 The Merion Village Association is powered entirely by volunteers. Everything we do, from planning neighborhood events to hosting community projects, happens because neighbors step up to help. Whether you’ve been here for years or just moved in, there’s a place for you in the MVA.
Current Volunteer Opportunities Board Vacancies (Starting January 1, 2026) We are seeking nominees for Vice President and Treasurer for the 2026–2027 terms. If you’re an MVA member who lives in Merion Village, we’d love to see your name on the ballot! Submit your nominations through our online form at least 14 days before the next regular meeting. Zoning Committee Chair This role serves as the community’s voice in the zoning process and is vital to ensuring residents stay informed and heard. Interested MVA members can reach out to [email protected]. Event Committees – Coming Soon!
If you’d like to help with any of these, contact the event email listed above or reach out to [email protected] to find the best fit for your time and interests. Together, we can continue to make Merion Village a wonderful place to live, work, and connect.
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MVA Members, it's time to rep your love for the community in style! We're excited to announce the final pre-sale of this year’s limited-edition apparel collection in celebration of the Merion Village Association’s 40th anniversary.
🖤 This year’s collection includes:
🛒 How to Order: Pre-orders end Sunday, July 27th. Apparel will be ready for pickup at the Merion Village Festival on Sunday, August 24th from 12–6 PM. If you can’t make the festival, free delivery is available within 1 mile of the village after the event. These shirts are not just stylish—they help support future MVA projects and events. Whether you're new to the neighborhood or a long-time resident, don't miss your chance to snag one (or several) of these fantastic designs. 👉 Place your order now at merionvillageassociation.square.site Thank you for showing your neighborhood pride and supporting the work of the Merion Village Association! After the success of our first Village Ventures event, we’re excited to bring the South Side community back together for Village Ventures Pt. 2—an evening of storytelling, connection, and collaboration.
📍 The Century – 106 E. Moler St. 🗓 Wednesday, July 30 | 5:00–7:00 PM 🎟 Free event | Registration requested 🍷 Drinks available for purchase ✨ Bonus for MVA Members: free professional headshots will be available onsite, courtesy of a local photographer! This time, the event is open to all South Side residents and supporters! Whether you’re a business owner, aspiring entrepreneur, or a neighbor who loves to support local—this evening is for you. We’ll hear from three local business owners as they share honest lessons from their journeys, followed by open networking to connect with others who care about growing a strong, supportive South Side. Come at any time during the event—join when you’re able! Let’s continue building a thriving South Side—together. We're thrilled to invite you to the 26th Annual Merion Village Garden Tour on Sunday, July 13th from 10 AM to 3 PM! This beloved event, our longest-running tradition, is especially meaningful this year as we celebrate 40 years of the Merion Village Association.
🌿 What to Expect This year's tour features 10 unique gardens, each filled with personality, creativity, and the charm of our historic neighborhood. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or simply enjoy beautiful spaces, you're sure to find inspiration! ✨ Special Features
🎟 Raffle tickets are available online and must be purchased by 3 PM on July 13th. The winner will be notified by email. Printed brochures are available at each garden or Jennings Java (corner of E Moler & S Fourth) during the event. A digital version will be available on our website a few days before the tour. 🐕 We ask that you leave pets at home for this event to ensure a safe and respectful experience for our hosts and guests. Thank you for understanding. Come celebrate the beauty of Merion Village and help us continue a cherished neighborhood tradition! Help Us Make the Magic Happen – Volunteers Needed for the 11th Annual Merion Village Festival6/24/2025 The countdown is on! The 11th Annual Merion Village Festival returns to Moeller Park on Sunday, August 24th from 12 to 6 PM, and this year is extra special--we’re celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Merion Village Association!
This free, outdoor event is packed with local artists and makers, nonprofit organizations, food trucks, live music, a beer garden, family fun, and a much-anticipated silent auction. Best of all, every dollar raised helps fuel the work of the MVA all year long. But here’s the truth: this event doesn’t happen without volunteers like you. The Merion Village Association is entirely volunteer-based, and the Festival is our biggest undertaking of the year. From planning and prep to setup and teardown, we need helping hands before, during, and after the event. Whether you’ve volunteered before or are looking for a new way to give back, this is your moment to jump in. How You Can Help: 👉 Silent Auction Donation Coordination (NOW–Mid August) We’re assembling one-of-a-kind baskets and items for this year’s silent auction—and we need help reaching out to local businesses. Most of this role is conducted via email and can be done from home on your own schedule. Want to help? Email us at [email protected] 👉 Distribute Door Hangers (Aug 1–10) Help us spread the word about the Festival by delivering 3,000 door hangers throughout Merion Village. It’s a great way to get your steps in, enjoy the neighborhood, and maybe even meet a few neighbors. The neighborhood is divided into 21 groups, so you can pick the area (or areas) that work best for you. Claim your Group(s) Now! 👉 Day-Of Festival Volunteers (Sunday, August 24th) This is our “all hands on deck” day! We have over 70 volunteer shifts throughout the day—everything from setting up tents and signs, to helping vendors find their spots, to coordinating volunteers, pouring beers, and assisting with breakdown. Volunteering for even just one shift helps immensely! Want to do more than one? You’re welcome to sign up for multiple non-overlapping shifts. Claim Your Shift(s) Now! Let’s Make 40 Years Count Whether you’ve lived here for a decade or just moved in, the Festival is a true community celebration—and volunteering is one of the best ways to be part of it. We know your time is valuable, and we promise your efforts will make a big impact. Let’s come together to make this 40th anniversary year the best festival yet. Questions? Reach out any time at [email protected]. We’re happy to help match you with a role that works for your schedule and interests. Thank you for being the heartbeat of this neighborhood. We can’t wait to celebrate with you! 💚 We’re excited to share that Merion Village Association Monthly Meetings will now offer the hybrid attendance option every month! Since 2020, we’ve seen how virtual meetings have made it easier for neighbors to stay connected. And while virtual access will continue, we’re also happy to provide the option to gather in person at the MVA Info Center.
📅 When: The first Wednesday of each month at 7:00 PM 💻🪑 Where:
✅ How to Attend:
Everyone is welcome! You do NOT need to be an MVA member to attend. Whether you’re a long-time neighbor or just interested in learning more about the community, we encourage you to join us. 💚🧡 Why get involved? Our monthly meetings are a great way to:
We look forward to seeing you—virtually or in person—at our next meeting! Thank you for being part of the Merion Village community. The MVA is thrilled to announce a new hybrid format for our Monthly Meetings! When the pandemic began in 2020, we quickly transitioned to virtual meetings to keep our neighbors connected while staying safe. Over time, we discovered that many members were able to attend more often due to the convenience of Zoom. In response, members voted to make the virtual format permanent, ensuring accessibility for all. Now, thanks to recent updates at the MVA Info Center, we’re adding a new layer of flexibility. Starting with our upcoming meeting on Wednesday, May 7th, members will have the choice to:
We'll have an MVA board member onsite to stream the Zoom meeting live and help connect in-person and virtual attendees for a seamless experience. 📅 Upcoming Hybrid Meetings:
💡 Depending on interest, we’ll explore expanding hybrid access to every monthly meeting. In-person attendees: Please arrive between 6:50–7:00 PM to sign in and find a seat. Virtual attendees: Register in advance here: Zoom Registration 👥 You do NOT need to be a member to attend MVA meetings!
Everyone is welcome to join the conversation and stay informed. That said, becoming a member comes with some great perks! 🎉 Membership Benefits Include:
❓Not sure if you're already a member? Check here: Member Directory The first-ever Village Ventures event brought together the energy, creativity, and hustle of the South Side’s small business community. It was more than a networking night—it was a space for nearly 30 small business owners to exchange ideas, explore collaboration, and envision a thriving future for the South Side.
Our conversations centered around big questions that deserve even bigger answers: What makes this neighborhood ideal for entrepreneurs? What challenges do we face as small business owners—and how can we overcome them together? What does the next five years look like if we dream big and support one another along the way? Throughout the evening, a few key themes rose to the top:
The night left us inspired and energized to build momentum and grow something meaningful—together. Want to be part of it? If you’re a local entrepreneur, creative, or business owner, now is the perfect time to get involved. Learn how to become a Merion Village Business Member and connect with a supportive network of change makers. And stay tuned— this was just the first of many Village Ventures gatherings. We can’t wait to grow this movement with you. Thank you to our South Side businesses for participating in this event!
 Spring is in the air, and that means it’s almost time for one of Merion Village’s favorite traditions — the Annual Spring Community Yard Sale! On Saturday, May 3rd, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, the neighborhood will come alive with shoppers hunting for treasures, neighbors chatting on front porches, and streets full of great deals and community spirit. Whether you're clearing out the garage, downsizing your closet, or just looking for a fun way to connect with neighbors, this is your chance to get involved! 🗺️ Be a Part of the Map! The Merion Village Association (MVA) will publish an interactive community map that highlights all the registered sale locations throughout Merion Village. It’s the best way to make sure buyers can find your sale and stop by!
Whether you're buying, selling, or just out for a stroll, we hope to see you on May 3rd. Let’s make this another successful and fun Merion Village tradition!  ...but wait, there's more! It's back! The MVA is thrilled to host another donation drive after our Spring Yard Sale on Saturday, May 3rd. This year, you can also donate e-waste items for recycling! Bring your donations to the MVA Info Center at 1330 S Fourth Street on Saturday after the yard sale, between 3 and 5 PM. The MVA is partnering with Goodwill Columbus for this local drive! Be sure to check the lists below for accepted donations and e-waste items. **NOTE: Goodwill representatives will not be present at the drive and the MVA will be unable to issue donate receipts on their behalf.
This year, the Merion Village Association (MVA) is proudly celebrating 40 years of community, connection, and growth! To mark this milestone, we’re thrilled to unveil a special edition 40th Anniversary logo designed and contributed by an incredibly talented Merion Village neighbor, Kevin Glenn!  Limited-Edition Logo & Merchandise – Get Yours! This nostalgic 40th Anniversary design will be featured on special commemorative merchandise, including apparel and pint glasses! Show off your community pride and celebrate 4 decades of the MVA! 🛍 Pre-orders are OPEN NOW through April 3rd! Don’t miss your chance to grab these exclusive items! Orders can be picked up at our Founder’s Day Celebration & Market on Sunday, April 27th, from 12-4 PM at The Century Event Space (106 E Moler St, Columbus, OH 43207). Founder’s Day Celebration & Market – Save the Date!
The 2nd Annual MVA Founder’s Day Celebration & Market is shaping up to be the best one yet! Join us for an afternoon of local vendors, food trucks, and community fun as we celebrate 40 years of Merion Village. ✅ Community Market – Shop from talented local makers & retailers ✅ Food Trucks – Enjoy delicious eats from Explorer’s Club & Paddy Wagon ✅ Explore The Century – Check out this beautifully restored event space & local businesses WE NEED YOU! Volunteers are needed for Founder's Day! MVA Events can't happen without lots of helping hands! We need your help during setup (8 AM to 12 PM) and cleanup (4 PM to 7 PM) on Sunday, April 27th to make our 40th Anniversary Founder's Day Celebration possible! Signup for a shift online. Thank you in advance!
Hey South Side friends! The 2025 South Side Scholarship application is officially live, and we couldn’t be more excited to help at least one local senior take the next step in their education! Each year, we team up with our neighbors to award a scholarship to one deserving senior at South High School – and we need your help to spread the word.
$1,000+ Scholarship for a Local Senior This scholarship is all about supporting the youth in our community. The lucky recipient will receive at least $1,000 to help with education expenses, whether they’re headed to college, a trade school, or any accredited program. It’s our way of saying, “We believe in you!” If you know a senior who lives on the South Side and is graduating from South High School this year, make sure they know about this opportunity! How to Apply If you’re a South High senior and you live on the South Side of Columbus, make sure to apply for the 2025 South Side Scholarship by April 6th. The application is easy, and all submissions are online at www.merionvillage.org. Let’s help our students chase their dreams and make a difference right here at home! Chili Cook-Off: A Tasty Way to Support the Scholarship Fund Here’s where things get delicious. The 2025 Chili Cook-Off, benefiting the South Side Scholarship Fund, is happening on Saturday, March 1st from 12 PM to 2 PM at The Hey Hey. We’re talking about lots of mouth-watering chili to taste, vote on, and enjoy with friends and neighbors – all while raising money for a great cause.
When you support the South Side Scholarship Fund, you're helping students in our community access opportunities they might not otherwise have. It’s an investment in their future, and in turn, the future of our whole community. So, let’s show our South Side students that we’ve got their backs. Whether you’re attending the Chili Cook-Off or just sharing the word about the scholarship, you’re making a difference. Thanks for helping us continue this tradition of support for our amazing youth. For more info on the scholarship or to apply, head over to www.merionvillage.org. We can’t wait to see you at the Chili Cook-Off!  Join us for an inspiring evening of connection and conversation at the South Side Small Business Mixer!
WHEN: Wednesday, March 26th from 5-7 PM WHERE: Hosted by Jennings Java at 116 E Moler Street Designed exclusively for South Side entrepreneurs and small business owners, this event offers a unique opportunity to share your vision for the future of South Side business. Engage in dynamic discussions, collaborate on ideas, and network with your peers as we work together to shape a thriving local business community. Light refreshments provided. The event is free. Registration is requested. This year marks a significant milestone for the Merion Village Association (MVA), as we celebrate our 40th anniversary! Our association, founded by a group of passionate neighborhood residents on April 23rd, 1985, has worked tirelessly over the years to bring the community together. We’re excited to mark this special occasion with a fantastic lineup of annual events, and we hope to connect with both new and familiar faces throughout the year. As a 100% volunteer-based organization, the MVA relies on the support of our community members to bring these events to life. Whether you’ve been with us for years or are just getting involved, we would love for you to help make this the best year yet. Below, we’ve compiled a list of this year’s annual events and committee-based volunteer opportunities. If you’re interested in volunteering, please don’t hesitate to reach out! You can email us at [email protected] or complete our volunteer interest form to get started. Event Planning & DAY-OF Volunteer OpportunitieSMVA 40th Anniversary Founder’s Day Celebration + Market Sunday, April 27th from 12 to 4 PM
Spring Community Yard Sale Saturday, May 3rd from 10 AM to 3 PM
26th Annual Garden Tour Sunday, July 13th from 10 AM to 3 PM
11th Annual Festival Sunday, August 24th from 12 to 6 PM
Autumn Community Yard Sale Saturday, October 4th from 10 AM to 3 PM
Committee & Project Volunteer OpportunitiesBeautification Committee Volunteers work to create, improve, and maintain beautification projects throughout Merion Village. This may include community clean-ups and other creative ideas. Volunteers are needed to brainstorm and organize these projects, which are often supported by MVA and local grants. Membership Committee The Membership Committee focuses on expanding outreach and building the MVA’s membership by engaging with both residents and businesses in and around Merion Village. Volunteers are needed to develop strategies to promote the MVA and engage the local community. Social Committee The Social Committee is dedicated to connecting neighbors and strengthening the community through MVA-sponsored social events and activities. Volunteers are needed to plan and organize gatherings for people of all ages, from casual get-togethers to larger celebrations. We hope you’ll consider joining us in making this a memorable year for Merion Village! With your help, we can continue fostering a vibrant, connected community. Reach out to us today at [email protected] or complete our volunteer interest form to get started.
Together, let’s make the 40th anniversary of the MVA a year to remember! Thank you for being a great neighbor!  As the year winds down, it’s time to gather with friends and neighbors for our beloved MVA Winter Potluck! Mark your calendars for Friday, December 6th, from 6 to 8 PM at a neighborhood favorite, The Hey Hey!
This year’s potluck promises to be a wonderful evening filled with delicious food, laughter, and camaraderie. Whether you’re a long-time resident or new to the neighborhood, this is the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow community members, make new friends, and catch up with old ones! What to Bring We encourage everyone to bring a dish to share—appetizers, entrées, side dishes, or desserts are all welcome! Your contribution will help make our potluck a delightful feast. Please let us know what you plan to bring by RSVPing online at this link. Family-Friendly This event is family-friendly, so feel free to bring the whole crew! While the kids enjoy the festivities, adults can unwind and socialize. And for those over 21, the Hey Hey bar will be open for refreshments! RSVP Don’t forget to RSVP and let us know what dish you’ll be bringing to share. We can’t wait to see you all there on December 6th. Let’s make this potluck a memorable celebration of community and neighbors! Did you know that the MVA Info Center at 1330 S. Fourth Street is available to members of the MVA to reserve for small events at no charge? The MVA holds a variety of meetings and events here, but when the space is not in use by the MVA, it is available for hourly reservation/rental by the community.
We're so happy that our neighbors have been able to reserve this space for small parties, gaming sessions, meetings, and other gatherings. We also love hosting events at the Info Center! In our efforts to make improvements to the space, we're asking for help from the community to raise funds for items on our wishlist which include:
The Merion Village Flag is back by popular demand! This year, choose from a full-size flag (with metal grommets or a pole pocket for hanging) or a garden flag complete with an iron stake:
A huge thank you to our amazing volunteers, generous donors, fantastic vendors, rocking bands, and all the awesome guests who made the 10th Annual Merion Village Festival on Sunday, August 25th unforgettable! If you were able to join us this year, please take a few moments to complete our festival survey so we can continue to improve the event in the years to come. We’re already looking forward to next year! Until then, see you soon, neighbors and friends!
We’re thrilled to announce that our 10th Annual Festival is just around the corner, and this year’s event is set to be our most exciting yet! As part of the festivities, we’re hosting a Silent Auction and a 50/50 Raffle, both packed with fantastic opportunities to win incredible prizes while supporting a great cause.
Silent Auction This year’s Silent Auction features over 30 beautifully curated baskets, each filled with amazing items generously donated by local businesses and organizations. From gourmet goodies to exclusive experiences, there's something for everyone! Whether you’re a seasoned auction enthusiast or a first-timer, this is your chance to bid on some truly exceptional items.
50/50 Raffle In addition to the Silent Auction, don’t miss out on our 50/50 Raffle! It’s a thrilling way to potentially win big while supporting the MVA and our annual festival.
Both the Silent Auction and the 50/50 Raffle are vital parts of our festival, helping to support the MVA and make our 10th Annual Festival a memorable event. None of this would be possible without the incredible efforts of our volunteers and the generosity of our donors. A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who has contributed! Visit our fundraising site or text "MVF" to 33100 to bid now or purchase raffle ticket entries! Thank you for supporting the MVA!  The 2024 limited-run Merion Village shirts are here! This year's collection features classic crew and v-neck t-shirts, a tall crew neck t-shirt, a tank top, and back by popular demand, a hoodie! HURRY! Orders must be placed by Friday, August 9th!
All orders will be available for pickup at the 2024 Merion Village Festival on Sunday, August 25th from 12-6 PM. If you are unable to pick up your order at that time, our volunteers will assist with delivery within 1 mile in the 2-3 weeks following the festival. Thank you for loving Merion Village as much as we do! Hi neighbors! This year we’re celebrating the 10th Annual Merion Village Festival on Sunday, August 25th, 2024, and we absolutely can’t make it happen for the nearly 2,500 neighbors and visitors we’re expecting to come by Moeller Park without your help! Volunteers are needed for a wide array of roles, from setup and teardown, to beer tent attendant and vendor relief. Whether you prefer an active, using-your-hands role, or a less physically-demanding position, there’s a spot we would love to fill with your name! Volunteer roles are generally broken up into two- or three-hour shifts, leaving you with plenty of time to enjoy the Festival before or after a shift. Plus, volunteers can choose between a Merion Village t-shirt or (for volunteers aged 21+) a festival mug and drink token. If you’re interested in volunteering the day of the Festival, please visit https://volunteersignup.org/8P8FR to sign up for one (or more) shifts! Because there are so many roles to fill, this is a great volunteering event for youth groups or school classes that require volunteer hours—we’re happy to accommodate large groups and can provide volunteering hour attestation letters. Invite family or friends to sign up, help out, and enjoy the day together—the more the merrier! Additionally, volunteers are needed at the start of August to help pass out door hangers across the neighborhood. If you’re interested in grabbing a stack of hangers to pass out along your usual walking route or just along your street, visit https://volunteersignup.org/3PAJR to claim a route! More information is to come for both roles, but we thank you in advance for giving your time and energy to our neighborhood! For any questions, please reach out to [email protected].  |
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