Independents’ Day

Sometimes I wonder if residents of other states have as much pride as Ohioans. You know those Ohio Shaped Everythings we have at our community events? The T-shirts, stickers, posters, coasters, soaps, necklaces, and tattoos? They’ve convinced me that my own beating heart is Ohio-shaped. Independents’ Day was held yesterday in Downtown Columbus at Gay Street and Pearl Alley, and it was the most recent example in which I felt stampeded by homegrown affection. There were four stages with more than 40 bands, dozens of food trucks, dancers, street performers, crafters, artists, a kids area, and a bicycle corral. Everything was organized by and for locals, and all participating businesses were independently owned. Not only does Ohio make a cool visual icon, its inhabitants are shaping one fierce cultural phenomenon. Click here for more photos.