So the juggling continues. HighBall is rockin’… some major stuff to talk about later on that front. We’re down to 5 weeks and counting. So what should I talk about? The Short North Gala of course! I haven’t brought that one to the front blog-burner as yet… and it’s just 2 weeks away!

Last year we introduced the Short North Gala to celebrate the lighting of the High Street arches. Remember when the arches were just architectural background? Okay, that’s a different story. So the gala was an instant sell out and we immediately decided it HAD to be an annual event. But, as with any launch, we learned some things that will make year 2 an even greater experience. Less time between courses. More time for after party. Recognize award recipients all through the evening. Order more wine!

So here we are in round two. Where to start? Well, it’s a culinary thing. It’s a spirit thing. It’s a Short North thing. And the whole thing takes place at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Sunday, October 12. Start with cocktails in the courtyard at 5:30, dinner at 7:00, after party at 9:00. In between? One heck of an incredible foodie experience. Rosendales. Rigsby’s. Hyde Park Steakhouse. Athletic Club of Columbus. Union Cafe. Marcella’s. Martini. basi italia. Haiku. Jeni’s Ice Creams. Yep. A phenomenal course from each and every one of them.

The spirit part… We’re dedicating the evening to our two luminary award recipients, Maria Galloway (owner and founder of pm gallery - 28 years in the making) and John Allen (owner and found of the Short North Tavern - 27 years in the making). We’re also recognizing the behind-the-scenes contributions of four great “Unsung Heroes”: Tray Hunker, Greg Maynard, Christie Nohle and Katie Reider.

The theme is the “Glow of Success.” Corny but true. It’s a nod to the arches, and a nod the amazing accolades the district has received over the last year, including: Gallery Hop—Best Art Event in the State per Ohio Magazine and the Expy Award from Experience Columbus for contributions to the visitor experience in our fair city.

Our event chairs (Joe Spinelli, Xenia Palus and Jeni Bauer) have been working their little tushes off getting the details together. Add to that Joe Baer’s creative team from ZenGenius and you have the makings for one unforgettable evening. By the way, ZG is working with the constraint that all color in the room’s decor has to be chemical or electric. That’s all I’m sayin’ ’bout that.

If you would like to get your ticket before the event is sold out, drop me a line and I’ll send you an invitation. That sounds so used-car-salesman, but I know you’ll have a fabulous time.

Ciao for now.

ja