Sylvia Survived the Blacktop (Barely): MKNA Block Party, Round Two

Dear Friends,

If you ever find yourself wondering what it’s like to spend an afternoon parked on a blacktop in July…I can confirm it’s approximately 4,372 degrees. 

Despite the heat, the Meridian Kessler Neighborhood Association’s second Block Party, this time at St. Joan of Arc, was exactly what a neighborhood summer evening should be.

Families wandered around with cold drinks in hand, food vendors kept everyone well-fed, The Downstairs Dads kept the music rolling, and neighbors lingered just a little longer than they probably intended because no one wanted summer to end.

I was thrilled to see so many familiar St. Joan of Arc faces. Some have become regulars who stop by every chance they get, while others have simply become neighborhood friends over the last year. Of course, I also welcomed plenty of first-time visitors, and introducing myself never gets old.

Now…let’s address my competition.

I was parked right next to the firetruck and the police car. Talk about setting unrealistic expectations. Apparently flashing lights and the opportunity to honk a horn are considered “cooler” than browsing hundreds of amazing books. I tried not to take it personally.

Eventually, many of those same kiddos wandered over to see what was new, flipping through the latest 2026 releases and searching for just one (or three) more books to squeeze into summer break. There was a noticeable sense of urgency in the air. Parents were quietly doing the mental math of “Do we still have time for another chapter book before school starts?” while kids insisted there was absolutely enough time.

Honestly…how are we already talking about back-to-school?

It feels like I just finished stocking my shelves with summer reading, and somehow backpacks are already sneaking into store displays. Time has been particularly rude this year.

As always, thank you to everyone who stopped by to browse, shop, chat, draw on our community board, or simply cool off in my shade for a few minutes. Community events like these remind me why I love parking myself around Indianapolis and watching neighborhoods come together.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to mentally prepare for book fair season.

Peace out, my sweet summer babes,

XO-Sylvia

Get me on your school’s calendar! Email Casey: casey@thebookfairyindy.com