One fine evening in the folk festival's craft (only $3!) beer tent.

As many readers already know, I spent the weekend in Madison working NABC’s table in the libations tent at the first annual Ohio River Valley Folk Festival – and it was a well-organized, first-class event.

At one point during the afternoon on Friday, I looked up from the beer tickets changing hands and was surprised to see Doug England standing there.

Talk about coincidences; it turns out that the former New Albany mayor (a sponsor of the festival’s music stage) and his wife were spending the weekend in the same bed & breakfast as Mr. And Mrs. Confidential.

I’m quite happy that the Englands seemed to enjoy their NABC beers, and the ensuing discussion about various factors that inhibit downtown business growth was much appreciated, especially Doug’s information about the church and the green building.

Indeed, church and state separation is a good thing. After all, it’s the law.

Obviously, the support of a prominent New Albanian for what we’re currently doing in the city is vital, and it’s always good to run into fellow townspeople while on the road.

Perhaps a few of the sharp marketing ideas that drew the Englands and the Confidentials to Madison for the weekend might be implemented right here in New Albany -- of course, just so long as we're properly respectful of our own city's elders and their tried and true traditions.