INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – Discover Irvington, one of the city’s most storied neighborhoods, on Saturday, May 9 with music, food, business bingo and loads of shopping options from local retailers.
Historic Irvington was founded in 1870 by Sylvester Johnson and Jacob Julian. Originally a suburb of Indianapolis, it was home to artists, politicians, and other luminaries. Irvington was annexed by Indianapolis in 1902. From 1875-1928, Irvington was home to Butler University. Not content to rest on a rich past, Irvington has built a robust commercial district on East Washington St., and is developing Bonna Ave., Johnson Ave., and Audubon as well. Irvington has also become a highly desirable residential area known for diverse architecture and a lively cultural scene.
Discover Irvington is the annual community event to showcase and celebrate the businesses and character of this unique neighborhood, just five miles east of downtown Indianapolis. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the sidewalks of Washington and nearby streets will be lined with booths from 20 civic organizations and the Irvington Business Association representing 50 businesses. In addition, there is an alternative gift fair at The Irving Theater.
“We want the rest of the Indianapolis community to see and experience what makes Irvington such great area to live and work,” said Allison Luthe, chairperson of the Discover Irvington event.
Among the groups represented are:
• Neighborhood Crime Watch with Steve Talley from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department’s East District distributing safety information.
• Good to Grow will be handing out buckets so individuals can start their own compost program.
• Friends of Irvington Circle will be selling hostas.
• The Irvington Garden Club will be selling 13 species of Indiana native wildflowers on the southside of Washington St., and in front of the Masonic Temple. Proceeds benefit the Kile Oak Habitat Garden, 5939 Beechwood Avenue, where they’ve planted over 60 species.
• The YMCA and Irvington 4-H clubs will have information on summer programs.
• Indianapolis Animal Care and Control will be micro-chipping pets for a fee and will have some dogs available for adoption.
For the first time, Discover Irvington is hosting the Acoustic Blues Festival at Playground Production Studios in the Coal Yard on Bonna Avenue from noon to 4 p.m. The music is free and there will be food and beer available. Located next door at the Coal Yard Coffee House is the 5547 Project where the works of Irvington artists are on display. Play Discover Irvington Bingo for a chance to win some cool prizes and learn about the neighborhood.
For more information, visit discoverirvington.com
