Did you get to the Broad Ripple Carnival? And more importantly, did you visit the Broad Ripple History Exhibit curated by our very own BR History Guru Alan Hague? What a tremendous collection of the different "era's" of the village showcased in photographs, posters, and past issues of BRG. Broad Ripple has always been a mecca for leisure of some sort. Maps and photos made it both easy and a bit shocking to see how green space for boating, swimming, and the short lived but much adored Amusement Park evolved into opportunities for independent owners of galleries, shops, restaurants and music venues to open their own businesses. The cycle continues as those places of the past become apartments and condos of the future. Lets hope our sense of community survives as Broad Ripple becomes more of an urban neighborhood than a village.

Living in Broad Ripple also makes it a good hub from which to venture forth into other neighborhoods and experience their celebrations of the past, present and future. I explored a few this past weekend. The Circle City Industrial Complex in the Windsor Park neighborhood celebrated the life of a local artist whose pioneering spirit paved the way for that building to be what it is today, home to studios, businesses and even a craft brewery. The Near West Flow Fest showcased the River West neighborhood's diverse cultures with music (including a rocking performance from long time Broad Ripple musician Tim Brickley and his band), art and a stunning Recycled Fashion show that was a lesson in history and the environment. The DiveDapper Poetry Carnival at the Efroymson Center for Creative Writing in the Butler-Tarkington neighborhood offered everything from poetry workshops to social insight from four of the country's up and coming poets. The city of Carmel's Second Saturday Gallery Walk on Main Street featured musicians on the sidewalks, and artists in their galleries including some Broad Ripple residents, all ready and willing to have a conversation with you.

At the Indiana State Fair, I enjoyed the talents of local musicians, artists and scientists (shout out to Rocky Ripples Jim Poyser and the positive environmental difference his Earth Charter Indiana group is making in our city and state) in addition to the hard work of Indiana farmers.

One of my favorite "timeless" bottles of wine is Dry Creek Vineyards Chenin Blanc. DCV was one of the first in California to successfully grow and bottle the French grape. The result is a lush, white wine with an exotic note of mandarin orange on the palate, and a clean crisp finish. Affordably priced and widely available it's a wine that feels right at home whether its served on its own or with food.