Lexington Market Day was a collaboration among the historic market, UMB, and the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Lexington Market has always been a community staple for George Wilson, a Baltimore resident of more than 50 years. It’s a national landmark, he says.
Whether he’s visiting to grab a cake from the bakery or to check out a vendor’s new lavender vanilla soap — “Oh my god, that thing smells so good,” Wilson quipped — the market is the perfect community hub.
On a Tuesday in late September, Wilson didn’t intend to stumble upon Lexington Market Day but was drawn outside by the sound of music blaring from a set of speakers. In the outdoor space next to the market, he was met with multiple stalls sharing information, resources, and more with the Baltimore community.
“I ended up cutting through the market, and I heard the music. So I stepped outside and I’m like, ‘Oh, wow. Well, let me see what’s going on here,’ ” Wilson said. “I’ve been in every stall … [and they had] good information as far as like diabetes and high blood pressure.”
Lexington Market Day, a collaboration among the historic market, the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB), and the University of Maryland Medical Center, was one of what UMB hopes will be many more partnerships with nearby institutions. It was created as an opportunity to bring information and resources not just to the University of Maryland communities, but also to the Baltimore community at-large.
“We want to show that we are committed to Baltimore, that we are a great partner to them through resources that we have for the community,” said Dana Rampolla, director of integrated marketing in UMB’s Office of Communications and Public Affairs.
“As an anchor institution, it’s really important for us to reach out and be a part of the community and invite the community to know who we are and what services we provide,” Rampolla added. “We like to do things with Lexington Market because it gives us an opportunity to showcase them. Our hope is that with this kickoff event, other entities within the University will start to provide these opportunities, hopefully on a regular basis, up here at the market.”