The Leeper Park Art Fair
From Round the Bend Now and Then by Matt Emery
June 7, 2026 · 36 min · Episode 56
About this episode
This episode explores the history and significance of the Leeper Park Art Fair with its coordinator, Hedy Lane.
For nearly 60 years, the Leeper Park Art Fair has brought artists, art lovers, and the community together beneath the trees of one of South Bend's most beautiful and historic parks. In this episode, I sit down with Leeper Park Art Fair Coordinator Hedy Lane to explore the fair's origins, the people who helped build it into a nationally recognized event, and why artists and patrons continue returning year after year. You'll hear stories of artists from across the country, the connections formed between artists and visitors, the economic impact the fair brings to South Bend, and even the infamous "Toilet Paper Debacle" of 2021. Whether you're a longtime attendee or have never visited before, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of South Bend's most cherished annual traditions. The 2026 Leeper Park Art Fair takes place June 20–21. Learn more at https://leeperparkartfair.org/ Special thanks to our sponsors of this episode: Dan Berry Insurance, M/T Box Computers, and InRugCo Studio & Gift Shop. __________________________________________________ Big thank you to Dan Berry Insurance for supporting the show. I’ve trusted them for over 25 years - their customer…
People in this episode
Host: Matt Emery
Guest: Hedy Lane
Topics covered
- art fair
- community
- economic impact
- artist connections
- local traditions
Keywords
- Leeper Park Art Fair
- South Bend
- Hedy Lane
- art
- community event
- artists
- economic impact
- Toilet Paper Debacle
Sponsors
Dan Berry Insurance, M/T Box Computers, InRugCo Studio & Gift Shop
Mentioned in this episode
Places: South Bend
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