Christ Church Cathedral Women's 49th Annual Strawberry Festival June 12 in Downtown Indianapolis

Ahhhh yes indeed... it is that time of year again (thank goodness after this long, harsh winter). And nothing says summer like the festivals in, and around, Indiana, including the Christ Church Cathedral Women's 49th Annual Strawberry Festival.

I don't know many people, particularly in this area of the states, who don't like berries in general and strawberries are the first to show their juicy little selves every summer. And, with the exception of those who are allergic, I don't truly trust anyone who doesn't like strawberries...

They represent a beacon of light showing us that the long, harsh winter is finally behind us. And... we like them every way we can get them: straight from the garden, pies, cakes, with sugar, in fruit salads and every other concoction. But, perhaps most of all, we like strawberry shortcake. And the annual Monument Circle event has been around, seemingly, forever, to most of us.

Every year, hundreds of volunteers, church, civil, celebrity and media, line up to scoop, dish and hand out thousands of strawberry shortcakes. I like that. The volunteers, the food and the continuity of the event, not altering the great menu and keeping the price incredibly reasonable ~ $7 ~ (especially considering it is for non profit groups) which means we can get more than one and feel good helping others at the same time. A win-win for everyone in my book.

When is the strawberry festival? Thursday, June 12. It runs from 9 a.m. through 6 p.m., but to-go orders can be scooped up (get it?) beginning at 8:30 a.m. in the basement of Christ Church Cathedral Don't wake me, okay? I will be there later, but not too late because when supplies run out, they are done for the year. And, there is not much more disappointing then your taste buds being robbed of something yummy.

Once again, it is a cash only situation, but and ATM will be onsite for those who forget. Live entertainment begins at 10 a.m. this year. Christ Church Cathedral Women has hosted the Strawberry Festival every summer since 1965. More than 300 volunteers will be on-hand to serve an estimated six tons of strawberries and 18,000 homemade shortcakes. Festival proceeds benefit local, national and global nonprofit organizations through bi-annual grants.

Christ Church Cathedral on Monument Circle

About Christ Church Cathedral
Christ Church Cathedral is the cathedral church of the Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis. Christ Church Cathedral is located on Monument Circle at the center of Indianapolis. The Cathedral is the oldest building on the Circle and the oldest religious building in continuous use in Indianapolis. Christ Church Cathedral has a strong commitment to serving the needs of others and is actively involved in mission work locally, nationally and internationally.

Images: provided

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel, food, wine and spirits columnist, freelance writer and photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic for Gotta Go. Catch her as Indy’s Personal Lifestyle Adviser on Indy Style, WISH8 (CBS). Read Infused, her spirits, wine & beer lifestyle column, at www.GottaGo.us and www.FoodDigital.com Gotta Go is published on www.Gottago.us, and in magazines. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

L. S. Ayres' Cherub Arrives in Indianapolis for Christmas 2013 Season

Below is the tale of the famous L.S. Ayres cherub, which arrives annually to oversee shoppers during the holiday season. No one ever sees the cherub arrive, but, just like Santa Claus, you can depend on catching sight of him every year.

It was 1946. World War II had just ended and thousands returned home from military service. Among them, Virginia Holmes--a prize-winning commercial artist--came back to Indianapolis and started her career in the advertising department at L.S. Ayres, a downtown department store. When it came time to compose the 1946 holiday catalog, merchandise was still in short supply, so Holmes created whimsical cherubs to fill the somewhat empty pages. The cherubs captured hearts and began an Indianapolis holiday tradition that continues today.

Customer response to the cherubs was so great, Ayres perpetuated their appearance in its 1947 holiday advertising. It was Ayres’ 75th Anniversary, and that called for a special addition to their holiday celebration plans. Ayres commissioned nationally recognized Indianapolis sculptor and Herron School of Art instructor, David Rubins to create a bronze cherub for the store’s landmark clock, located on the outside of their building on the corner of Washington and Meridian streets.

Cherub Keeps WatchAs the story is told, the whimsical Cherub mysteriously appeared atop the clock on Thanksgiving Eve 1947 to keep a watchful eye on the holiday shoppers (beginning Thursday, Nov. 28) until Santa took over on Christmas Eve. In the 66 years since, thousands have had the pleasure of seeing the Cherub perched atop the famous clock each holiday season. This powerful tradition lives in the hearts and minds and memories of a city and its grateful citizens.

The May Department Store Co. purchased L.S. Ayres in 1986 and, in 1992, moved the Cherub to its headquarters in St. Louis. There was tremendous public outcry when the Cherub did not appear that holiday season. So May donated the Cherub to the City of Indianapolis and in 1994 Indianapolis Downtown, Inc. became the Cherub’s legal guardian.

So keep an eye out… the Cherub will be appearing downtown very soon ~

Visit the Indiana State Museum gift shop for replica Cherub pins.

Click here for Circle of Lights information.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel, food, wine and spirits columnist, freelance writer and photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic for Gotta Go. Read Infused, her spirits, wine & beer lifestyle column, at www.GottaGo.us and www.FoodDigital.com and catch her as Indy’s Personal Lifestyle Adviser on Indy Style, WISH8 (CBS). Gotta Go is published on www.Gottago.us, www.BroadwayWorld.com, and in print. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.