“It’s for the wine-and-cheese crowd, I’m not going.”
With those 10 words, my classmate justified why he was again avoiding the Short North’s Gallery Hop, instead choosing to sit in an off-campus house with several dudes drinking Natural Light and watching TiVo-ed Premier League soccer. Exciting.
Anyone removed from the bi-partisan hackery of politics knows that thinking in ideologies is superficial and dumb. Anyone who has ever been to the Short North knows its Gallery Hop has much to offer, regardless of if you are a fan of brie and chardonnay.
So what makes up the so-called “liberal” Short North?
Art galleries and local eateries line High Street for blocks in this area and gay-pride flags adorn area windows. The announcement of a new Starbucks in the area received a muted reception from the fiercely non-corporate community. The vibe of the Short North is distinct and different, but better adjectives than “liberal” exist to describe it.
It’s classic, a throwback to the history of Columbus. Anyone driving from campus to the city has noticed the stylistic 28-foot arches stretching over High Street. The metallic structures were modeled after wooden arches that lined the streets at the turn of the 20th Century earning Columbus its nickname, “The Arch City.”
It’s original, Comfest held during the summer at Goodale Park is a three-day festival, which features hundreds of bands and art vendors. Anyone with eyes for art or ears for local music should be there.
It’s funny, The Doo Dah Parade held on Independence Day is a satirical political alternative to July 4 celebrations. Participants meandering the parade route include characters from the “Rocky Horror Picture Show,” as well as the “Marching Fidels,” who dress similar to Castro and carry signs with slogans such as “Cuba … it’s safer than Aruba!” (Steven Colbert wouldn’t be out of place marching here.)
The Gallery Hop is the Short North’s lifeblood and crowning achievement. From 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. the first Saturday of every month the normally ho-hum populated streets resemble those of late night New York City, flooded with thousands of visitors in a carnival-like atmosphere.
Here you’ll find local music, worldwide art, great food and drinks. The cost of admission is free, other than the price you pay for a parking spot.
But who would want to go to such a liberal event? What type of elitist would want to see local bands, including many comprised of Ohio State students, dotting the streets with soulful performances? What kind of protester would want to take part in some of the best bars and food joints the city has to offer on one of its most active nights? Maybe the better question is, Who wouldn’t want to?
Although the Short North is only a few minutes drive down High Street, for many students it seems a world and culture away. But Saturday music, food and art will come together in the area to provide something for everyone and showcase one of the defining events in Columbus.
Superficial excuses aside, if you don’t attend the Gallery Hop you are missing out on a unique event that even TiVo can’t rival. Once there students will come to understand what many others have already, wine and cheese are more enjoyable then Natty Lite.
Jim Baird is a senior in political science and journalism. He likes to travel and does in fact have a TiVo subscription. He can be reached at [email protected].
