Hot Times 2009 Community Arts and Music Festival September 11, 2009

The Hot Times Community Arts & Music Festival will take place on September 11, 12 & 13, 2009 at 240 Parsons Avenue (the southeast corner of Main & Parsons) located in the Historic Olde Towne East area. In 2009, the Hot Times Festival will be celebrating its 33rd Anniversary. The site for the event is the Columbus Health Department, owned by the State Of Ohio, historically known as the Ohio School for the Blind. The tree-shaded property has plenty of on- and off-street parking; it is well lit and handicap accessible.

The project draws audience members from the entire city and surrounding counties, as well as artcar artists and vendors for the street fair from many surrounding cities and states. Populations from outside the immediate community are exposed to a warm and welcoming Arts environment that has proved to be very valuable in mitigating the negative image with which the community has struggled. The people of the area look forward to the festival, where many are given the opportunity to socialize, interact and create visual, musical and community art in formats not regularly accessible. With the music, street fair and poetry slam, the event has the feel of a huge, extended family reunion.