Writer / Braden Ochs
People are the heart of Broad Ripple Village. “Love, Broad Ripple” is the movement that helps cultivate that heart. Founded by Broad Ripple Village business owners, “Love, Broad Ripple” works behind the scenes to bring the artistic and cultural life back to the community.
“‘Love, Broad Ripple’ is made up of a nonprofit volunteer board, and those board members are residents, they’re business owners, but primarily we’re just people that have a love and passion for what Broad Ripple Village is,” says Casey Springer, the volunteer and marketing director for “Love, Broad Ripple.” “We are focused on elevating and amplifying all of the amazing things that are in Broad Ripple, from our businesses to the musicians and artists that come in on Third Thursdays, and helping to support and promote all that Broad Ripple businesses and creatives have to offer.”
Third Thursdays are monthly villagewide events put on by “Love, Broad Ripple” from March through October. They were started last year by Chelsey Wetzel, owner of Union Jack Pub. Wetzel and “Love, Broad Ripple” wanted a monthly opportunity for Broad Ripple businesses to work together to bring back the warmth and excitement to the village. Businesses stay open later, introduce specials often based on the theme, and many stores or restaurants invite an artist or musician to do a pop-up. According to Springer, “Love, Broad Ripple” received a grant from the city of Indianapolis through the Cultural Districts Fund to pay a select number of musicians every month to do these pop-ups all around the village.
“We have heard from people that are really into the music scene that they are re-energized to see the music scene return to Broad Ripple,” Springer says. “Post-pandemic, it’s a much different world that we all live in, Broad Ripple especially. I’m sure many people can think back 20 or 30 years and give you their perspective of what Broad Ripple looked and felt like. And I think a lot of people are seeing a return to that where we are truly lining the village streets with music and people are loving that.”
Every month, Third Thursday has a different theme, which, according to Springer, helps it put a nice little bow around everything the businesses are doing by giving them creative angles to work with based on each theme. This October, its theme is the Broad Ripple Spooktacular, where each business will put up its own trick-or-treat stations for anyone to check out.
“It’s been great to be so proud of Broad Ripple and to be such an integral part of something that’s so cool in the city, and I’ve loved it,” Springer says.
Back in August, Indianapolis suffered a historic flood, which affected so many neighborhoods, including Ravenswood, Rocky Ripple and Broad Ripple Village. The board members of “Love, Broad Ripple” and the whole community quickly came together to support the neighborhood homes and businesses that were underwater or affected by the flood. According to Springer, there was a different buzz on the Third Thursday following the flood. People all around the neighborhood came to donate supplies, show their support and come alongside their neighbors in this time of need and grieving.
“Another reason that I love Third Thursday,” Springer says. “It’s that monthly community coming together, especially in times like this when our neighbors need help, and we have that community already built in.”
“Love, Broad Ripple” was integral in bringing the community together, not only in already planning the Third Thursday but in constant communication and boots-on-the-ground support. Many board members of the movement stepped in to offer their time and resources, including Springer and Alissa Moody, co-owner of Create Art Studio. Springer sent out continuous information on funds, supply needs and how people could help with their time and resources. Moody and family rented a pump and went over immediately to pump out the water from affected businesses.
These are a few of the many examples where Broad Ripple Village residents are truly the heart of Broad Ripple, and the “Love, Broad Ripple” board members support and elevate that heart. And they are excited to see neighbors and visitors experience it.
“We would love to see people come out, try something new or be a tourist in your own city,” Springer says. “Go to a new restaurant that you haven’t been able to go to, find a new shop or follow a new artist or musician that you haven’t seen or heard before. But also get involved in the planning if that’s of interest to you.”
To get involved or see what “Love, Broad Ripple” is planning next, visit its website lovebroadripple.com and its Instagram and Facebook pages @lovebroadripple.
