by Joei DeCarlo
The Reading Terminal Market (RTM) located at 12th & Arch Streets in Center City has been a source of local goods and produce since 1893. The Market is located in a National Historic Landmark building and offers patrons a variety of items ranging from fresh fruit and produce to table linens, desserts, flowers, meats and fish. This nonprofit’s mission is to provide fresh food access to all as well as create a safe space for everyone to use and enjoy programming.
On Thursday, February 22nd the Market will celebrate its 125th birthday. Sarah Levitsky, Marketing Director at RTM filled me in on the year-long lineup of events to celebrate the market’s 125th year in business.
On the Market’s actual birthday they will celebrate with 1893 Day, a day filled with events ranging from press to entertainment as well as shopping. Attendees can expect to be transported back to 1893 by seeing period costumes and receiving randomized throwback pricing. This event is free and all ages are encouraged to attend.
Two days after 1893 Day, RTM will host its annual Party for the Market on Saturday, February 24th. This event is a fundraiser to benefit the Market as it is a not-for-profit. This event allows attendees to experience the Market after hours with food and drinks. Party for the Market is open to anyone 21 years of age or older. Special pricing is available for people between the ages of 21-35 as well as early bird pricing for all ages.
As another way to give back, the Market also offers an opportunity to purchase commemorative diamond plaques that will hang on their Wall of Diamonds. Diamond plaques can be purchased for $125.00 and can be inscribed with up to 50 characters. To learn more about or to purchase a commemorative diamond, click here.
The Market is also hosting a Diamond Speaker Series every third Saturday of the month for the entire year. The series is divided into three segments: the past, present and imagined tomorrow. The series kicked off on January 20, 2018 where Philadelphia Inquirer staffer Rick Nichols and Temple American Studies and History professor Ken Finkel discussed “The Shambles of Market Street: an Evolution of Philadelphia’s Public Markets”.
Looking to spring and fall, on May 19th, the Market will host Diamond Day. Diamond Day is an event dedicated to celebrating the Market’s customers with giveaways, entertainment, and more. In September, RTM is hosting A Taste of the Market celebrating all the Market has to offer its customers.
Congratulations to Reading Terminal Market! All of us at RowHome wish you the happiest of birthdays! To learn more about the Reading Terminal Market and its 125th birthday, you can visit their website.
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