Guest Blogger: ‘Blues & Jazz Fest’ didn’t miss a beat

By Angela Payne

Despite the sweltering temperatures and periodic drizzles, the family and I ventured over to Olde Gahanna for the Creekside Blues & Jazz Fest – so glad we did!  After all, nothing beats a funnel cake nice family outing close to home (gimme a break, I changed it).

Jeni’s ice cream truck – yum!

In the quaint setting of Creekside, where contemporary architecture meets picturesque nature, festival-goers strolled up and down Mill St. greeting familiar faces, browsing the goods at vendor tables and snapping their fingers to music heard in the distance.



Schmidt’s of German Village



We started our day where any true festival enthusiasts would – the food vendors!  Better than your typical festival fare, some of Columbus’ most popular spots were in the mix – Schmidt’s of German Village, Jeni’s and J. Gumbo’s to name a few. 



After we filled our bellies, it was time to check out the vendors. Goodies were aplenty, but one of the most novel was a business called “The Dudes” Pant-Planters, where the owner “dresses” pots in pants, shoes and a belt (visit the website for photos). Love it!

Brats and sausage at Giant Concessions

We rounded the day out with some heartfelt blues and soulful jazz. Ranging from rising stars to seasoned musicians, the talent was amazing. Sorry, no pics. Note to self: Arrive early for a seat up front.

The serene setting, delicious vittles and quality entertainment secured our attendance at next year’s festival. For you music lovers still needing a fix, pack a picnic basket and check out the ‘Music in the Park’ series every Friday at Friendship Park.

Till next time…

About Angela: A self-proclaimed summer fanatic, Angela Payne is a communications professional in the Columbus area and a Gahanna resident. Angela will be blogging this summer about all things Gahanna – restaurants, parks, festivals and more.

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Editor’s Note: Angela Payne is a Gahanna resident who offered to submit pieces for the City blog and we are excited that she did.  From time to time Angela will offer her insights and experiences as a Gahanna resident, wife and mom.  If you would like to submit a photo, story or idea for the City blog, please email us at information@gahanna.gov

Newest Piece of Public Art to be Unveiled at “Friday After Five”

Gahanna Lincoln High School student pairing up with local artist to design piece

Student artist Staci Alatis and Artist Steve Bush
present her sculpture concept to the committee

The first piece of public art in Gahanna, Three Creeks, commissioned by the Gahanna Parks and Recreation Foundation (GPRF), is going to have a second piece joining it in Creekside Park.

The Foundation’s Public Art Steering Committee is once again working with Steve Bush, owner of SmART Works and the creator of Three Creeks, in order to build this year’s piece.  For 2012 the committee decided to take a new and innovative approach by partnering with Gahanna Lincoln High School student to design the piece.  Bush will then construct the winning piece based off the winning high school student’s designs.

Student artist Staci Alatsis was one of two students to present a proposal to the Committee and Blacklick artist Steve Bush in May. 

Assistant City Administrator and committee member
Brandi Braun stands with Director of  Parks &
Recreation Tony Collins to recognize Alatsis during
a City Council meeting. 

“I wanted something that everyone could enjoy, whether they’re a child or adult,” Alatsis said.

Alatsis’ piece, which features three fish, was chosen as the winning art piece and was recognized at a City Council meeting in early June.

This newest public art piece will debut at the 2012 Gahanna Parks & Recreation Foundation “Friday After Five” fundraiser on Friday, Sept. 21 in Creekside Park.

Guest Blogger: Summer, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways

By Angela Payne
The summer months are by far my favorite time of year (next to Christmas, of course). Basking in the warmth of the sun, spending long evenings on the patio, and enjoying the sweet aroma of backyard barbeque – summer days are here!

Fellow summer enthusiasts will probably agree that this time of year is reminiscent of your youth -- vibrant, carefree… curious, even.  Remember what that last day of school felt like? Watching the hands on the classroom clock tick by, eager for the final minutes of the school year to pass.  With the lyrics of Alice Cooper’s 1972 School’s Out playing through my head, summer officially began and the next three months were pure adventure.

I’ve now realized that life happens more and summer happens less. Without warning, the priority of leisure diminishes.  Not only am I determined to take back my summer, my “playground” will be right here in Gahanna!  I’ll be blogging about Gahanna’s tasty eats and treats, lively nights on the town, simple family fun and more.

With any luck, I’ll ignite the interest of visitors to come check-out Gahanna and reintroduce long-time residents to the forgotten gems of this great city.

DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince said it best in their 1991 hit, Summertime: “It’s summer, summer, summer time / Time to sit back and unwind.”

Till next time…

About Angela: A self-proclaimed summer fanatic, Angela Payne is a communications professional in the Columbus area and a Gahanna resident. Angela will be blogging this summer about all things Gahanna – restaurants, parks, festivals and more.

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Editor’s Note: Angela Payne is a Gahanna resident who offered to submit pieces for the City blog and we are excited that she did.  From time to tome Angela will offer her insights and experiences as a Gahanna resident, wife and mom.  If you would like to submit a photo, story or idea for the City blog, please email us at information@gahanna.gov