I can’t believe it’s here! I feel like I still have so much to do, but Sunday there will be hundreds of people coming through my home as part of the tour! This is from their website:
Irvingtons’ Benton House Tour of Homes is a main fundraising activity for the House. Proceeds from past tours have helped to provide a new permanent sign in the front yard, a new slate roof, gutters and downspouts, fifty new folding chairs, a much needed trim and removal of dead trees on the grounds and foundation repairs.
~REDEFINING LEGENDARY: IRVINGTON CELEBRATES 41 YEARS OF HOME TOURS ~
The Irvington Benton House Tour of Homes on Sunday, September 21, 2014 will showcase the history, charm, and architecture of Irvington neighborhoods while bringing inspiration, education, and home improvement ideas to the Indianapolis area. Celebrate over 40 years of outstanding home tours by touring an array of stunning historic homes in vibrant Irvington. Guests can enjoy viewing the properties of homeowners who truly fuel the Irvington neighborhoods. Many of the homeowners not only live in Irvington, but, invest further in the development of the 143 year old community.
Home Tour Tickets are now available at pre-sale prices ($12) at the following Irvington businesses:
Central Ace Hardware, 10th & Arlington Ave. Bookmama’s, 9 S. Johnson Ave. Black Sheep, 5626 E. Washington St. Dufour’s, 5648 E. Washington St. Antique Mall (Jack & Jill’s), 5501 E. Washington St.
Tickets are $15.00 the day of the tour. For more information call 317 506 6808.
This year’s Tour theme: “REDEFINING LEGENDARY”! The Tour is Sunday, September 21st, from noon to 5pm. We hope to see you there!
We are very grateful to the following sponsors of last years’ tour.
Please click on the businesses below to go to their website.
I personally want to thank The Windowbox Gardener and my friend Gretchen Jacobs for the beautiful flowers they added to my front porch – these ladies are so incredibly talented, check out these pics:
I’ll be hanging out at home on Sunday talking about the wonders of Irvington…will I see you there?
I had the privilege of attending a concert of the US Marine Band, ‘The President’s Own’ at Clowes recently. And, it is a privilege and an honor to see and hear these men and women share their talents. The Marine Band was established in 1798 by President John Adams with 32 drummers and fifers. In 1801 they performed for Thomas Jefferson’s inaugural and he gave them the title ‘The President’s Own’.
The band accompanied President Abraham Lincoln to Gettysburg for the dedication of the National Cemetery and his immortal Gettysburg Address. In 1880, twenty-five-year-old John Philip Sousa was appointed the 17th Leader, a post he held for 12 years. In 1886, he led the Band and President Cleveland and more than 20,000 marchers down 5th Avenue and Broadway on the way to New York Harbor for the unveiling ceremony of the Statue of Liberty.
The concert was free (thanks to us taxpayers!) and it was a full house. We got there early to get good seats in the balcony of course. They began with The Star Spangled Banner and ended with America, The Beautiful and everyone sang along. They also performed each of the military anthems and requested the audience to stand if they or a family member had or was serving in that branch. Thanks to my family, I am able to stand for each of them: uncles, nephews & sons have served in every branch of the military.
The crowd was very appreciative and gave several standing ovations. The program announcer was also a fantastic singer and did a melody of Harold Arlen songs ending with a beautiful rendition of Over The Rainbow. The jazz selections were outstanding too. They performed “For ‘The President’s Own’” which was written for them by John Williams on their 215th. Anniversary. As an encore, the Band did ‘Raiders Overture’ and again everyone was on their feet applauding.
Clowes Hall is a great venue, the acoustics are amazing. Only drawback is having to get up and down to let people in and out because there is no middle aisle. We sat in the back row of the balcony so there was plenty of leg room and no one behind us. The ushers, who are volunteers, kept everyone in order. The lady in our section even came over and asked the person using their cell phone to play a game to stop. Wish they’d do more of that at the movie theatre!
It was a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
From the Indy Star last week…amazing, the property taxes annually are more than most people’s first home price!
Asherwood, the lavish Carmel estate where Mel and Bren Simon and their family lived for many years, is for sale for $25 million.
The seven-bedroom, 51,000-square-foot house sits on 106 acres that includes two swimming pools, tennis courts and a private 18-hole golf course, according to www.mibor.com.
Like to be outside? The lot also includes a clubhouse, greenhouse, pool house, and guest house among other maintenance buildings.
Prefer the indoors? There’s one indoor pool, an expansive workout room, home theater and caterer-ready professional kitchen in the home where presidents have been wined and dined.
The property tax on the estate is $54,654 semi-annually, according to the website of the listing Realtor Natasha Radovich with Carpenter.
The home also includes six fireplaces, eight full bathrooms and 16 half-baths.
It is the most expensive residential property on the market here in recent years, said Claire Belby, a spokeswoman for the Metropolitan Indianapolis Board of Realtors, or MIBOR.
INDYSTAR
Since 2000, 72 properties have been listed for $10 million or more. But only four of those have been residential; the majority were for commercial land or agricultural properties.
Simon and his first wife, Bess, bought the Asherwood home and property in 1973. Automotive engineer Louis H. Schwitzer built the original estate.
Over time, Simon and his second wife, Bren, expanded the home, adding on a 10,000-square-foot addition that included a 4,000-square-foot master bedroom wing.
But in 1998 they had to rebuild after a fire, thought to have started when a candle lit fabric-covered walls in one of the bedrooms, left much of the house uninhabitable.
Mel Simon, co-owner of the Pacers and co-founder of Simon Property Group, died in 2009.
INDYSTAR
The sale of Asherwood comes after the end of three years’ of litigation over his $1 billion estate, which ultimately was settled out-of-court.
Deborah Simon had alleged her stepmother coerced her father into changing his will so that Bren Simon received a much larger portion of the estate.
Mel and Bren Simon had multiple homes. She sold a New York condo soon after his death. In 2010, she listed their 20,000-square-foot mansion in Los Angeles’s Bel-Air neighborhood for $50 million.
The price was steep even for Bel-Air. She lowered the listing to $29 million in 2012 and delisted the property in 2013.
Estate properties can be a hard sell. Lucas Oil co-founder Forrest Lucas bought Stephen Hilbert’s estate at auction for $3 million in 2010 after it languished for five 5 years on the market.
Built for $35 million, the 25,000-square-foot house with its 15,000-square-foot sports pavilion, swimming pools and infinity waterfall, pool house and opulent grounds, originally was listed for $20 million. The property listing dropped to under $10 million over time, but finally went to auction when no buyers stepped forward.
Don’t feel like you can spend $25 mil? Let’s talk about your budget and see what we can find that’s a little more reasonable!
It’s the 48th year of The Penrod Arts Fair™. Penrod is one of the nation’s largest single day arts fairs. Saturday, September 6th, 2014 on the grounds of the Indianapolis Museum of Art. This year’s fair features over three hundred artists, six stages of entertainment, more than 50 arts-related non-profit organizations, and an extensive children’s area. Also, don’t forget to visit the Indiana Craft Beer Garden! Billed as “Indiana’s Nicest Day,” it runs from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and is $15 per person for advance tickets and $20 the day of the fair.
For a more elegant option, at $100 per person, you can get a preview at the exclusive An Evening with Penrod™ at The IMA. This is the Second Annual Evening with Penrod™ and is presented by the National Bank of Indianapolis as an exclusive preview of the Penrod Arts Fair on Friday, September 5th, 2014 from 6:00-10:30 pm on the beautiful grounds of the IMA. For all the details, click here to visit the website!
So what is the purpose of this annual event? The Penrod Society is a volunteer organization, strongly rooted in Central Indiana. Their mission focuses on the cultivation, encouragement and development of public interest in and support of those arts, cultural and educational institutions located in and around Marion County, Indiana, its surrounding counties and the Central Indiana area in general.
For more on their history, I visited their website for this information on their founding…
In 1967 a group of twenty two men formed The Penrod Society™. The volunteer organization was designed to support the cultural and educational activities of Indianapolis-area artists, students, and arts organizations. “Penrod” pays homage to Penrod Schoefield, a literary character from Indianapolis novelist Booth Tarkington.
Over forty years later, The Penrod Arts Fair™ has become an Indianapolis tradition. Each year over 20,000 fair patrons visit the grounds of the Indianapolis Museum of Art on the first Saturday after Labor Day. The Penrod Arts Fair™ showcases hundreds of artists, and offers live music, performing arts and local cuisine. Proceeds from this one-day celebration provide grants for Indianapolis-area arts and community organizations.
In addition to launching the Arts Fair, The Penrod Society™ was also instrumental in creating the Economic Club of Indianapolis and the Prelude Awards.
and not a drop to drink.” Said by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. It’s from The Rime of the Ancient Mariner. It refers to a ship being stranded in the middle of the ocean and the crew is dying of thirst. Sometimes the past carries on into the future – our future. Water has been the cause of wars between countries and states forever. It also was the source of expansion in America – explorers followed the rivers to map the West. They were able to traverse the rivers and it provided food for their exploring parties. Ships were built and communities sprang up to be near the waterways for access to transportation and sustenance. Industry built factories near water to transport their products. Nowadays we use waterways for recreation and relaxation. Right here in central Indiana we have access to the White River. The city of Indianapolis actually uses it as the centerpiece of a recently built state park. If we don’t continue keeping our water sources safe and conserve, we’ll be wondering where our next drop to drink will come from. Learn more and find out how you can help at the White River Festival. Click here to explore the events happening: http://whiteriverfestival.org/about-the-festival/
Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.
LABOR DAY LEGISLATION
Through the years the nation gave increasing emphasis to Labor Day. The first governmental recognition came through municipal ordinances passed during 1885 and 1886. From these, a movement developed to secure state legislation. The first state bill was introduced into the New York legislature, but the first to become law was passed by Oregon on February 21, 1887. During the year four more states — Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York — created the Labor Day holiday by legislative enactment. By the end of the decade Connecticut, Nebraska, and Pennsylvania had followed suit. By 1894, 23 other states had adopted the holiday in honor of workers, and on June 28 of that year, Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September of each year a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories.
FOUNDER OF LABOR DAY
Some records show that Peter J. McGuire, general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and a cofounder of the American Federation of Labor, was first in suggesting a day to honor those “who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold.”More than 100 years after the first Labor Day observance, there is still some doubt as to who first proposed the holiday for workers.
But Peter McGuire’s place in Labor Day history has not gone unchallenged. Many believe that Matthew Maguire, a machinist, not Peter McGuire, founded the holiday. Recent research seems to support the contention that Matthew Maguire, later the secretary of Local 344 of the International Association of Machinists in Paterson, N.J., proposed the holiday in 1882 while serving as secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York. What is clear is that the Central Labor Union adopted a Labor Day proposal and appointed a committee to plan a demonstration and picnic.
THE FIRST LABOR DAY
The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. The Central Labor Union held its second Labor Day holiday just a year later, on September 5, 1883.
In 1884 the first Monday in September was selected as the holiday, as originally proposed, and the Central Labor Union urged similar organizations in other cities to follow the example of New York and celebrate a “workingmen’s holiday” on that date. The idea spread with the growth of labor organizations, and in 1885 Labor Day was celebrated in many industrial centers of the country.
A NATIONWIDE HOLIDAY
The character of the Labor Day celebration has undergone a change in recent years, especially in large industrial centers where mass displays and huge parades have proved a problem. This change, however, is more a shift in emphasis and medium of expression. Labor Day addresses by leading union officials, industrialists, educators, clerics and government officials are given wide coverage in newspapers, radio, and television.The form that the observance and celebration of Labor Day should take was outlined in the first proposal of the holiday — a street parade to exhibit to the public “the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations” of the community, followed by a festival for the recreation and amusement of the workers and their families. This became the pattern for the celebrations of Labor Day. Speeches by prominent men and women were introduced later, as more emphasis was placed upon the economic and civic significance of the holiday. Still later, by a resolution of the American Federation of Labor convention of 1909, the Sunday preceding Labor Day was adopted as Labor Sunday and dedicated to the spiritual and educational aspects of the labor movement.
The vital force of labor added materially to the highest standard of living and the greatest production the world has ever known and has brought us closer to the realization of our traditional ideals of economic and political democracy. It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pay tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation’s strength, freedom, and leadership — the American worker.
Thinking about selling your home? Just a few things to think about…
Renovations: The changes that make your house work for you may not appeal to potential buyers. Not everybody loves that bright blue paint color — no matter how much you personally adore it. Make sure any big changes you make will increase, rather than decrease, your home’s value.
ALWAYS leave during open houses and showings: No hovering! Current homeowners hovering over potential buyers as they tour the house…it’s a lot of pressure and can prevent them from giving honest feedback that could ultimately help you sell your home.
Waiting to list in the Spring: Most people house hunt in the spring and summer, but that’s also when most people list their homes. List yours when it’s available and you’ll reach those buyers who need a home now and aren’t finding much on the market.
Setting the price too high: What your home is worth to you and what it’s worth on the current market can be vastly different. Take a good look at the comparables provided by your REALTOR® and follow their advice…we are the experts! Ignore Zillow…the Zestimates they offer are just WRONG!
Not doing enough marketing: Just putting up a “for sale” sign isn’t enough. Talk with your REALTOR® about other options, like online listings with virtual tours to attract buyers who aren’t looking on Craigslist!
Not getting a real estate agent: Unless you’ve had plenty of experience, going the “for sale by owner” route is probably not a smart bet. A REALTOR® can give you insights, marketing advice and, most importantly, can get your property on the multiple-listing service (or MLS or if you are in Indianapolis, BLC), which gets it in front of other agents.
Not staging your house: You need to help buyers envision themselves in your home. This includes removing any clutter and overly personal items (like family photographs) and making sure furniture flows well and demonstrates the purpose of each room. Don’t go overboard, sometimes you can declutter and depersonalize to the point that the potential buyers can’t envision anything! Discuss with your REALTOR® and if they don’t have a good eye, bet they know a good stager!
Okay, now are you ready? Call, text or email me and let’s get started!
Buying a home is an emotional decision for most people, this is where you will likely spend the next 5 to 7 years of your life, more if you buy right and love the area. Do your research! Think about these things and when you are ready…CALL ME!
Researching the neighborhood: Is this some place you really want to live? What amenities are nearby? How is the school district? What does the traffic and street activity look like when you drive by it at different times of day, like Sunday morning and Monday evening rush hour?
Get an inspection: This is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make, and you’ll be living with it for years to come. Don’t pinch pennies — shell out $400 for an inspection. Make sure you know exactly what you’re signing up for.
Remember, you can paint! Don’t buy or not based on decor: Paint color can be changed. Tiles and cabinets can be changed. What you want to look at are the bones of the house. Will it meet your needs? Does it flow well? Does it have enough space?
Don’t buy the most expensive home on the block: Hate to break it to you, but the most expensive home on the block isn’t a good deal. It will only depreciate over time, and you could have trouble selling it when buyers can see plenty of more reasonably priced options in the same neighborhood.
Be realistic with your budget: There are 2 numbers to look at when you are buying a home, just because your lender says you qualify for a $250,000 mortgage, that doesn’t mean you can afford it, especially when you factor in the other costs that come with homeownership. Be real and only look at houses you can realistically afford.
Be realistic about your DIY abilities: Will you really tear down that wall to make a master suite or gut the entire kitchen to make it work for you? Don’t let too much HGTV and delusions of grandeur drive you to buy an ongoing project you’ll regret taking on.
Have money for a down payment: FHA financing requires 3.5% down, Insured Conventional 5 or 10%, Conventional 20%. Anything less than 20% down and you’ll pay private mortgage insurance (aka PMI) payments and a higher monthly mortgage payment overall. It may be worth saving up for an extra year or two to reduce your long-term costs. VA and USDA are 100% down programs, but make certain that’s how you want to go.
Make sure you are ready: Are you financially ready? Are you ready emotionally? Are you sure you want to stay in this area for years? Does your income feel stable? Are you prepared to take on all that yard work and the repairs you avoided as a renter?
Think you are ready? Time to call in the experts and find a realtor! Call or text me at 317-919-7931 or email at vlrrealestate@gmail.com…I’m looking forward to hearing from you!
Where did the summer go? As a Realtor, my business is so busy, especially during the summer months, I am surprised to realize it’s almost Labor Day and another summer has passed us by…and my friends will tell you it’s just because I’m getting old, I turn 50 on Sunday!
Make the most of your fall and visit a few of these great events:
• Greekfest: An event featuring live music and dancing, authentic food and pastries, Greek wine and craft brews. 4 to 10 p.m. Aug. 22; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Aug. 23; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 24. Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 3500 W. 106th St., Carmel. Info:greekfest.org. Cost: Free. New this year is a cafeteria-type line will be featured for one-stop shopping at all the food booths, and craft beers will be offered from Quaff On!, Oaken Barrel, and Sun King.
• WarmFest: A four-day music festival. Varied hours, Aug. 29-Sept. 1. Broad Ripple Park, 1550 Broad Ripple Ave. Info: Warmfest.org. Tickets: Starting at $10 for a single-day pass. This year will feature tented spaces for private gatherings, stocked with coolers of bottled water and other amenities.
• Zionsville Fall Festival: This festival kicks off with a carnival and includes a pet pavilion, beer garden with live music and a car show. Sept. 6-7, Lions Club Park, 115 S. Elm St., Zionsville. Info: zionsvillelions.com. Free.
• Heartnut Festival: A festival named after Heartnut trees planted in Johnson County Park, Nineveh. Includes food, music and a historic encampment. 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.,Sept. 6; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 7. Info: jocoparks.com, (812) 526-6809. Free.
• Penrod Arts Fair: In its 48th year, Penrod features five entertainment stages, hundreds of artists and food and beverages. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 6, Indianapolis Museum of Art, 4000 Michigan Road. Info: penrod.org. Cost: $15 advance; $20 at the gate.
• St. Joan of Arc French Market Festival: A festival of entertainment and food featuring beignets, quiche, Provencal chicken and other delicacies. Noon to 10 p.m. Sept. 6, St. Joan of Arc Church, 4217 Central Ave. Info: sjoa.org/frenchmarket. Free.
• Back to the Fifties Festival: A community festival featuring a street dance, children’s activities and a car show. 6 to 10 p.m. Sept. 12; 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sept. 13, downtown Lebanon. Info: fifitiesfestival.com. Free.
• Indy Irish Fest: A celebration of all things Irish including food and entertainment. 4:30 to 11 p.m. Sept. 12; 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sept. 13; 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 14. Military Park, 601 W. New York St. Info: indyirishfest.com. Cost: Adults (advance) $10 per day (gate price) $15 per day; students (5-13) and military, $5 per day; children (4 and younger), free.
• Festival of Machines: A festival celebrating the history of automobile manufacturing and sports. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 13-14, Conner Prairie Interactive History Park, 13400 Allisonville Road. Info: connerprairie.org. Admission: Free to members. Non-members: Adults, $15; seniors, $14; youth 2 to 12, $10.
• Fair on the Square in Danville: An annual event sponsored by Tri Kappa Sorority featuring food and crafts.10 a.m. to 6 pm. Sept. 13; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 14, Courthouse Square. Info: danvilletrikappa.org. Free.
• Jazz Festival: Three jazz bands and food come to Main Street, 2 to 9 p.m. Sept. 14, 12th and Main Streets, Speedway. Info: indyjazzfest.net. Free.
• Plainfield Quaker Day Festival: A carnival to raise funds toward construction of a handicapped accessible playground. Sept. 19-21, 105 S. East St., Plainfield. Info:quakerdayfestival.weebly.com. Free.
• Fiesta Indianapolis: A cultural event featuring arts and entertainment celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month.Noon to 11 p.m. Sept. 20, American Legion Mall, 700 N. Pennsylvania St. Info: (317) 890-3292. Free.
• Harvest Moon Festival: A carnival, classic car show and 5K run walk, 5 to 9 p.m. Sept. 18-20; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 21,Biddle Memorial Park, 610 E. 10th St, Sheridan. Info: sheridanharvestmoon.com. Free.
• Speedway Spectacular: A chili cook off, pumpkin and face painting and hayrides are part of this event, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 20, Leonard Park, 1450 N. Lynhurst Drive, Speedway. Info: townofspeedway.org. Free.
• CANvitational: A canned craft beer festival with music and food trucks. 1 to 5 p.m. Sept. 20, Georgia Street and Pan Am Plaza, Downtown. Info: canvitational.com. Cost: $60 in advance and $75 day of event.
• Festival of the Turning Leaves: A street fair celebrating 40 years with a parade, food court and car show,noon to 10 p.m. Sept. 26; 8 a.m.-midnight Sept. 27; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 28. Main Street, Thorntown. Info: thorntownfestival.org. Free.
• Brewfest: A 21-and-older event featuring beer sampling. 3 to 7 p.m. Sept. 27. Forest Park, 701 Cicero Road, Noblesville. Info: forestparkpool.org/Brewfest. Cost: $25 in advance (tickets can be purchased from Vintage Spirits, Runners Forum or Forest Park Pool), $30 at the door.
• Carmel International Arts Festival, an event featuring more than 130 juried artists. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 27; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 28, Carmel Arts & Design District, at the corner of Main Street and Rangeline Road, Carmel. Info:carmelartsfestival.org. Free.
• End of Summer Festival: A chance to end summer with canoeing, crafts, gaga ball, and horseback riding. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 14, Happy Hollow Camp, 3049 Happy Hallow Road, Nashville. Info: (317) 638-3849. Cost: $25 a person, ages four to 17, $10, three and younger, free.
• Pioneer Fair: A re-creation of an 1822-1865 pioneer village.10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 20, noon to 4 p.m. Sept. 21, Shelby County Fairgrounds, 500 Frank St., Shelbyville. Info: (317) 392-4634. Cost: $3 at the gate, over age six. Free parking.
• Stonycreek Farm Pumpkin Harvest Festival: A celebration of the season with hayrides to the pumpkin patch. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 27-Oct. 31, Stonycreek Farm Nursery & Landscaping, 11366 State Road 38 East Noblesville. Info:stonycreekfarm.net, (317) 773-3344. Cost: Parking $5.
• Fishers Oktoberfest at Saxony: An art and music festival featuring German food and beer. Noon to 7 p.m. Sept. 27. Witten Park, 13578 E. 131st St. and Olio Road, Fishers. Info: fishersfreedomfetival.org. Free.
• Fall Harvest Festival: Hayrides to the pumpkin patch and a petting zoo are part of this event. 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sept. 27-Oct. 31. Waterman’s Family Farm. Two locations: 7010 E. Raymond St. features straw mountain climb and maze; 1100 N. Ind. 37, Greenwood features a bounce house and activities for younger children. Info:watermansfamilyfarm.com. Free.
• Holy Name Oktoberfest: The church’s main fund raising event with lively entertainment including the Flying Toasters and Polkaboy. 5 p.m. to midnight Oct. 3-4, Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, 89 N. 17th Ave., Beech Grove. Info:holyname.cc/parish/oktoberfest, (317) 784-5454. Free.
• Scottish Highland Games and Festival: This event features nearly 50 amateur athletes competing in highland heavy athletic events including the caber toss. 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Oct. 11, German Park, 8600 S. Meridian St. Info:indyscotgamesandfest.com. Cost: Adults (13 and up), $15, children (five to 12), $5. Family packages area available for $35 (two adults and up to three children five to 12 years).
• Pumpkinfest at Country Market: Hayrides, farm animals, face painting and a moo train are part of this fun festival. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays, noon to 6 p.m. Sundays, every weekend in October. *To celebrate the 15th anniversary, the festival will also be open Sept. 27-28 and Nov. 1-2, 795 S. US Hwy 421, Zionsville. Info:thepumpkinfest.com, Cost: Adults, $10, ages three to 15, $9, under two, free.
• Riley Festival: An annual event celebrating the birthplace of poet James Whitcomb Riley. 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Oct. 2, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Oct. 3-4, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 5. Downtown Greenfield. Info: rileyfestival.com. Free.
• Heartland Apple Festival at Beasley’s Orchard: Live entertainment, hayrides to the pumpkin patch and a kid’s zone are part of the event. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 4-5 and Oct. 11-12. 2304 East Main St., Danville. Info: (317) 745-4876. Cost: $5 per a carload.
• Potter’s Bridge Fall Festival: An event celebrating the last original covered bridge in Hamilton County.11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 4, Potter’s Bridge Park, 19401 Allisonville, Rd., Noblesville. Info: (317) 770-4407. Free.
• Franklin Fall Festival: A community festival with food, crafts and free concerts. 6 to 10 p.m. Oct. 3, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Oct. 4, downtown Franklin. Info: franklinparks.org. Free.
• Fishers Renaissance Faire: Celebrating its 10th anniversary, this faire is all about Medieval merriment. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 4-5, 13578 E. 131st St. Fishers. Info: Cost: Ages 13 and up, $12, ages five to 12, $5, four and under, free. Info:fishersrenfaire.com.
• Fall Foliage Festival: A festival featuring a carnival, quilt show, car show, artisan market and Mayor’s breakfast, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Oct. 9, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Oct. 10, 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Oct. 11, 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Oct. 12, 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 13. Parade at 1 p.m., Oct. 12. Downtown Square, Martinsville. Info:morgancountyfallfoliagefestival.com. Free.
• Headless Horseman: A seasonal event when the grounds are transformed to “Conner Scairie.” 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 10-12, Oct. 16-19, Oct. 23-26, Conner Prairie, 13400 Allisonville Road, Fishers. Info: connerprairie.org. Cost: Thursdays and Sundays – $10 presale, $12 at the gate, free to members. Friday and Saturday $14 pre-sale, $16 at the gate. Pre-sale tickets are available at Mainstreet Marsh and O’Malia’s locations.
• Traders Point Creamery Oktoberfest: The grounds and barns come alive with seasonal food and entertainment, noon to 7 p.m.Oct. 11, Traders Point Creamery, 9101 Moore Road, Zionsville. Info: (317) 733-1700. Cost: $8 pre-sale attraderspointcreamery.com and $10 at the gate. Children under 10 are free.
• Germanfest: A family-friendly event celebrating all things German. noon to 8 p.m. Oct. 11, Atheneum Ratskeller Biergarten, 401 E. Michigan St. Info:athenaeumfoundation.org. Cost; Adutls $8 in Advance, $10 at the door; children 1-12, $2. This year The Athenaeum is partnering with the Pickled Peddler, beer bikes. Discounts will be offered to festival participants.
Well, at least a new name. What used to be IDI – Indy Downtown, Inc. has become Downtown Indy. Due to all the new residential and commercial building going on, they needed an update too. The new brand has a refreshed logo, tone and new colors. I try to keep up on what’s happening since I work downtown. My building overlooks the Circle and there’s always something going on and my co-workers are sure to ask me – “so, what’s the crowd on the Circle doing?”. I usually go to the Indydt website to check out the day’s activities. I pick up current editions of Nuvo and UP Downtown too. Just keeping up with the ever changing restaurant scene is almost a full-time job. We tried the new Labor District Café recently and was very pleased: good food & service at a reasonable price. We’re headed to the Bangkok Thai Restaurant on Friday to check it out. Reminder: Devour Downtown is happening through Aug. 31. It’s an easy on your budget way to try something new or re-visit an old favorite. I like to know what conventions are in town so I’ll know who’s parking in “my” garage; go to the Indiana Convention Center site for all the details. Who knew there was Tibetan Cultural Event or National Association of Broadcasters meeting?
Here’s some links to get you started on your adventure in Downtown Indy: http://www.indydt.com/downtownindy.cfm https://www.icclos.com/upcoming-events.aspx http://www.devourdowntown.org/
