Dear Port Columbus International Airport, I have two words for your paltry “Nothing tips like a cow!” T-shirts: Independents’ Day. Nothing is more exciting, or cliché shattering, than uniting local independent businesses, restaurants, artists, actors, crafters, dancers, musicians, and street performers for 12 straight hours of Columbus love.
The third annual Independents’ Day takes place on Saturday, September 18 from noon to midnight at Gay Street and Pearl Alley. This free outdoor event features 200 vendors, 50 bands, and limitless gumption. Highlights of this year’s festival include a mobile art show presented by the Couchfire Collective, artist booths courtesy of Ohio Art League and ARTillery Ohio, live art creation by Urban Scrawl, and a “yardless” sale hosted by the Downtown Residents’ Association of Columbus. The Small Business Beanstalk will raffle thousands of dollars worth of local business gift cards throughout the event.
“This year’s Independents’ Day will build on the success of the past two,” said Wolf Starr of The Small Business Beanstalk, who is managing the event. “I’m especially proud that all of our partners are so actively participating.”
Thanks to Central City Recording, KOBO, and Listening Lamp Productions, four stages located on Gay Street, Pearl Alley, and on both sides of Lynn Alley will feature live music from such favorite local bands as The Compressions, Shin Tower Music, and Phantods. Columbus Crafty Cotillion will organize a slew of unique handmade goods by more than 25 local artists and designers, including Wholly Craft, Torn Angel, and The Candle Lab. Wild Goose Creative, in conjunction with seven other local theater companies, will present the results of a 24-hour collective theater project at 8:00 on the night of the event.
“Independents’ Day is by, for, and about the individual groups that comprise it,” said Adam Brouillette, founder/advisor of Independents’ Day. “Every individual component of this festival contributes to its growth and success.”
Dine Originals Columbus will sponsor the event’s “Food Court,” which includes Barrio, Cotter’s Restaurant, Due Amici, G. Michael’s, Skillet Rustic Urban Food, Tip Top Kitchen & Cocktails, and Trattoria Roma. Local Matters will host cooking classes and urban farming education sessions. Two beer tents stocked with
Pabst Blue Ribbon will benefit the Columbus Music Co-op.
The only thing tipping around here will be hats in recognition.
For a complete list of Independents’ Day vendors, schedules, and activities, including volunteer opportunities, visit www.ThisIsIndependent.com.
Alexandra Kelley handles PR for Independents’ Day and is a featured writer for Columbus Underground. Visit alexandra477.com for more information.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIxZP9220R4