Up and Autumn in the Square

Okay, so maybe the Pirates are a no-show in the World Series this year. But there are still plenty of ways to enjoy an Autumn Classic or two in Market Square now that baseball's ultimate championship series is underway. Leading off our lineup is the Farmers Market, which is down to its last few at bats before the season ends November 17. Though summer treats like corn on the cob and fresh berries won't make another plate appearance until next year, there's still plenty of farm fresh goodies on sale each Thursday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. You can touch all the bases with this roasted squash and sweet potato recipe that's perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Best of all you can find all the ingredients in the Square during the Farmers Market. This is cool-weather comfort food at its best.  It's also a great time to stock up on some frozen local meats to carry you through the winter.

We really like it when everyone gets along — especially when you're spending time in the Square. Yet, sometimes, difference do come between people. To discover how to resolve some of life's more trying disagreements, the wise minds of CLASP — that stands for Collaborative Law Association of Southwestern Pennsylvania — and the Collaborative Law Committee of the Allegheny County Bar Association will be holding court in the Square on Thursday to help interested parties discover how to resolve legal disputes such as divorce and other matters without matters getting hot and heavy.

We think that Market Square is already a pretty cool place. But, weather permitting, next Thursday, October 27th, the Mattress Factory will transform part of the Square  into an al fresco art installation as part of their The Space I'm In project. Tamatebako was designed by Japanese artist Yumi Kori and fabricated here in Pittsburgh by Point Park University Technical Director, Michael Essad and Point Park University Costume Supervisor, Joan Markert. Tamatebako is a large-scale enclosed structure, containing columns and "peep holes" of various sizes and widths, which the participants can pop up inside.  The contrast between the red and black fabric makes for a transformative experience. The larger project, The Space I'm In, is a multi-faceted project comprised of several different elements, designed by artists from around the world that uses elements of light, space, and sound to help learners of all ages to examine, experience and better-understand the environment that surrounds them.  Read the Director of Education Elizabeth Keller's thoughts about The Space I'm In project on Art21's blog. So if you're looking to get in touch with the artist within, stop by the Square from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. to check out the space you're in.

Next Thursday will mark the last time around for generous folks from Renewal by Andersen — the main sponsors of the Farmers Market. So make sure you drop by their booth for a last chance to find out how you can save money and enjoy year-round comfort in your home with their outstanding replacement windows. And if you're feeling lucky, enter your name in a raffle to win replacement windows for your home.


You'll also see some of the students from Point Park University reminding us its still Breast Cancer Awareness month so stop by to be pink and proud.


Well, here's a verdict we think would hold up as fair and Square in any court of law — just about every event is Market Square is a grand slam.