Special Events Audio (3 min 13 sec)

No two days at West Side Market look the same. In the Market’s history, many a day has been spent doing far more than just selling food. The past 100 years have hosted an array of fairs, record-breaking cuisine, and neighborly celebrations.

1911- The Trade Expo

One year before the Market’s grand opening, the Market stood nearly complete but still empty. This made it a great host for a neighborhood celebration. For one festive week, many local businesses took to the still vacant stands to promote themselves. In addition to the excitement inside, outside a parade of 150 horse drawn vehicles, 150 automobiles, 6 bands, and many marchers took to the streets surrounding the Market. By day one, participants were congregating by the thousands.

1915- The Jamboree

To promote the new and exciting Market house, a jamboree was put on during the third week of June 1915. The event was so elaborate it had an entire committee designated to plan it. It featured a pageant, a street fair, and even a wedding! The lucky couple received furniture, wallpaper, a photographer, moving company, and enough food to last them many months— all curtesy of the Market, of course!

1962- The Market’s 50th Anniversary

The Market’s 50th birthday was no typical celebration. This event spanned an entire month and featured guest appearances of the mayor and former mayors, fashion shows, comedy events, cultural highlights, and even a dance competition!

Record Breaking Market Meals

West Side Market has never been average when it comes to cuisine. For the markets 60th anniversary in 1972, the market built the world’s longest sub sandwich, spanning a whopping 70ft! And of course, it used ingredients from the Market.

Then, in 1974, they did it again! This time building what they claimed to be the biggest salad in Cleveland. Visitors could come and have a taste. You could say it was a big success!