westerville Uptown Merchant Association’s
Midnight Madness
Friday, October 26, 2007, 6 p.m. - Midnight


Here is a shop by shop guide to.... the Madness!!!!!

West Side State St., South to North…

The Dog Joint • 59 S. State, in the parking lot • Sneak Preview Sampler of their Menu!!

Westerville Police Department • 29 S. State • Police Car on Display, Glow Sticks, and Treats

Sounds Educational Center • Performances • City Hall, 21 S. State

Sertoma Brat Wagon • Corner W. College & S. State

Generations Performance Arts Center • 11 W. College • Open House • Performances

Brown Tax Accounting • 18 W. College • Scarecrow

Hearts Content • 9 N. State • Look for the… Scary Lady in the Chair!

Outside Envy • 15 N. State • Scarecrow & Decorated Pumpkin, Free Tulip bulbs to the first 100 customers, “Register-to-Win” on Some Great Items like Pottery and Baskets.

Westerville Bike Shop • 29 W. Main • Scarecrow

Embroidery Deluxe • 39 W. Main • Red Hat Society Victorian Bouquet Bangers and Strummers (7 p.m.), Corbin Saloon display, Pumpkin, Scarecrow

Westerville Visitors & Convention Bureau • 20 W. Main • Scarecrow

Westerville Uptown Merchants Association First Annual Pumpkin Display • 2007 Goal: 100 Pumpkins! • Parking lot on the north side of W. Main between Morgan’s Treasure at 12 W. Main and WVCB at 20 W. Main. n Pumpkin Drop-Off: Friday, October 26th: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Morgan’s Treasure • 12 W. Main • Refreshments & Scarecrow

Edward Jones Investments • 39 N. State • Music & Scarecrow

DJ’s Feed Store • 41 N. State • “Scare-Cow,” Hot Chocolate, Cookies & Treats • Pumpkin Bowl Drawing for Discounts from 10% to 30% off

East Side State St., North to South…

Westerville Uptown Merchants Association Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides • Station at Rotary Park, Corner E. Home and N. State, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Suite 59 Hair Design • 59 E. Home • Scarecrow

Hey Diddle Diddle • 38 N. State • Open at 7:00 p.m.

Gallery 202, Partners In Art, Inc. • 38 N. State • Opening at 7:00 p.m., Scarecrow Special Children's Activities, including Take-Home Art! ($1 Entry Fee for Children’s Activities Only)

Amish Originals Furniture Co. • 38 N. State • Decorated Pumpkins on Display starting 7:00 p.m., Refreshments

Encircle • 30 N. State • Open, Visit Encircle’s New Store

The Old Bag of Nails Pub • 24 N. State • Scarecrow, Refreshments

Amish Originals Furniture Co. • 8 N. State • Decorated Pumpkins on Display starting 7:00 p.m., Refreshments

A Gal Named Cinda Lou • 24 E. College, off Haywood Alley • Scarecrow, Refreshments & Treats, Decorated Pumpkin, Surprise Midnight Madness Visitors

Westerville Public Library • Magical Reading Swing • Gazebo on E. College

Foul Play • 27 E. College • Smoking Cauldron Punch Bowl

Ruth Reed Antiques • 23 E. College • Joe & Ish Jazz Duo in the Gazebo

Michael’s Pizza • 15 E. College • “Fourth Friday Pizza-by-the-Slice”

Barstow’s • 4 S. State • Treats and Spoooooky Music!

Schneider's Bakery • 6 S. State • Hot Glazed Doughnuts at 9 p.m.!

Java Central • 20 S. State • Spooooky Music, Classic Horror Films, Halloween Candy

It's All In The Name! • 20 S. State, Suite K on the brickwalk • 10%-off your total purchase during Midnight Madness

Westerville Fire Division • 44 S. State at Union Savings • Firetruck on Display

Uptown Westerville is a Place for the Final Uptown Farmers' Market of the Season

This is the last Farmers' Market Wednesday of 2007.

It has been a wonderful season and much thanks to both vendors and shoppers! Truly a wonderful community experience. A true cornucopia!

The Farmers' Market is the perfect place to stop for your Midnight Madness pumpkin! Pick it out today, decorate it tomorrow, drop it off at the community pumpkin display on Friday!

Thanks to the 2007 Uptown Farmers' Market Vendors:

Arjay Gourmet Foods, Ltd.
Birds Haven Farms
Blidsten Landscape Service
Carousel Watergardens and Nursery/Cathy's Tasty Treats
Cracker Cottage
Jim Doran
Flying J Farm
Gillogly Orchard
Landrum Cottage Designs
Malabar Acres
Mockingbird Meadows
Northridge Organic
Payne Family Farm
Pleiades Maple Products
Reds Wings
Sue's Kitchen
Taste of Seattle
Varley Valley Baked Goods/Droolin' Good Dog Treats
Zenjiro Gardens

And, Uptown Merchants stayed open extended hours on Wednesdays, during the season, including WUMA members:

A Gal Named Cinda Lou, 24 East College 614-766-1409
Amish Originals, 8 and 38 N. State St., 614-891-6257
Encircle, 30 North State Street 614-8891-1355
Gallery 202, 38 N. State St. Upstairs, 614-890-8202
Morgan's Treasures, 12 West Main Street, 614-882-4401
Ruth Reed Antiques, 21 East College Ave, 614-891-6202

Special thanks to....

The City of Westerville for its support, especially with the wonderful Uptown Farmers' Market banners. Much appreciated!!

Renee Kropat and Gallery 202 for the Farmers' Market logo and the Uptown Farmers' Market webpage.

Extra special thanks to Church of the Messiah, United Methodist for providing the excellent corner location.

One more thanks... Uptown Farmers' Market vendors donated weekly to WARM. Thank you for that extra touch of kindness and care. As we approach the holidays, especially, for more information about WARM and its place in our community visit the WARM website.

If you are interested in becoming a Farmers' Market vendor for 2008, keep an eye on the Uptown Farmers' Market webpage, print out an application form, or contact Doug Winbigler.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for the Annual Big Boo... Midnight Madness!!

Spooktacular activities, Halloween treats, scarecrows, wagon rides, pumpkins, and surprises await all those who dare visit Uptown Westerville, 6 p.m. to midnight, on October 26th for Midnight Madness. Sponsored by the Westerville Uptown Merchants Association, this perennial family favorite celebrates the spirit of the season.

With a full moon in the forecast, the atmosphere in Uptown Westerville will transform into a fun and lively seasonal affair.

Visitors can take part in the frightful festivities by contributing a decorated pumpkin or scarecrow to a community display. Then, take in the flavors of the season in a horse-drawn wagon and explore Uptown Westerville to find all sorts of thrills for the senses.

Whether “haunting” for bargains, looking for refreshments, or checking out uptown shops for the first time -- treats, specials, and Halloween surprises are in store!

From fire trucks to entertainment to gobs of kid-friendly activities, curious visitors will find an endless number of enchanting interactive exhibits, including wares and goods from over 80 street vendors.

Participating uptown merchants include Generations Performing Arts Center, Hearts Content, Outside Envy, Morgan’s Treasure, Westerville Bike Shop, Embroidery Deluxe, Westerville Visitors and Convention Bureau, Edward Jones Investments, DJ’s Feed Store, Suite 59 Hair Design, Gallery 202, Hey Diddle Diddle, Encircle, The Old Bag of Nails Pub, Amish Originals Furniture Co., A Gal Named Cinda Lou, Ruth Reed Antiques, Michael’s Pizza, Barstow’s, The Westerville Public Library, and more.

For additional information on Midnight Madness and Uptown Westerville check out http://www.uptownmechants.com/ or http://www.visitwesterville.org/

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Autumn Pumpkins

It's Farmers' Market Wednesday in Uptown Westerville.

This is the next to the last week for the market and a great place to stop for Halloween pumpkins.

Stop by the parking lot at E. Home and N. State Streets in the Church of the Messiah parking lot from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. today.

Check out: fall harvest produce, jams, jellies, chutneys, baked goods, tomatoes, corn, honey, pet treats, fresh flowers, and more!

Select uptown merchants are also open extended hours on Wednesdays.

Add Uptown Westerville to your Wednesday shopping list!

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Football Traditions

This weekend is Otterbein College Homecoming and WUMA member Otterbein College is inviting the community to join in the festivities.

On Saturday, October 13th, the Homecoming Parade begins at 10 a.m. at College and Grove. WUMA members, Renee Kropat (Gallery 202) and Linda Foor (Brickstreet Communications) will be judging floats along with Assistant Westerville Fire Battalion John Bokros and Otterbein College Vice President of Student Affairs, Robert Gatti.

Along with reunions, tailgating, tours, greek activities, and the dedication of the new communications building, there are tons of activities and fun.

And, ALL Otterbein athletic activities, including the football game, are FREE!!

Here are a few of the family-friendly activities:

Otterbein 160th Anniversary Birthday Tailgate (Admission: $5 adults/kids 12 and up/$3 kids 6 to 11, kids 5 and under free)

Otterbein Games, including cornhole and pin the tail on the cardinal

Women's Volleyball (OC v. Muskingum and Hiram)

Football! OC hosts the Heidelberg Student Princes. Go Cards!

Women's Soccer (OC v. John Carroll)

Black Homecoming Family Potluck

A free Dept. of Music Concert at Battelle Arts Center

Otterbein Days at Magic Mountain and Family Bowling (see website for details)

Otterbein Theatre presents Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? at the Campus Center

And, we are supposed to have great fall weather this weekend!

O-C!! O-C!! O-C!! O-C!! O-C!!.......

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Big Events so Save the Dates!

Uptown Westerville is looking forward to much ado about fun and festivities between now and New Year's Eve -- so, please, mark your calendars and save these dates.....

First, Wednesday, October 17th and Wednesday, October 24th are the last two Uptown Westerville Farmers' Markets. Sponsored by the Westerville Uptown Merchants Association, the Farmers' Market is a great source of fresh, home-grown, home-made fall flavors. A great place to pick up squash, apples, pumpkins, and... pie!

Friday, October 26th, 6 p.m. to midnight -- the Westerville Uptown Merchants Association's annual Boo-Fest -- Midnight Madness! This year has record merchant participation (lots of Halloween treats and surprises in-store!!), some of our favorite traditions, and some new features -- including horse-drawn wagon rides and a community pumpkin display.

Friday, November 30th, Saturday, December 1st, Sunday December 2nd -- Westerville Uptown Merchants Assocation's Home for the Holidays weekend. This weekend kicks-off the Uptown Westerville holiday season and starts off Friday with the annual tree lighting festivities at City Hall (21 S. State) co-sponsored with Westerville Parks and Rec and the Westerville Chamber of Commerce. Then Saturday enjoy a great day of Uptown Westerville shopping, with all sorts of fun features, including carriage rides. And, then Sunday, it's the Sertoma Annual Christmas Parade!!

Monday, December 31st, New Year's Eve -- Nothing like it before in Westerville!! Join Celebrate Westerville for Celebrate on State! 8 p.m. - 12:30 a.m. Uptown Westerville will be filled with activities, entertainment, and an awesome light show celebration including.... a fabulous ball ascension at midnight to welcome 2008, Westerville's 150th Anniversary!!

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Autumn's Bounty

If it's Wednesday in Uptown Westerville -- that means Farmers' Market Day.

And... today you can check out Autumn's bounty. Choose organic and conventionally farmed produce -- apples, squash, sweet corn, tomatoes, and melons.... The usual home-made, hom-grown choices are there, too -- pie, jellies, chutneys, jams, honey, pet treats, cookies, and more!

And, the Cub Scouts are there selling.... popcorn!!

And remember, select Uptown shops have extended Wednesday hours!

This year's Farmer's Market, at the corner of N. State and E. Home in the Church of the Messiah parking lot, runs through October 24th. That's 2 days before Uptown Westerville's Annual Big-Boo: Midnight Madness. This year, you can add a decorated or carved pumpkin to a community display (on W. Main, between 12 W. and 20 W. Main) -- you can pick out your pumpkin on Wednesday at the Farmers' Market, and bring it back up for the community display Friday night!