It was truly sad watching Grammer’s Restaurant and Findlay Market endure fire damage and St. Paul’s Church sustain high winds yesterday. Sunday’s weather got the best of Park + Vine’s rooftop, too. We have to keep our doors closed today and hope that we’re up and running again Tuesday. Melt in Northside is temporarily closed due to power outrages so the next batch of sandwiches and prepared salads arrive here at Park + Vine Wednesday.

Some people may have to drive to these events, but their central locations intuitively encourage bicycling, walking or bus-riding:

Blue BBQ Aug. 2-3
There will be Christian Moerlein beer and local music flowing at Blue BBQ 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 2-3 at Findlay Market. We’ll be there 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. or so Aug. 2 purveying reusable water bottles and bags, compost buckets and locally-made energy bars.

Over the Rhine Community Festival Aug. 2
Get immersed in Over-the-Rhine’s diverse culture at the Over-the-Rhine Community Festival noon to 6 p.m. Aug. 2 at Washington Park. This event is all about the people who live in OTR. There will be plenty of food, games and entertainment. Call 513-381-4242 for information.

Morning Glory Bike Ride Aug. 3
The local media continue to turn their backs on capturing the visual impact of more than 2,000 area cyclists riding along CAR-FREE Columbia Parkway the first Sunday of August. Still, while most of the city sleeps, these early-risers will head downtown for the 27th annual Morning Glory Bike Ride on Aug. 3. Hosted by the Miami Group Sierra Club, the 17-mile ride starts at Sawyer Point at 4:30 and 5:30 a.m. We’ll be there showing off some of our bike-friendly wares directly across from the breakfast area.