I had two events set to write about for this weekend, when I looked over at Soapbox Cincinnati and saw that they had beaten me to it already, and even included more events! Well, here they are anyway. On the longest weekend of daylight of the year, the list of quirky things to do abound. I like to think we have pagans to thank. Thank you pagans.

• RiverSpan Sculpture Exhibition and Sale. “The entire bridge deck will be tented to provide an enjoyable experience to artists and patrons alike, rain or shine.” Hmm, like a giant worm trapped in a purple cage.
• Cincinnati Soapbox Derby. Aside: I once made a car for the Pinewood Derby in Cub Scouts. I didn’t know it was legal to add weight to the car. Hence, I finished dead last, and my car didn’t even make it to the end of the track. Thank you for the self-confidence, Cub Scouts.
• Happen Inc.’s Grand Opening Celebration In Northside. From the creators of the Toy Lab comes a new space in Northside. Promises to be a fun day of art for all ages.
• 48-Hour Film Fest At 20th Century Theater. See the best films that can be made in under 48 hours.

Inside, a wide variety of bins label separate toy parts: heads, arms, torsos, machines, etc. Customers spend time browsing pieces and designing an original toy from all those spare parts. When you are ready, Toy Lab Technicians assemble your custom creation.

Each custom toy gets photographed and archived on the Toy Lab web page. The Dean of Cincinnati assembled his very own toy over two years ago, and the image is still available. Pictured to the right, “Super Charged Earl” has parts ranging from a Tigger head, a baby doll arm, and a super hero chest. You can even get a picture of your toy on a t-shirt.

If you are an adult in touch with your inner-child, or a parent looking for something unique to do, then Toy Lab is the best and weirdest option out there. And on top of that, Toy Lab is a division of Happen, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening family structures through creativity — so supporting Toy Lab is not only fun and weird, but it also helps a good cause!

via The Dean of Cincinnati