Everything came together for the 35th annual Broad Ripple Art Fair. The weather was fantastic, the food and music covered a wide spectrum, and the newly landscaped and remodeled grounds of the Art Center, the sculpture gardens, the river terrace sidewalks, and the stairs and terrace on the north side of the Center truly gave the Fair a first class feel. The big red Indianapolis tourism arrow sculpture was in the median on College Avenue, marking the Art Fair as The Place To Be. Oh, did I mention the art? Of course, it was great.

Elizabeth and I rode our bikes up the Monon Trail and parked them at the free Pedal and Park. The bike lot was right on the Trail. No need for locks here. On dropoff, bikes and owners get matching numbered bands. Volunteers watch the bikes during the Fair, and then upon pickup, the bands are checked as the bike is returned to its owner. "We checked in 221 bikes today," exclaimed Catherine Dusing, Pedal and Park volunteer. "That kept at least 100 cars off the roads."

We ate red beans and rice at Cobb's Cajun Cookin' and lemon shake-ups. Listening to all of the music at the Fair was a challenge, as there were four stages running simultaneously. I was able to catch Cynthia Layne and Mina Keohane on the jazz stage, Ann McWilliams and Jennie DeVoe on the river stage and Spud Puppies with Greg Ziesemer on the sculpture stage. We have lots of great music pictures, but no room in this issue. I will publish them in issue 13.

The Gazette congratulates the Indianapolis Art Center and its volunteers on a fantastic Art Fair!