As Norwich-based events go, we all have our personal favorites. Automobile fanciers have a driving passion for the Rolling Antiquers’ Memorial Day show. Jocks and wannabes get all sweaty thinking about Gus Macker. Agrarians really dig the Chenango County Fair. The Blues Fest is music to the ears for aficionados of that genre. Many are out of their gourds for the Pumpkin Festival.

Me, I’m particular to Colorscape. I’m not sure if it’s because of my role as the longest-serving member of the Arts Council board, or the fact that somewhere beneath my cool demeanor lies the soul of a tortured (and truly ungifted) artist – but Colorscape’s always been my favorite local event since its inception.

Has it really been 14 years since Julie Borden brought her idea of a downtown fine arts festival to the powers that be? Back then, at that first public meeting, it sure seemed like a great idea. And it sure seemed like it wouldn’t happen in a million years. Then the late, great Denny Dent brought his Two-Fisted Art Attack to the courthouse stage, and we were all hooked.

The festival has grown by leaps and bounds and become a perennial favorite, led by a legion of volunteers who put on a two-day show that’s a feast for the eyes, ears and palette. Amazingly enough, it’s largely free (unless you want to take some of that gallery-quality art home, of course; I usually settle for the T-shirt).