In 2013, a group of townspeople came together to attempt to improve Griffith. The idea of the market came along at this meeting and it changed Griffith, Indiana forever. For five years, the Central Market has been open every Friday from May until September. Now an average of about 800 people come out to the park each week to enjoy the various types of food, attractions, and live music that the market has to offer. Vendors of all kinds come out to Central Park from 4 to 10 p.m. to sell their items.
Some of the vendors have been participating in the Central Market for a long time. Barbecue, tacos, pretzels, pierogis, and all sorts of different types of foods are sold. They also have vendors that sell slushees, pop, and bubble tea. One of the popular vendors who sells barbecue-type foods is Big Daddy’s BBQ. They won an award for “Best Chicago-style BBQ in Northwest Indiana and Chicago-Metro Areas.” They are located in Hammond and Gary. Some of their top foods are BBQ Ribs, pulled pork, and briskets. Another favorite thing at the Central Market is pierogis. Pierogis can be bought from Ely’s. Ely’s is based in Merriville. They sell a variety of pierogis such as meat, potato, and cheese pierogis.
Another vendor at the market is T&S Catering. They offer barbecue and smoked meats. They have been involved with the market since it first opened. Some of the foods they offer is pulled pork, barbecue chicken, and more.
After choosing one of the many options of food, people can cool down with bubble tea from Lulu’s Licks. Lulu’s is based in Michigan City. Bubble tea is a drink that has tea, milk, sugar, and bubbles of flavor called boba. Boba is the tapioca balls that come up through your straw when you take a drink. “My favorite part of the tea is when the bubbles burst in my mouth with a juicy flavor,” said junior Lyanna Obregon.
Another place drinks can be found is at Grindhouse Cafe. Grindhouse Cafe is based in Griffith on Broad Street. They sell coffee, smoothies, sandwiches, and more. They have been selling their items at the market since it started.
The Central Market is not only for food. There are many attractions for people of all ages. For little kids, there is a small train that is driven around the park and bounce houses that they can jump in for a small price of $5. There is also a newly updated playground that is spacious with new equipment. For example, they added new slides, zip tracks, and a spider climber. On the other side of the park, there is a volleyball pit that people of any age can use for free.
Throughout the summer, town baseball plays games against each other on the fields. They play many games against different teams in their age group. Towards the end of the summer, the winning teams play in a championship. Many citizens come to cheer on the young boys.
The market has a family-friendly environment for everyone. The last day attend to the market this year is September 14.