Independents' Day

Yesterday was the second annual Independents’ Day downtown at the corner of Gay Street and Pearl Alley. Thousands of independent business lovers from Columbus and beyond came by to experience local art, cuisine, crafts, film, design, and music. Nearly 40 bands performed on three outdoor stages and at neighboring venues. The beer was cold, the sky was cobalt, and the friend run-ins were plentiful. Indie rock band Six Gallery threaded the atmosphere with opiate tension. Vendors carried everything from homemade soap and stenciled paintings to vintage dresses and guitar pick earrings. A hugging booth offered embraces of the "zombie," "bro," and "long uncomfortable" varieties in exchange for two compliments. Local artist and all-around good guy Aaron Hibbs masterfully attempted to break the world hula hoop record. Chain stores and mass-produced items? Um, no thanks.