food. One of several curb markets established in the early 20th century offering fresh produce and a variety of ethnic specialty foods, it has evolved into a popular Philadelphia icon. On October 12, 2007, the Market was honored by the dedication of a Pennsylvania State Historical Marker as the "South 9th Street Curb Market" at the NE corner of 9th and Christian Streets. An unofficial historical marker was erected just in front of the since-removed Frank Rizzo mural at 9th & Montrose Sts in 2008. The marker, entitled "The Italian Market," briefly explains about the Italian market area forming a business association in the early 1900s. The officers of the association were of central and southern Italian and eastern Sicilian heritages. The other members of the association were of northern and eastern European, Lebanese and Asian heritages. Today and Pop Culture References The outdoor market features bright colorful metal awnings covering the sidewalks where vendors of fruit, vegetables, fish, and housewares conduct business year-round. Ground floor shops in traditional Philadelphia rowhouses line the street. Many owners had originally lived above their shops, and many still do. The market is open year-round, generally from 9 am to 5 pm, though outdoor stands and cafes often open earlier, and restaurants serve patrons late into the evening. Many businesses are open until lunchtime on Sunday, and closed Monday. The market also plays a role in the culture of Philadelphia, often being included in cultural depictions of the city. For example, The Italian Market was featured in Rocky and Rocky II, most notably in the running/training montage where a vendor tosses the boxer an orange. The television series Hack also filmed several episodes that featured the Italian Market, and it was also featured on a season 5 episode of the television show It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. As Philadelphia has gentrified, so has the Italian Market. Outdoor seating at cozy cafes, upscale gift stores and gourmet shops are thriving among the market's traditional produce vendors, specialty butchers, and cheese mongers. Gallery See also Pat's King of Steaks Geno's Steaks History of the Italian Americans in Philadelphia Frank Palumbo and Palumbo's Little Saigon, Philadelphia, a neighborhood that it is intertwined with. Washington Avenue Historic District (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) References Further reading Liberati, Maria. PHILADELPHIA'S ITALIAN MARKET TOUR - A Self-guided Pictorial Walking Tour Publication date: January 21, 2012 (Visual Travel Tours Book 107) [Kindle Edition] ASIN