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The History of the Grandview Hop

One day during the summer of 2007, a few friends were gathered at Stauf’s and talking about why Grandview didn’t have a monthly event similar to the Gallery Hop in the Short North.  At that time, Grandview had a half dozen “Art Galleries / Studios” which lent itself well to the spark of an idea.  Founder Dustin Gardner, a Grandview resident, grew up with a professional artist for a grandmother who exposed him to a “Love of The Arts” at an early age.  Gardner knew Grandview was the perfect backdrop for a similar event and set off to take the pulse of the community and explorer the possibilities of creating something from nothing.  After several months’ worth of research and planning, it was determined that community residents and local business owners responded to the idea with interest and support.  Through grass root efforts, businesses were individually contacted, a board of directors was created, fliers were printed, Artists were organized, and the date of April 28th, 2008 was set for the first event.

In the beginning and throughout the existence of the event, many of Grandview’s most respected businesses and residents have volunteered hundreds of hours to bring a monthly celebration fondly known as “The Grandview Hop” to this historic stretch of Grandview Avenue between 1st and 5th Avenue.  At its birth, the event was called “The Grandview Gallery Hop” which was later re-named “The Grandview Hop” out of respect for our neighbors in the Short North.  This name change was a blessing in disguise as a number of the local Art Galleries recently went out of business due to a downturn in the economy.  Art is still a focus for a number of the participating merchants, but today, “The Grandview Hop” is more of a monthly celebration of all that the local and business community has to offer.

Through its organic growth, the event has showcased musical talent, local artists, local merchants, tasty samples from participating restaurants, and has offered an inviting family-friendly feel that every demographic seems to enjoy.  In recent years, “The Grandview Hop” has partnered with events like “Tour De Grandview”, “Lazy Daze of Summer”, and “The Saint Christopher’s Festival” to draw thousands of patrons to the area for a day of fun and excitement.  Proud - is the word that comes to mind when Gardner was asked what he thought about the event that started 3 years ago.  He went on to express his gratitude to all of those who have volunteered countless hours in order for the event to succeed and flourish for many years to come. 

A special thanks goes out to Courtney Yoakum of The Open Door Art Studio for her ability to believe in a dream and for all of her hard work in the very beginning; Greg Kidwell for his wisdom, patience and guidance; Pat Meyer for his loyalty and leadership; Heather Hewitt for her focus, organization and support; and Steve Weaver for well intentioned efforts through good times and bad, and to the patrons who show up every month from April to October and make all of the fun possible.

Dustin Gardner was the founder & former board president of The Grandview Hop and currently resides in Grandview Heights.

The current board of directors are:

Steve Weaver (The Candle Lab), Angela Zeigler (Wagenbrenner Co./Accent on Nature), Heather Hewitt (Spagio), Melissa DeGraw Metz (Experience Columbus), Greg Kidwell (Members First Credit Union), Pat Meyer (Members First Credit Union), Scott Jester, and Jonathan Anglin (Hedman Anglin Bara Insurance).