>Does anyone out there have experience with a large-scale museum event geared
>for the community (as opposed to an upscale gala).  We have done weekend
>events that have been moderately successful in attracting attendance but we
>are looking to widen the scope.
>Thanks in advance.

Anne--Our big annual fundraiser attracts 20,000 people from the community.
We operate the Broad Ripple Art Fair, where 200 artists, 25 cultural groups,
30 food vendors and dozens of musical acts come together for two days of art
and fun.  The Indianapolis Museum of Art hosts (but does not directly
operate or benefit from) the Penrod Arts Festival, which does the same sort
of thing but a little more upscale.  We are in the planning stages of our
grand opening celebration weekend, which will include a day of public
activities, demonstrations, tours, food, etc. on June 2.

I can send you details on any of these events if you are interested.  Also,
the Eiteljorg Museum in Indianapolis hosts a number of successful events (a
chili cook-off and a Native American crafts market are the most popular),
and the Tippecanoe County  (in Lafayette, Indiana) Historical Museum has the
annual Feast of the Harvest Moon which is a combination historical
re-enactment and community festival that attracts about 10,000..

Hope this helps.

Julia Muney Moore
Director of Exhibitions and Artist Services
Indianapolis Art Center