Between October 17 and 20, our region was again dazzled by light, art, and a real energy that remains unparalleled. I am proud of how this region shone during Blink to both our community members and visitors alike.
Locally-celebrated and internationally-renowned artists again showcased our Cincy region’s arts assets, and they created new art along the way. It was breathtaking.
Events like Blink leave no doubt why our home is among the top 15 most arts-vibrant metro areas in the country.

Blink has indeed become a tourism and economic generator for the Cincinnati region. It is an important part of the equation where major events and tourism put us on the map. We know that Blink draws millions of people to engage with our community, but — whether driving to town or flying — thousands of visitors flocking here to experience this energy has a tangible impact on businesses large and small. It’s one of the best first impressions we can give to potential new residents.
But Blink represents a lot more than important tourism spending or another of many great events our community puts together on a regular basis. Blink is an example of how this entire region thrives when we do big things together.
The coming together of two states and three cities — and countless other supporting organizations and sponsors — in producing something like Blink is more than four days of amazing art and light. It reminds us that we can do big things when we focus less on what divides us and keep centered on how all of our communities can grow and shine together.

This year, CVG proudly joined Visit Cincy to sponsor the Supernova Light Bridge by VTPro Design at Blink. I was impressed with the lasers and light crossing the Ohio River while Paraluna spun overhead nearby at Smale Park and drones illuminated the night sky over Covington.
This light bridge between Covington and Cincinnati reminded me of something else, too: that, for all our concern with the Ohio River dividing Kentucky and Ohio — for all the jurisdictional lines that divide us or tell us that we can’t work together on this or that — those lasers and drones and light that cut through four crisp autumn evenings show us we shine brightest and at our best when we join together as one region.
Likewise, every time I land at CVG, I see our Ohio River as a highway of commerce. I see folks coming to work at the airport each day hailing from Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. The boundaries that seem so important are increasingly becoming less so. And Blink truly reminds us how much each of our communities has to offer.
I believe Blink is more important than even the impact of a hundred million+ dollars of economic impact and millions of eyes on the Cincinnati region. It is a very real visualization that this region has much to offer and so much potential just waiting to be created.
We will continue to do that best when we do it together.
Candace S. McGraw is CEO of the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.