This is like a shopping spree for local spaces and booking agents and arts administrators.

What the fringe does is essentially function as a large-scale co-op.

The idea of a fringe festival came along and it was a no-brainer, it seemed perfectly suited to our community and what we were trying to do.

We've noticed especially as a first-year fringe that local artists have a distinct advantage over the visiting artists. They show up if they're being told to show up by a friend. It is changing day by day.

He went on a little arson spree.

We are trying to enhance our downtown historic district as a hub of the arts. ... It's all about local talent, local artists, local musicians. It's about highlighting people in our community.