Merchant Days to transform New Bedford
On May 12-17 all roads will lead to New Bedford for the annual New Bedford Merchant Days, sometimes called Merchant Week, which will transform this unincorporated area of Coshocton County into a hub of activity.
There aren’t many people in New Bedford — maybe 1,000 give or take. That’s most days.
That will change May 12-17, when the annual New Bedford Merchant Days, sometimes called Merchant Week, will transform this unincorporated area of Coshocton County into a hub of activity.
The weeklong event is in its 41st year, dating back to 1984.
Though the main events are confined to the end of the week — Friday and Saturday will have full schedules — things get going early, and there is something to do throughout the week.
Even earlier, the pony and dome grill raffle is already underway. The drawing will be held May 17 at New Fab with proceeds going to Katie, Noah and Sarah Miller. Tickets are $5 for one or $20 for five and are available at all merchants. The winner need not be present.
The area garage sales will be May 13-14. A map will be available for bargain hunters.
Albert Miller, serving as de facto event spokesman, estimated between 30 and 40 houses would take part in the garage sales.
May 15 will feature the pony auction at 5 p.m. It will include a benefit lunch stand for Meadow Valley School. A consignment auction will be May 17, with things like flowers, new furniture, tools and more available for bids.
“What we’d be known for is the auctions,” Miller said. “People always look forward to the consignment auction.”
The events of Friday, May 16 will start with a school benefit breakfast at 7 a.m., which will coincide with the beginning of a bake sale benefit for Marion R. Yoder.
The festivities that day also will include the annual volleyball tournament, with brackets for men and women. Action will begin May 16 at 6 p.m. Call Joe at 330-897-8650 for information about the volleyball tourneys.
And for the second year in a row, the Merchant Days will include a pickleball tourney, with league, nonleague and co-ed brackets. It also will kick off May 16 at 6 p.m. Call Leroy at 740-502-4798 if interested.
Both tourneys will serve as fundraisers for area families.
“Last year was the first year for that,” Miller said of the pickleball event. “It was really a hit last year. We had a lot of teams, and we’re expecting more this year. I’ve only played it a couple of times. I really enjoyed it.”
Saturday, May 17 also will feature a school benefit breakfast and bake sale benefit for Glen Miller, beginning at 7 a.m. The consignment auction will begin at 9 a.m. and will be held at New Fab. Barrel train rides will be available for youngsters.
Look for plenty of treats later in the week including barbecue chicken, burgers, fries, kettle corn, ice cream, cotton candy and more.
The weeklong celebration also will include cash prizes — $1,000 for first, $500 for second and $250 for third. Tickets are available at participating merchants. Get one ticket free and one more for every $50 spent.
“I think it’s a great thing,” Miller said. “It’s important for people to show up and the community to show up. You get to see all the people come in from throughout the area, and they all really enjoy coming in for this.”