Be Indypendent

By supporting the City Market, you are not only supporting a large piece of history of the city, but you are also supporting your fellow Hoosiers. Whether you stop in on your lunch break for something quick or you hit the Farmers’ market every Wednesday, you are supporting something much bigger than you realize. The City Market is not just any market, it is a piece of Indiana’s young history that stands as a national landmark constantly reminding us to Get Fresh. Be Indypendent. Buy Local.

Friday, May 30, 2008

An INDYpendent EVENT

The addition of the Indy Arts Market on Saturdays expands the City Market from a fresh food market to a music and art venue. Lining the Whistler Plaza, local artists will have the opportunity to display and sell their artwork in a location walking distance from Monument Circle and Mass Avenue while local musicians entertain. Make your work available to the masses by participating in the Indy Arts Market. Being a part of the Indy Arts Market allows you to be part of a ground breaking new tradition at the City Market.

The City Market is one of only five original Public Market Houses in the United States and is among only a handful of original 19th Century Market Houses left. The towering brick walls, expansive iron trusses, arched windows, and patina copper roof make it a work of art in itself. The historical national landmark represents over 100 years of Indianapolis tradition that makes it a centerpiece of Indianapolis life.

With all the up and coming revitalized areas in Indianapolis, you must consider the City Market just as important as Monument Circle, Mass Ave, and Fountain Square. The historical aspects of Indianapolis are what make it such a great pull to tourists and locals. When you support the City Market, you support Indianapolis. Local farmers, vendors, musicians, and artists are the people who make the City Market possible. By participating in the City Market, you have the opportunity to be a part of one of the city’s oldest and most prized institutions.

Join in on the fun and encourage others to support you at the City Market. Encourage fellow Hoosiers to Get Fresh. Be Indypendent. Buy Local.

What's Going on at the Market June 2 - 7

Thinking about stopping by the City Market next week? Check out what's going on throughout the week!

Monday-Saturday: From 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. Local vendors are ready to sell you their carefully prepared delicacies!

Wednesday: From 10:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. the award winning Farmers Market takes place outside the City Market on Market Street between Alabama and Delaware streets. Stop in to pick up some fresh produce, cookies, bread, or even syrup!

Thursday: From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Shane Rodimel performs on Whistler Plaza to kick off the summer's Acoustic Thursdays! Drop into the City Market to grab a bite and listen to some good local music!

Make sure to mark your calendars for the GRAND RE-OPENING scheduled June 23 - 28! It is sure to be a week full of fun and exciting activities for the whole family!

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Are you a Foodie? Do you Want to be?

Are you a foodie? (foo-dee) noun

1) A person obsessed with food and its preparation. 2) A person who will eat almost an-ything, but, astonishingly is not French. 3) Anyone who's TIVO hard drive is completely filled with recordings from the Food Channel.

You are if:
  • You think a life lived without organ meats, stinky cheese and demi-glace is a life not worth living.
  • You have ever eaten the eyeballs of ANYTHING.
  • You think six hours of prep time is reasonable for a "quick" meal.
  • You think the 50-50 chance you have of dying while eating ill-prepared blowfish is a risk worth taking.

Top 10 Reasons to Support Fair Trade

1. Fair Trade means fair pay and working conditions for farmers and producers. Fair Trade products are made in safe and healthy working conditions, where farmers and producers receive a fair price and have a voice in how their workplace is run.

2. Fair Trade is better for the environment. Fair Trade supports sustainable practices that minimize our environmental footprint.

3. Fair Trade means high quality goods. Artisans take pride in their work. Crafts are often handmade, which translates into closer attention to detail and in the end higher-quality products.

4. Fair Trade means better tasting food. Farmers are involved and invested in the entire production process, and crops are grown and harvested in smaller quantities. As a result, Fair Trade food is fresher and tastier.

5. Fair Trade is safe. Fair Trade actively promotes integrated farm management systems that improve soil fertility and preserve valuable ecosystems, and limit the use of harmful agrochemicals that present dangers to farmers’ health. That means food that’s safer for you and for the people who grow it.

6. Fair Trade supports communities. By working through cooperative structures, Fair Trade artisans and small farmers are able to invest Fair Trade earning in their communities, improving housing, healthcare, and schools.

7. Fair Trade is trade farmers can count on. Fair Trade is committed to strengthening direct partnerships between buyers and producers. These partnerships provide an avenue for buyers to purchase quality products from people they trust, and offer a sustainable and reliable way for farmers, artisans and their families to improve their livelihood.

8. Fair Trade connects you with other cultures. Fair Trade products are unique to the places they come from and the people who make them. Farmers and artisans are involved in the entire process, and Fair Trade products reflect the people and cultures they come from.

9. Fair Trade means sustainable local economies. Fair Trade gives farmers and artisans control of their own future. They can build their own businesses, rather than working for a middleman, and the profits stay in their communities and go back into their businesses.

10. Fair Trade means what you buy matters. By choosing Fair Trade products, you are not only accessing high quality products, you are making a difference in the lives of the people who grow the food you eat and the goods you use.

Copyrighted by Fair Trade Resource Network 2008

Trade Fairly at Dianbaar

Dianbaar opened shop in the City Market in early December of 2007, offering a different and unique type of product to the City Market customers. Dianbaar, owned and operated by Cherif and Kimberly Ba, features fair trade and recycled gifts from Africa.

The Ba’s began selling art for friends of Cherif Ba, a native of Senegal in Africa. As they continued to do this, they decided it was important and beneficial to the local and African communities to support free trade. Upon opening Dianbaar at the City Market, they introduced the Indianapolis community to custom-made African art and the idea of fair trade.

“The neat thing about fair trade and what we do is that each piece we sell has its own story. Most of our items are primarily made by women, but each gift represents a story of a community that we are choosing to support by making these items available to purchase here,” says Kimberly Ba.

Dianbaar is unique in that it offers the opportunity to African individuals to produce and sell their art for living wages so they can support their families. Fair trade also fights against child labor and supports sustainable practices that minimize our environmental footprint.

The Ba’s purchase all of their art from the Fair Trade Federation. The FTF certifies that all artists adhere to strict environmental conditions, not harming or polluting the environment. Dianbaar was certified by Co-Op America in April, making them a part of the National Green Pages. This honor certifies that they are a business socially and environmentally friendly.

Dianbaar supports a dozen communities in Africa and local charities. Dianbaar donates a portion of sales to Gleaner’s Food Bank and Cobert Place, both local charities, supporting the Indianapolis area. Dianbaar is not only supporting local and distant communities, but it is also giving Indianapolis natives an opportunity to connect with different cultures right in the heart of its historic City Market.

Over 100 Years of Local Italian Tradition

City Market has been a part of Indianapolis since 1823, since it was originally platted along Market Street. Farmers began selling meat and produce at the market in 1833, and the heirs of one of those first-time vendors is back inside the Market House again selling fresh produce, cheese and preparing traditional Italian dishes.

Constantino’s Market Place re-opened its fresh produce market in November and expanded its produce into a full Italian deli in December. Sisters, Antonia and Concetta Mascari are great-granddaughters of the original owners of the Constantino’s Market Place.

“We feel a great connection to this community and wanted to carry on the family tradition to honor them, and celebrate our family’s heritage,” said Antonia.

Constantino’s Market Place brings organic produce, meats, a bakery, and Italian specialty items to the City Market, introducing Indianapolis to something extraordinary in quality and taste. Constantino’s prides itself in giving excellent customer service, going above and beyond for any of its many customers. It also believes in having the utmost quality in all the items sold.

The mission of Constantino’s Market Place is to create an exciting, innovative, and neighborly fresh and prepared foods destination that impacts consumer senses, builds customer value through the attributes of friendship and education, and promotes healthy living.

Market Place becomes a feast for the senses in the City Market’s open-air atmosphere as the colors and aroma of fresh produce, meats and cheeses fill the air. The store prides itself in having a shopper friendly atmosphere and an accommodating staff on hand to answer all questions.

Constantino’s is among about a dozen new merchants, who have opened at City Market since the renovation of the market was completed in late 2007. Constantino’s continues to grow and become an even more prominent part of the City Market.

Did you know you can RENT the City Market?

The City Market, recognized as one of Indianapolis' premier banquet and conference facilities, is located in the heart of downtown just 2 blocks east of monument circle.

The City Market is one of only five original Public Market Houses in the United States and is among only a handful of original 19th Century Market Houses left. The towering brick walls, expansive iron trusses, arched windows, and patina copper roof make it a beautifully preserved national landmark. Looking at the Market today, it represents over 100 years of Indianapolis tradition. The Market features its historical beauty along with local businesses and vendors that truly make it a centerpiece of Indianapolis life.

The Market offers three beautiful areas to capture your special day or important business function. The Historic Market House Mezzanine features a five story vaulted ceiling, panoramic windows, and a giant dance floor, making it uniquely unmatched by any other venue. It can accommodate seating up to 500 guests!

Whistler Plaza is located outsde at the corner of Market and Delaware Streets. It is a perfect fit for your next big event. Theis area of the City Market can entertain up to 1,200 guests. Whistler Plaza offers access to the Market District Stage, the Tomlinson Hall Historic Arch, and a breathtaking view of the city skyline and Monument Circle.

The City Conference Center, located on the 2nd floor of the East Wing, is in the heart of city government, corporate office complexes and the Cultural Trail. This area, adjacent to the Historic Market House Mezzanine, is a perfect location for your business meeting, trade show or intimate rehearsal dinner. The room features full audio-visual bapabilities, unique architecture and seating for 150 clients or guests.

Whether you are planning a wedding reception, intimate rehearsal dinner or an important business function let the City Market's dedicated, experienced event management team make your special day an event to remember.

Call 317-634-9266 Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. for an appointment to view our facilities or discuss the possibilities of using the Market for your special day!

Get to know the Market's history

Indianapolis City Market is one of only five Public Markets in the United States that has been in continual operations since its creation. Per a legal agreement, the Market must operate as a public market, or the property will revert back to the Tomlinson heirs.

1823 – City Market platted by the City of Indianapolis

1886 – Tomlinson Hall (a meeting place, an exposition hall) and Market House built through civic donations

1958 – Tomlinson Hall burned leaving only the Market House, which is now the center place of the City Market

1974 – Historic preservation efforts lead to an $8 million renovation of the Market House and the building of two wings. Funded by Lilly Endowment and City of Indianapolis, the project coincided with the building of Market Square Arena.

1974 – City Market is placed on the National Register of Historic Landmarks by the National Park Service.

1988 – City Market incorporated as 501 (c)3; City continues to reimburse the Market for cost of utilities and some maintenance

1990 – City Market placed on the National Registry of Historic Landmarks

2005 – Formation of the Historic City Market Foundation to help ensure continued preservation of the Market; The Foundation received 501 (c) 3 status in 2007. The Foundation is considering hiring grant writer/professional fund-raiser to help raise funds for the Market

2007 – City Market underwent a $2.5 million renovation funded by Lilly Endowment, Central Indiana Community Foundation, City of Indianapolis and Local Initiative Support Corporation

2007– Leasing and Business Development campaign begins to bring a new formula of merchants to the market. Eleven (11) new leases supporting the new fresh food market paradigm are executed brining occupancy from 50 percent to 85 percent

2007– Merchants open or reopen in Historic Market House by November

2008 – June 23-28, 2008 City Market presents the new Market House and its merchants during a weeklong celebration

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Welcome!

The Indianapolis City Market is on the verge of presenting its newly renovated Market House to the city. As we prepare to do so, we want everyone to be involved! We encourage you to visit us here at our blog or at our website www.indycm.com to find out what is going on at the City Market every week. We look forward to hearing your response to our events and to the Market!

Tell Your Friends to Visit!