The best part of Ingenuity was that it lacked the packaged look and feel of the festivals that come to Burke, the IX Center, the Convocation Center, etc. There was sincere NEO pride generated by Ingenuity. True, not all the "ingenious" people involved were local, but it showed the collaborative potential we have here and the appeal we have for outsiders. To anyone that thinks we need big box developers here and chain restaurants, Ingenuity is evidence that we don't. We have great people and great ideas right here, we just need to utilize them.
I visited Ingenuity Saturday evening. I was only there for about two hours but in that short time I stop by four of the stages, listened to ska, rap, and world music. I walked by the tents; spent some time in the sustainability tent -- my favorite by far -- learning about Whiskey Island, red wigglers, windpower and solar. I saw some great art by some artists I am familiar with -- like Robert Banks who was actually making a film during the festival -- and some artists who were new to me.
Ingenuity was fun and interesting -- even better than last year. The event seemed well attended, but I wished there was a free day for families. The $10 I paid seemed a bit prohibitive, not that sights, sounds and activities were not worth the cost; on the contrary I think everyone in Cleveland should have been able to experience it.
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Links:
[1] http://realneo.us/system/files/RNIngenuity.jpg
[2] http://realneo.us/system/files/EvelynIngenuity.jpg