A once-vital building in Columbia is coming back to life. The Columbia Market House, 15 S. Third St., will celebrate its grand reopening on Saturday, May 29, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

"We have an entire weekend of events planned to celebrate the long-anticipated reopening of the Market House," said Kelsey Miller, healthy communities manager at CHI St. Joseph Children's Health, which manages the market. She noted that the original Columbia market dates to 1869. "Each event has been planned to highlight the different aspects of the building," she said.

On the night before the grand reopening, a sold-out event called "Taste of the Market" will be held, featuring the market's restaurant, Gypsy Kitchen. "On opening day, our 20 market vendors will be the main showcase, with special elements weaved throughout the day such as live music, thanks to our sponsor RG Injury Law, speakers and a ribbon-cutting ceremony at noon accompanied by a soda toast," Miller stated. "Sunday is a food truck day meant to celebrate families, offering a free meal or treat from one of the food trucks to the first 450 people who registered and family-friendly activities. Vendors will not be open on Sunday; it is a chance to celebrate the community and the reopening of their building."

Among the 20 vendors in the Columbia Market House are Bear Fruit, selling fruit-based desserts; Dough Heads Stuffed Waffles stuffed waffle sandwiches and coffee/espresso; Freinschaft Soup and Cellar handmade sandwiches, soups, and cooking essentials; and Just 4 Paws and Hooves dog, cat and horse treats. The market will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesdays and from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays.

"The market will feature an eclectic mix of vendors for customers to shop and an exciting place for members of the Columbia community to gather," Miller noted. "Many of our vendors can only be found at the Columbia Market House, and we are committed to bringing high-quality foods and products into the borough."

Bringing the market back to Columbia has been a long process that began in 2018. "Restoring a public market as the center for fresh foods in downtown Columbia gives residents access to high-quality, local products within walking distance," Miller remarked. "The Market House has a rich history as the center for commerce and connection in the community. We are excited for it to return to its glory, so generations to come can make the same memories as those in the past. It acts as a place for old and new friendships to blossom, a place to get away on Saturday morning for coffee and a treat, or somewhere to grab your meal essentials for the week."

The Market House will be available to rent for special occasions such as baby showers or small weddings, Miller said, and the facility has a large seating area with approximately 100 seats, which can be flexibly arranged to accommodate groups. Catering for special events will be available by Gypsy Kitchen. For more information on the market, visit http://www.columbiapamarkethouse.org.