Sept. 12 frenzy in Indy arts

I’m ready to officially declare Sept. 12 the most overloaded day of the Indy arts season.

For starters, there’s the Penrod Art Fair, occupying the grounds of the Indianapolis Museum of Art from 9-5.

Then there’s Indianapolis Opera’s new Operapalooza event at Basille Opera Center.

You’ll also find opera represented at Conner Prairie’s Spirit of the Prairie Awards gala, where Angela Brown will be joining four others in accepting honors.

Feeling overwhelmed? That’s just the beginning.

Greek Fest, now relocated to Carmel, is also happening on the 12.

And the in-the-works Indianapolis City Ballet is hosting its “An Evening With the Stars” benefit featuring performers from the American Ballet Theatre, the Kirov Ballet, the New York City Ballet, and more at the Murat.

Meanwhile, Irvington is hosting the Gene Stratton-Porter Festival and it’s opening weekend for the Eiteljorg’s “Quest for the West” show (at least that continues into the following weeks). Plus there’s X-Fest at Verizon Wireless Music Center and the Chinese American Festival at Military Park.

So is this overlap natural? An indication that Indy has a vibrant arts and culture community? Or a sign of poor planning?

Your thoughts? And which, if any, do you hope to attend?