This Fall, You Can Tour The World's Largest Basket At The Former Longaberger Company Headquarters In Ohio
By April Dray|Published October 10, 2019
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April Dray
Author
April is the Ohio staff writer for Only in Your State. She is an Ohio native with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. With more than 10 years of writing experience and a background in news reporting for Ohio newspapers, she's published pieces in multiple print and online publications. When she's not on deadline or chasing after her toddler, she's hunting for hidden gems in Ohio or getting lost in a good book.
Have you ever wondered what it looks like inside the former Longaberger Headquarters? Although the massive basket is no longer home to the former basket making company, it still stands in Newark, Ohio, despite rumors of its demolition. This fall, you can even take a rare tour of this iconic building. Heritage Ohio is hosting Picnic at the Big Basket, a one-of-a-kind event that will give you an inside look at the former company and this unique piece of Ohio architecture.
Driving along State Route 16, you've likely noticed a massive basket. Deemed the World's Largest Basket, this one-of-a-kind building was home to the Longaberger Company once upon a time.
The beloved basket-making company officially closed in 2018. Today, the building continues to be a local landmark and a popular photo opportunity for road trips.
The 180,000-square-foot building stands seven stories high. On Sunday, October 20 this year, you can take a guided tour of the first two floors during Picnic at the Big Basket.
During your tour, you'll hear stories from former Longaberger employees and Longaberger family members. Outside, live music and food trucks will be available.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the Longaberger basket craze was strong. If you're a lifelong Ohioan, you likely have a Longaberger basket or two sitting in your own home.
At its peak, the company made $1 million in sales and had 8,200 employees in 2000. At this time, it was also one of the 500 largest privately held companies in the U.S.
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Constructed in 1995, the former Longaberger Headquarters is a unique piece of Ohio history. Tours of this beloved building will take place from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. during the event.