The 38th annual Meridian-Kessler Neighborhood Association (MKNA) Home and Garden Tour is Saturday, June 18, 2011, and Sunday, June 19, 2011, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. As one of the oldest vintage residential tours in Indiana, this year's architectural styles feature an American Four Square, Cape Cod, Colonial Revival, a lake-style cottage and Tudor Revival. Inventive interior design and recent renovations are reflected in each house.

Katie Dolan is the event's Public Relations Chair and MKNA committee member. She and her husband Tom are MKNA residents. Ms. Dolan described this year's tour theme of Real Homes, Real Neighbors and Real Ideas: "The theme for this year's tour honors the authentic character of this historic neighborhood. 'Real Homes' celebrates what makes this tour unique and features how people actually live. 'Real Neighbors' emphasizes the personal connectedness neighbors enjoy in Meridian-Kessler. Walking to dinner, to school, to shop or to play are just a few of the reasons people love being a part of this neighborhood. 'Real Ideas' highlights one or two original ideas featured in each home. The ideas may relate to décor, renovation, storage or some creative use of space. Home tour attendees may find ideas that are inspiring, creative and practical. This is my first year in the home tour and I had a really good friend who asked me to be on her marketing committee," she added.

Advance sale tickets can be purchased at www.mkhometour.com for $12 each. They are also available at: The Fresh Market (5415 North College Avenue), G. Thrapp Jewelers (5609 North Illinois Street), National Bank of Indianapolis (4930 North Pennsylvania Street), Taste Café & Marketplace (5164 North College Avenue) and all six Central Indiana Paradise Café & Bakeries. Tickets are sold at tour homes during the event for $15 apiece.

The tour's Platinum sponsor is Angie's List; Flagship sponsors are G. Thrapp Jewelers and 92.3 WTTS; Benefactor sponsors are Citizens Gas and Sullivan Hardware; Patron sponsors include Carroll Creative, The Jazz Kitchen and Upland Brewing Company.

The 2011 Annual Twilight Tour & Silent Auction is Friday, June 17, 2011, from 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. on the grounds of Immaculate Heart of Mary School, located at 317 East 57th Street. As the marquee event for MKNA residents and supporters, it is an annual opportunity to celebrate the historic neighborhood, enjoy time with neighbors and raise money for non-profit organizations in the MKNA community. It includes the exclusive opportunity to see two homes not featured on the Home & Garden Day Tour. After the tour, patrons can enjoy a delicious dinner, live entertainment and silent auction under a white tent.

"All Twilight ticket proceeds go towards the costs associated with the event. However, 100% of the proceeds raised during the silent auction will be granted directly to local groups who work hard to help improve the quality of life in our wonderful neighborhood. The auction historically features upwards of 50 items, such as vacation home rentals, gift certificates to popular local restaurants, as well as goods and services donated by local businesses and residents. Attendance and generous bids are critical to the success of our neighborhood. Past silent auctions have raised as much as $17,000! Past silent auction proceeds have been granted to such organizations as Second Helpings, Girls Inc. and local schools," explained Meghan Martin, Co-Chair of this year's MKNA Home & Garden Tour. Individuals interested in giving items or services may list them on a silent auction donation form that appears on page 12 of MKNA's May newsletter. It may be downloaded at the following MKNA website link: http://www.mkhometour.com/Forms/2011/2011 Silent_Auction_DONOR_FORM.pdf and e-mailed to Karen Sanders at: ksanders@foresight4u.com.

MKNA's website elaborates on their history: "Meridian-Kessler became a highly desirable neighborhood in the early 20th century. The area is home to many historic properties, including large estates as well as smaller bungalows and cottages. The home and garden tour was created in the 1970s to promote the history, beauty and unique architecture of the neighborhood. The neighborhood is bordered by Kessler Boulevard to the north, 38th Street on the south, Meridian Street on the west and the former Monon Railroad line (now the Monon Trail) to the east.

MKNA's Home & Garden Tour and Twilight Tour & Silent Auction are unique opportunities to meet new neighbors, renew acquaintances and visit one of the city's most historic and vibrant neighborhoods.