CLEVELAND–Grab your shopping bags and get ready to blow out the candles.
Cleveland’s West Side Market is celebrating its 100th year.
“It’s an exciting event, and an exciting time of year,” said Diane Dever of Irene Dever Dairy.”
Dever’s mother, Irene, opened the store in the market 41 years ago.
“The people that my mom took care of, I’m now waiting on their kids and their grandkids. So you know you’re doing something right when people keep coming back to you,” Diane said.
The diary is one of 100 vendors that have become a fixture in the multicultural marketplace.
“It’s not just selling produce,” said Melissa DeCaro, of DeCaro Produce.
DeCaro’s family has been at West Side Market perhaps the longest of all the vendors: 78 years.
“You’re building relationships with people. You know, you’re learning generations of families and it’s really, really nice. Can’t imagine doing anything else.”
The West Side Market will celebrate the centennial with events throughout the year.
On June 2, it will have the Official Public Kick-Off of the centennial celebration. The family-friendly event will include a multi-cultural celebration with ethnic delights, a fireworks display and ice cream social.
On Oct. 7, it will have a street festival and parade, featuring live entertainment, food from Ohio City restaurants, food trucks and artisan vendors.
On Nov. 3, the market will have food gala fundraiser, with chefs from across the country. Greater Lakes Brewing Co. will also release a special Centennial brew for the event.
For a complete schedule of events, go to www.thewestsidemarket.org/centennial