Christ Church Cathedral Strawberry Festival, June 13, 2019 @cccathedralindy

“The Works” at the Christ Church Cathedral Strawberry Festival.
AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2016,  all rights reserved.

By Elise Shrock
On behalf of Christ Church Cathedral

The Cathedral Women of Christ Church Cathedral will hold the 54th Annual Strawberry Festival on Thursday, June 13, 2019, on Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana. Traditional strawberry shortcakes will be offered for sale from 9 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., or until supplies run out. Carryout opens in the church basement at 8:30 a.m.

The “Works” costs $7 for a treat of homemade shortcake, strawberries, ice cream and whipped topping. Single items are available á la carte for $2 each. Cash only.

More than 95% of all proceeds go directly to charity. In 2018, the Cathedral Women donated over $70,000 to non-profit organizations.

“Extending the hospitality of our parish outside of the cathedral walls and into our community hits right at the heart of our work at Christ Church Cathedral.” explains the Rev. Lauren Grubaugh of Christ Church Cathedral. “The Strawberry Festival is a big party and a treat for the whole city. But the true heart of the festival is the fundraising component. Nearly all proceeds go to organizations providing real human needs.”

Strawberry Festival Chair Jennifer Manterfield echoes this sentiment, saying, “The volunteer efforts led by the Cathedral Women are nothing short of miraculous each year. Seeing our church and community members come together and work side by side to put this on strengthens my faith in many ways. And our organization is always thrilled to award the proceeds of the day in community grants. That’s what our mission is truly about and it’s an honor to be able to do that for area organizations.”

In addition to the sale, other Strawberry Festival activities will include:

• Entertainment on Monument Circle starting at 10:00am. Acts include: Children’s Choir of Christ Church Cathedral, Heather Michelle Chapman, CCC Guitar Trio, Bells Ringers, Trio Compas, Mariachi Sol Jaliciense, and Meztli Cultural

• An Indiana Blood Center bloodmobile will be on the Circle offering free “The Works” tickets to blood donors starting at 9 am.

• Noonday Holy Eucharist will be offered inside the church at 12:05 pm.

• Free walking tour brochures of the Cathedral offer details on the history and beauty of our church building.

The First inaugural Strawberry Festival was held on Thursday, June 10, 1965. The festival was the idea of parishioner Pat Harding, who suggested the church host a strawberry festival, such as they had back in her hometown of Lymington, England. With Nate Gore, Church Sexton, the Cathedral Women thought they could both raise funds and have some fun.

The Cathedral Women baked and sold 100 homemade shortcakes on the church lawn for the first festival in 1965. They decided to host it on Thursday night to capitalize on the evening hours of the J.C. Penney department store on Monument Circle. Within two hours, they had sold out of shortcakes. This year, the congregation baked 19,499 homemade shortcakes.

Holy Rosary Italian Street Festival, June 9-10, 2017

Anti-pasto salads at the Italian Street Festival in Indianapolis, Indiana. AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2010, all rights reserved.

By Kay Feeney-Caito
On behalf of the Italian Street Festival

Holy Rosary Catholic Church is pleased to announce the ethnic event of the summer, Friday/Saturday, June 9-10, 2017, from 5 to 11 pm each day at the historic Catholic Church, 520 Stevens Street (and surrounding Lacy Park), Indianapolis, Indiana.

During the event, the area will transform into an outdoor Italian festival and celebration. The annual summer event offers free admission and a treat for the senses. Food tickets are available at the festival entrance.

“Every year, we are thrilled to invite the community to this exciting event that brings together the best in local entertainment, fantastic food and cultural fun,” said Holy Rosary Father C. Ryan McCarthy. “During the Italian Street Festival, everyone is invited to experience our tradition.”

New to the festival is an exceptional, music line-up, including four of Indy’s most popular acts. Local favorite and Headliner The Woomblies will entertain on Friday evening, along with Fort Wayne favorite Oferle.

Saturday’s line-up includes Spinrut and the Indy Nile Band beginning at 5:30 p.m. Fans of Caruso and Frank Sinatra will also be entertained as classic Italian pop music favorites are played over the Festival public address system.

The Italian Street Festival features over 25 different Italian meats, pastas, salads and desserts. There also is dancing, carnival rides and games for everyone.

25 food stands in a festive, ethnic setting are decorated with strands of lights, and Italian music and an old-world style procession and Mass add to the ambiance.

There is free parking in the Eli Lilly lots on East and New Jersey Streets.

On Friday and Saturday afternoon of the festival, the Italian Heritage Society of Indiana will host Bocce demonstrations. All are welcome to play bocce at the courts in Lacy Park, or learn how to play the historic Italian game. The Lacy Park Bocce Courts are located at McCarty and Greer Street at the south end of the Church.

Those interested in signing up a team of four to play in the IHSI League should register at http://italianheritage.org/.

Additionally, there is a 7 pm mass on Saturday, June 10 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Before Mass at 6:45 pm, a colorful, Italian religious procession will pass through the food booth area with a Blessed Virgin statue, priests, servers and members of the Italian Heritage Society.

The Italian Street Festival organizers strive to create a fun, family-friendly environment where one can experience Italian American culture by providing the best in Italian cuisine, entertainment, Italian goods and service.

Striving for excellence in promoting the Indianapolis Italian-American community, the Parish of Holy Rosary and the City of Indianapolis, Holy Rosary Church and the Italian Street Festival are 501c-3 entities. Proceeds from the annual Festival support the Church Operation Fund.

“Hagar” Opera at Christ Church Cathedral, Jan. 9

“Hagar” Opera at Christ Church Cathedral. Photo provided by the event organizers and used with written permission.

Press Release
National Opera Association

The Sacred in Opera Initiative of the National Opera Association will present a performance at the historic Christ Church Cathedral on Saturday, January 9, 2016, at 1:00 p.m., featuring soprano Jane Dutton.

Dr. Isai Jess Muñoz from the faculty of Indiana Wesleyan University coordinates the performance, which will showcase Act One from a new Opera, Hagar, by William David Cooper, recent winner of the Charles Ives Composition Award from the Academy of Arts and Letters, commissioned by Second Presbyterian Church of Indianapolis.

The performance will be followed by a panel discussion with the production team discussing the commissioning and producing of Hagar, as an example of new operas successfully being funded and presented today by sacred spaces.

The presentation is a free event open to the public.

Another scene from the “Hagar” opera. Photo provided by the event organizers and used with written permission.

The National Opera Association convention continues through Sunday at the Conrad Hotel in downtown Indianapolis. Christ Church Cathedral is located at 125 Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis.

For more information, visit http://cccindy.org/, or call 317-636-4577.

Ten Great Indiana Events: Number 3 Might Surprise You

By Bob Burchfield, Editor
AroundIndy.com, LLC

Once again this week a reader asked, via email, “What are the best events in Indiana?” Hmmm…talk about a loaded question! That’s kind of like trying to name Indy’s best burger (which is sure to provoke an argument) or trying to answer the eternal question: “What is Hip?” (sometimes hipness is what it ain’t). One person’s pleasure is another’s poison.

Nevertheless, in an attempt to address the question, I’m going to offer ten of my personal favorite events in Indianapolis and Indiana. I’m well aware that others would likely choose an entirely different list, because we all have our own likes and dislikes.

Also, if I lived in South Bend or Fort Wayne or Evansville or elsewhere, I’m certain my list might be different. So please don’t send vehement text messages or emails saying something like, “I can’t believe you left the Three Rivers Festival off your list,” or “Why didn’t you include the West Side Nut Club Fall Festival?” or “Where’s the Covered Bridge Festival on your list?” (But I would like to hear your choices in the comments section below.)

Having made those disclaimers, here goes!

#10. Christmas City Walkway of Lights

Christmas City Walkway of Lights in Marion, Indiana. AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2014, all rights reserved.

Matter Park in Marion, Indiana, about 90 minutes north of Indianapolis, presents the Christmas City Walkway of Lights every November/December. For $5 you can drive your car load of passengers through the park and see a huge variety of colorful and visually-appealing holiday light displays, with millions of lights, featuring everything from the IU logo to the 12 days of Christmas. Be sure to time your visit so you arrive just after dark. It’s even cooler if you park your car and walk through the park. Your kids will love it. See http://www.walkwayoflights.org/

#9. St. Joan of Arc French Market

French Market at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Indianapolis, Indiana. AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2015, all rights reserved.

St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church at 46th and Central Avenue in Indianapolis holds its parish festival every summer in August. I finally made it to the French Market in 2015 and was enthralled by the laid-back, easy-going setting, the big crowd, the variety of French cuisine, and the many vendors and activities in a beautiful neighborhood setting. Admission is free, but parking in the neighborhood can be a challenge. See http://www.sjoa.org/frenchmarket/

#8. Mid-Summer Festival

Mid-Summer Festival at St. Christopher Catholic Church in Speedway, Indiana. AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2015, all rights reserved.

St. Christopher Catholic Church conducts an annual parish festival each summer in July. I love this festival for its neighborhood setting in Speedway on Indy’s west side at 16th and Lynhurst, plus its excellent variety of cuisine and carnival rides. Admission is free, but finding parking in the neighborhood can be a challenge. It’s pay-as-you-go at the food booths and rides. See http://indyfestival.com/

#7. Indianapolis Indians

Victory Field, home of the Indianapolis Indians. AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2015, all rights reserved.

The Indians are the AAA minor league baseball team in Indianapolis. They play their home games at Victory Field, 501 West Maryland Street, in downtown Indy. I love to go out to the ball park because the action is up close and personal, tickets are reasonably priced in the $10-15 range, and the skyline of Indianapolis presents a beautiful backdrop for a baseball game. Monday Dollar Nights offer hot dogs, peanuts, potato chips, Cracker Jack and popcorn for just $1 each. See http://indyindians.com/

#6. Indy Greek Festival

Middle Eastern dancing at the Greek Festival in Carmel, Indiana. AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2015, all rights reserved.

This is a colorful event held at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Carmel, Indiana each summer in August. The Greek food is plentiful, the Middle Eastern dancing and music is so enjoyable, and the sanctuary inside the church is breathtaking. Be prepared for long lines in the food court, and you may have to park at Marsh Supermarket more than a mile away on Michigan Road and wait for a shuttle bus to transport you to the church. See http://indygreekfest.org/

#5. Italian Street Festival

Italian Street Festival at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Indianapolis, Indiana. AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2013, all rights reserved.

I love the Italian Street Festival at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 520 Stevens Street in Indianapolis, across the street from the Eli Lilly Company. The food is terrific (the four-layer carrot cake is unforgettable), the neighborhood atmosphere is enjoyable, admission is free, and I can usually find free parking across the street from the church. By now you are probably thinking that I’m a devout Catholic based on my selections thus far, but I’m not. I just love a good festival. See http://www.indyitalianfest.org/

#4. Indiana Flower and Patio Show

Indiana Flower and Patio Show at the State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis. AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2012, all rights reserved.

This show is held each spring at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 East 38th Street, in Indianapolis. It’s a great event with colorful displays, lots of good ideas for decorating and home improvement projects, and a photographer’s delight. See http://hsishows.com/wp/indianaflowerandpatioshow/

#3. Feast of Lanterns

Feast of Lanterns at Spades Park in Indianapolis, Indiana. AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2015, all rights reserved.

This one-day festival doesn’t always get a lot of media coverage, but when they turn on the lanterns after dark, this is one of the most beautiful and colorful events in the city, in my opinion, held at Spades Park on Indy’s near east side in August. Food trucks, lots of vendors, a beer garden, and a neighborhood setting combine to make this event so enjoyable. Admission is free, but parking in the neighborhood can be a real challenge. Take your own chair and enjoy a lovely evening (opting for acoustic music would further improve this event, IMO). See https://www.facebook.com/IndyFeast

#2. Circle of Lights Celebration

Circle of Lights on Monument Circle as viewed from the Skyline Club. AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2009, all rights reserved.

Every year on the Friday after Thanksgiving, Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis transforms into a holiday showplace with the lighting of “the world’s tallest Christmas tree,” free live entertainment, and a festive atmosphere. Admission is free, so join me and 100,000 of my closest friends for this annual holiday tradition. See http://www.downtownindy.org/happening-downtown/hot/circle-of-lights/

#1. Indiana State Fair

Indiana State Fair midway in Indianapolis. AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2015, all rights reserved.

I’ve been going to the Indiana State Fair since 1953 when I was still in diapers. It’s unquestionably my number one favorite event of the year. There is so much to see and do. You can’t really see it all in one day, but it’s fun to try! I like to ride the shuttle train all the way around the fairgrounds at least once just to see what’s new, then jump off the shuttle and work my way around the fairgrounds on foot.

My mom’s favorite was the quilt display in the Family Arts Building, so I always stop by and view the quilts to honor her memory. My brother played trombone in the Anderson High School marching band that won three consecutive state championships in the late 1950’s. So our family has a long and enjoyable history at the fair. The food is unbeatable, the midway is lively and colorful, the concerts feature national recording artists, the hot air balloon launch is inspirational, and a stop at the Dairy Bar for an official State Fair milk shake is a must. There’s something for everyone. See http://www.in.gov/statefair/

Honorable Mentions:

1. Dig IN: A Taste of Indiana at White River State Park in Indianapolis
2. Indianapolis Theatre Fringe Festival on Massachusetts Avenue in Indianapolis
3. Indy Irish Fest at Military Park in Indianapolis
4. Freedom Blast Fireworks Show on July 4 in downtown Indianapolis
5. St. George Festival at St. George Orthodox Christian Church in Fishers, Indiana

How did I do? What are YOUR favorite Indianapolis and Indiana events of the year? Let me know in the comments because I try to cover as many Indianapolis and Indiana events as possible each year, and I’ll try to get to as many of them as I can.

DISCLOSURE NOTICE: AroundIndy.com, LLC received a Media Pass to the 2011 Indiana State Fair, complimentary tickets to the 2012 Indiana State Fair, a 2015 Media Pass, and a media pass to the 2015 Indiana State Fair. You may think I’m biased as a result, but I was going to the fair decades before these complimentary passes were offered.

St. Thomas Aquinas SausageFest, Aug. 15-16

St. Thomas Aquinas School. AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2014, all rights reserved.

By Bob Burchfield, Editor
AroundIndy.com, LLC
http://aroundindy.com/churches.php

The 10th annual SausageFest at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Aug. 15-16, 2014.

The SausageFest features sausages, pretzels, and beer, plus kids activities, cake walk, bounce house, face painting, a 50/50 raffle, Texas Hold ‘Em, live music, and more. SausageFest is open from 6 PM to midnight both days.

St. Thomas Aquinas Parish is located at 4600 Kenwood Avenue in Indianapolis, Indiana (46th and Illinois Streets). For more information, visit http://www.staindy.org/church/sausagefest/, or call 317-255-6244.