By Maggie Downs
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Those lucky enough to swing by Fountain Square Saturday afternoon were treated to Welcome Bat!, the opening event for Bats Incredible!

Bats Incredible! consists of 11,000 Major League Baseball bats and other objects, sculpted into public works of art. It's the brainchild of ArtWorks.

The goal, said co-chair Melody Richardson, is to showcase art for a wide range of people.

"It appeals to a sports audience and to an arts crowd," she said. "And anything that brings people together downtown is just great for our city."

It's fantastic fun for tourists, too, agreed Randy Allen and friends, who traveled from Lawrenceburg, Tenn., to catch the Reds game against Philadelphia. The group happened upon Welcome Bat! and paused by the fountain to take in some of the entertainment.

" "I can't believe what they can do with bats," Allen said.

Saturday's activities included a scavenger hunt of the sculptures, carnival games, chalk painting and food and games.

Tim Foley was one of the featured artists. His wood sculptures of Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan sit side-by-side with his work of Sparky Anderson, Johnny Bench and Pete Rose - each carved in the side of a Louisville Slugger.

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E-mail mdowns@enquirer.com