Excitement Mounts As Indy Gets Closer To Hosting Superbowl 2012

Mobile Upload, Jessica Kendall Thomas, Indy Pre-Super Bowl crowd

We are getting mobile uploads sent in from Richmond native,  Jessica Kendall Thomas, who has been in the thick of things in downtown Indy.  As you can see the excitement there is growing with each day that draws nearer to the  Super Bowl  in Indianapolis.

Mobile Upload, Jessica Kendall Thomas, Indy Pre-Super Bowl crowd

If you have mobile pics to send us we would love to post them, whether they are from Indy or Richmond, one of the designated celebration towns for this years Super Bowl.  Just send to karole@gowaynecounty.com.

Mobile upload, Jessica Kendall Thomas, Indy Super Bowl, 2012

Richmond, Indiana hosting Denver Broncos Super Indy Car during Super Bowl Weekend

Super Bowl Village Plans, Indy

For immediate release, January 25, 2012

Denver Broncos Super Indy Car Showcased At The Firehouse BBQ And Blues, Richmond IN

Super Bowl Village Plans, Indy

Richmond, Indiana – The 2012 Indianapolis Super Bowl Host Committee announced the Super Celebration Sites, along with key locations around Indianapolis, will be hosting Super Cars during Super Bowl weekend. The Super Cars program will showcase 33 Indy Cars, with 32 cars representing each NFL franchise team and one car representing Super Bowl XLVI. Richmond is proud to host the Denver Broncos Super Car.

The Super Bowl Host Committee, partnering with Indy Racing Experience, will unveil the cars on Friday, January 27, 2012 along Meridian Street just south of Monument Circle, Indianapolis. Then, the Super Cars will race to their Super Bowl weekend destinations where ultimate NFL fans can visit their favorite teams’ car. The Super Bowl Host Committee has partnered with the smart phone application, FourSquare, to use its venue “check-in” feature.

Inside The Firehouse BBQ & Blues, site of the Denver Broncos Super Car, Richmond IN

The Denver Broncos Super Car will be located at the Firehouse BBQ & Blues, 400 N. 8th St. in the historic depot district, Richmond, Indiana. The car will be on display Thursday, Feb. 2 – Sunday, Feb. 5, 2011 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Free admission. Visitors will be able to take their picture with the one-of-a-kind Super Car. A complete list of each Super Car location is below. Richmond has many Kickoff Events scheduled to get NFL fans and locals fired up for the big game . . . from a High Octane Blues Concert, Touchdown Tours @ Indiana Football Hall of Fame, Outspoken Comedy Tour to a Jersey Jog 5K Fun Run and more. Check out www.visitrichmond.org/celebrationsite/ to view all Kickoff Events for the week leading up to Super Bowl.

If you’d like more information and/or an image of the Denver Broncos Super Car,  (or a full list of the Super Car locations) please call Nancy Sartain @ 800-828-8414 or email nsartain@visitrichmond.org.

Talking with hotel managers and other businesses, all are reporting that they are getting prepared and expect a busy week next week.  There is excitement in the air Wayne County…do you have Super Bowl fever?

 

 

Enjoy a Piece of Colorful Richmond-Wayne County

wayne county indiana history, puzzle

wayne county indiana history, puzzleThe Wayne County Tourism Bureau announces they have a fun, new jigsaw puzzle for sale to visitors and residents.  This 500-piece puzzle features an inspiring collage of vibrant murals which can be found in Wayne County.   There are currently over 40 one-of-a-kind murals and several hand-crafted sculptures woven along city streets and throughout parks in Wayne County.  

The new puzzle’s collage includes ten of these murals which reflect Wayne County’s rich history and inventive imagination and were painted during the 2011 Festival of the Arts, the 2010 Festival of Murals, and by individuals in the recent and distant past, including the historic Charles Newcomb Mural.   

This is the second in a series of puzzles the Tourism Bureau has offered.  The first featured several historic, natural and recreational attractions in Wayne County, including the dinosaur skeleton at Earlham College’s Joseph Moore Museum, the Levi Coffin House, the mummy at the Wayne County Historical Museum, the Madonna of the Trail, and more.

The new mural-themed puzzle, measuring 19.25” x 26.625”, is now available for purchase at the Old National Road Welcome Center for a retail price of $12.50. There is a discounted wholesale price for businesses/organizations which would like to sell the puzzles.

For general puzzle information please call 765-935-8687or 800-828-8414, or e-mail welcomecenter@visitrichmond.org. For wholesale purchasing, please call for Jim Resh or e-mail him at jresh@visitrichmond.org.

Martin Luther King Jr. – Celebration & Events In Wayne County Begin Tonight

martin luther king jr 2

Monday, January 16th will be a day to remember the life of Martin Luther King Jr, Civil Rights leader and pastor who dedicated his adult life to seeking equality for all people.  To honor this day there are events open to the public in two different locations—one event begins tonight:

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration

This event will be located at IU East, in the Vivian Auditorium, Whitewater Hall, 2325 Chester Blvd., Richmond.  It will be held from 4:30-5:30 p.m.  Keynote speaker Sage Steele, ESPN SportsCenter anchor and Indiana University Alumna will be featured for the annual celebration. Steele will present “How diversity and challenges make us stronger and with our own foundational standards, we can make a difference and succeed.” Free and open to the public.

Monday, January 16, 2012

Devon Carbado on “Race in the Age of Post Racialism”

Join Earlham as we celebrate the life and legacy of the late reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with Devon Carbado, professor of law, at UCLA. Professor Carbado writes in the areas of critical race theory, employment discrimination, criminal procedure, constitutional law, and identity. He is editor of Race Law Stories and is working on a book on employment discrimination tentatively titled “Acting White” and is a former director of the Critical Race Studies Program at UCLA Law, a faculty associate of the Ralph J. Bunche Center for African American Studies, a board member of the African American Policy Forum and a James Town Fellow.  For more information you can contact Trayce Peterson, multicultural affairs, Earlham College.  Located in Goddard Auditorium, Carpenter Hall on the Earlham Campus, this event is free and open to the public. Monday, January 16, 2012, 7:00 p.m.

If you would like to add any events/celebrations in Wayne County to honor the life of Martin Luther King Jr., please comment below.

 

Happy New Year Wayne County!!

911 Escort In Richmond IN

Happy New Year!

At the start of a new year on the first day of 2012 we want to wish you a happy and prosperous New Year full of happy moments and good challenges.

We will be posting some glimpses of the past year and celebrate the many wonderful things that we enjoyed through the last 365 days, as we head into a year of new possibilities.

If you have memories from Wayne County to share- please send them to us–pictures or stories are all welcome.  We will post them for you and add a picture if you don’t have one to go with your story.   To contact us you can write to karole@gowaynecounty.com or constance@gowaynecounty.com.  For the next few days we will post our own stories and pictures and hopefully yours as well.

Below are some pictures of moving moments in Wayne County in 2011.

9/11 Escort In Richmond IN, 2011

As hundreds looked on in the rain, a piece of a beam from the Twin Towers was escorted by thousands of bikers traveling as far as New York City and coming from all points around Indiana.  Some bikers came from as far as Florida to participate in the escort.  Local organizers were instrumental in bringing the beam through the town.  Mayor Sally Hutton, a friend to veterans and bikers, oversaw the emotional tribute as military members and first responders stood in attendance and were honored.

First responders came from all over Indiana as well as Ohio to pay tribute to the fallen and those who sacrificed their lives on 9/11. These responders came from Tipp City Ohio.

We will continue to post stories and pictures of 2011 for the next few days.  Thank you to all who follow GoWayneCounty.com, we appreciate your support, suggestions and participation.  Happy New Year!

 

Signs Of The Season…

amish-acres-christmas-festival-depot-and-mary-grace-train-etc-033-100x100

If you are wondering just where the Christmas spirit is…wonderful signs of giving are everywhere if you just keep your ears and eyes open.

This morning as I started my day I heard sirens coming down the street–and saw many police and sheriff cars pulling into Meijer.  They were taking children shopping for Christmas.  And as I peered out the door I saw a sheriff take the hand of a tiny little girl in a pink coat.  I must admit my eyes teared up a little just seeing such a display of caring.

Sometimes as we rush through the holiday season, we miss the signs of love and compassion all around us.  They are happening every day from the Toys For Tots sponsored by the Marine Corp to todays gift of taking a kid shopping sponsored by Meijer and the Richmond Police Department, and in many other smaller but significant ways.

If you have a story of giving this Season- please share. 

Happy Holidays!

Locally Owned Toy Store Featured In Country Living Magazine

Copy (2) of veach's block party 012

Veach’s, locally owned and operated in Richmond for many decades, is featured in the current edition of Country Living Magazine.

Sitting at my aunt’s table tonight,  it was quite exciting to see the store we grew up with featured in a national magazine which recognized the success and longevity of the toy store, which was once a five and dime when it began in the 30′s.

Shown in the picture highlighted in Country Living Magazine, are the current owner and his granddaughter Baleigh standing amongst the wonderful display of trains available at their store.  There is also mention of John Veach, son, and also manager of the daily operations at Veaches.

Mr Veach demonstrating a toy this summer

Memories of the birthday castle and the changes the store has gone through came flooding back as I read the article touting the achievements of maintaining a locally owned store.

When you are looking for that unique toy  or game for your special child this Christmas remember Veach’s, a now nationally recognized store in our midst, with the same hometown feel that has served us all from our own childhoods to our children’s.

Joy Ann Cake Shop Now Open!!

joy ann's bakery, richmond,

Yes, yes, yes it’s true!  A Richmond icon is back in business after an unfortunate explosion  this summer caused them to close down temporarily.

The much-anticipated Grand Re-Opening is here,   just in time for Halloween treats.

The display cases are filled up with all your favorites, from thumbprints to smiley face cookies to those delicious cakes with butter cream frosting.  I can smell the pumpkin cookies from here!

We’ll see you there!

Financial Literacy At Boys & Girls Clubs Of Wayne County, October, 15, 2011

boys and girls club

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County Improve Financial Literacy
With Innovative Money Matters Programs for Teens

Teen members of The Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County will receive valuable guidance and education in financial literacy, including budgeting, saving, avoiding debt and saving for college in a new after-school enrichment program.

Richmond, October 15th, 2011 – On this day, the teen members of The Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County will participate in a financial literacy program called Money Matters. The Money Matters program was created by The Boys & Girls Clubs of America, in partnership with the Charles Schwab Foundation, to provide behavior-changing financial education to help teens get on the path toward budgeting, saving, and planning for college and financial freedom.

“We are delighted that Charles Schwab is sponsoring this nationwide financial education program, developed specifically to address the needs of at-risk teens,” said Erica Cook, the Teen Program Coordinator of The Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County. “This Money Matters program reaches teens at such a critical time. We hope to positively impact the saving and spending behaviors of our members by providing them with the knowledge and skills they need to make informed financial decisions throughout their lives.”

About Money Matters

The Money matters program uses interactive activities to educate teens 13-18, on critical aspects of financial literacy, including managing a checking account, budgeting, saving, avoiding debt, investing, paying for college, and entrepreneurship. The Money Matters program was developed in a joint collaboration between Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the Charles Schwab Foundation.
www.moneymattersmakeitcount.com

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County

Located at 1717 S. L St. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County has served the youth of Richmond for 53 years. The Club provides programs for more than 2500 boys & girls in the areas of character and leadership, educational and career development, health and life skills, the arts, sports, fitness and recreation.

  • www.bgcrichmond.org  * Contact: Erica Cook 962-6922

Your Support For Growth In the Depot District, Richmond IN, Is Needed Tomorrow 9/15/11

1940 fashion

Press Release 9/14/11

We need your support!

Where: Richmond City Building
When: Noon on Thursday, September 15th, 2011
Bring Yourself! To show support for the Depot District

Depot District, picture from website

The Redevelopment Commission will be meeting this week to vote on Building a PUBLIC PARKING LOT and bringing the MODEL T MUSEUM to the Historic Richmond Depot District. WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!

This Thursday, September 15th
12pm (Noon)
2nd floor of the City Building , In the Community Room

The Depot District has been growing with new businesses and business expansions. A new restaurant (Firehouse BBQ and Blues Club) and a new Coffee Shop (Roscoe’s) will be opening soon. Plus, we are bringing new business to Richmond with the I-70 Billboard Campaign and Attraction Maps. We have all been working together to bring new jobs to Richmond . A few years ago the streets were bare, but now the District needs more parking. This is a wonderful problem to have, and now we can help bring more people into the Historic Downtown Depot District with the addition of a Public Parking lot at the S.E. corner of N. 8th and N.”D” St.

We can also bring the Model T Museum to Richmond! The current Model T Museum is being torn down to make room for an expansion at Warm Glow Candle Outlet and they want their new home to be in the Depot District. The Model T Association is a not-for-profit organization. They hosted the largest event ever held in Wayne County: The Model T Party and Parade. Jay and Barb Klehfoth showed us what can be done when a community works together. We can really make things happen. It is our turn to help them. Other communities want the museum to move to their state. We have an opportunity to bring a NATIONAL ATTRACTION to Richmond that will bring in more tourists, more business and create more jobs for our community. And just think of the charm of Model T’s driving daily on our streets!

Please be at the meeting to show your support

We need the Parking lot to make the District grow. We need the Model T Museum to help us grow faster.

Please FORWARD this e-mail to anyone you know who wants to see this Community Grow and Prosper.

Thank you!

A Weekend Full of Entertainment & Remembrance In Wayne County IN

Mayor Sally Hutton Reading Proclamation For 9/11 Memorial

Enjoying Mo' Blues In A Jazzy Hat At Starr Gennett

This past weekend was overflowing with events, and it was hard to make it to them all. But we did our best and are pleased to be able to report back about three special activities in Wayne County.

Mo Blues sponsored by the Starr Gennett Foundation

was filled with special things for kids to do – crafts, games and climbing, as well as good foods, live music and beautifully crafted art and sculpture. An annual event, this one lived up to its reputation for bringing the finest food, arts and music to the public in a unique public venue. And it was affordable. (see more photos on our Facebook site).

Sweet Sounds of Starr Valley, a musical club which features mountain dulcimer, violin, guitar and banjo were under the kids tent playing for the crowd at the Mo Blues festival. The club meets on Wednesdays from 9 am. – 11 a.m. at the Senior Center for anyone who would like to join. You can also call Carla Stidham for more information at 765-962-3712

9/11 Memorial Service

Mayor Hutton Reading 9/11 Proclamation

Sunday Marked the 10th anniversary of 9/11, and brought many down to Veterans Memorial Park in Richmond to commemorate the day with messages from local pastors, Mayor Sally Hutton who read a proclamation, as well as first responders and firefighters. At the stroke of 1:00 sirens and bells were heard ringing all around Wayne County as part of a nationwide moment of remembrance. It was moving tribute followed by a 21 gun salute and taps for the fallen.

Heritage Festival 2011

"Shawl Dance" American Indians Reenact Scene At WCHM

Later that day we attended the Heritage Festival and enjoyed the now 2nd annual tent show. A melodrama, The Lost Treasure of Blackbeard, was enjoyed by many as boos, hisses and popcorn flew up to the stage to antagonize the villain. Again, it was a great performance–featuring characters such as Ernest Dewgood, played by Kyle Turner, and Femoria Fatale (Fem for short), played by Mary Gross. It was well worth the mere 2.00 to enter and enjoy such great performances by seasoned actors from RCT. People of all ages cheered for the hero and heroine and laughed at the antics on stage. Later we enjoyed the beautiful crafts and other vendors such as homemade ice cream at the old bakery.

Reenactors of both Civil War as well as American Indians entertained the crowd with gunfire, music and activities for all to enjoy. It was truly like stepping back into many days gone by.

If you missed these events–there is always next year and you can check out more pictures and video by going to our Go Wayne County Facebook site. Remember to keep up on events in Wayne County by going to GoWayneCounty.com/event calendar.

Remembering 9/11 Close To Home: Video Of 9/11 Escort, Richmond IN

911 escort indy richmond pics 127

Today marks the 10th anniversary of 9/11 and there will be a memorial service held in Veteran’s Park, Richmond at 1:00 p.m.  At the same time all over the country bells will ring and sirens sound to remember those lost on a very sad day in our country’s history.

Below is a piece of that history which came to town this summer during the 9/11 escort in video.  However you commemorate this day in your lives and your families, let us all come together in a moment of quiet reflection and share our deepest wishes for peace as well as safety for all soldiers who are still in harms way. (see video from 6/2011)

9/11 Remembrance Ceremony To Take Place Sunday On 10 Year Anniversary, Richmond IN

Arlington National Cemetery Veteran's Day Ceremony

News Release

REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY 9/11

For Immediate Release, September, Richmond, IN

The public is invited to attend the Remembrance Ceremony of the 10th Anniversary of September 11th.   Congress passed in 2009, a National Day of Service and Remembrance to be observed every year on Sept 11th.  We as a community will join in this effort remembering this day and all who lost their lives by giving and serving others in their memory.  A container will be provided at the ceremony for you to write down your family’s plan and service intentions.

The U.S. Senate unanimously passed a resolution on July 22nd establishing a National Moment of Remembrance on September 11, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. to memorialize the September 11th terrorist attacks with one minute of reflection.  In the attached letter, the Senator is now asking for your help recognizing this Moment of Remembrance and encouraging our fire, police and churches to ring bells or sirens at 1:00 p.m. EDT for one minute on September 11, 2011.  These bells or sirens will be a signal to stop and remember.

Also remember all US flags are to be flown at half staff on this day. Thank you for your interest in supporting the 9/11 national Moment of Remembrance and joining in our community ceremony this Sunday.

  • Remembrance Ceremony
  • Veterans Memorial Park
  • Sunday, September 11th at 1:00pm
  • Lawn chairs are welcome

Traveling Vietnam Wall Memorial Service August 26, 2011

vietnam wall memorial service 007

Yesterday a moving candlelight service was held for the fallen in the Veteran’s Memorial park in Richmond Indiana.  Many turned out to honor those who made the greatest sacrifice for their country, including family members of the fallen.

The most poignant times of the service were the soldiers who visited the wall, leaving roses at the sites of the names on the wall, as well as the family members who took park in a reenactment of a moving story about visiting the wall.

Below is a video of part of the ceremony.  More pictures can be found on the Go Wayne County facebook site as well as more video on the GoWayneCounty youtube.  The wall will be available to view through Sunday. (see video below)

And The Winners Are….Four Of Wayne Counties Bands Place In Top 10

RHS Drum Corp Touted As The Best Of 2011

RHS Drum Corp Touted As The Best Of 2011 Band Days

An exciting night of band competition at the State Fair in Indianapolis as the best bands in Indiana compete for the sweet 16 and the ultimate number one position.

As we listen to the coverage live tonight on Star 98.3 the top three bands, who are favored to win are Muncie Southside, Richmond, and Winchester (the force).  We wait with anticipation as they announce the winners ….and they are…as they were announced:

  • 2nd Place      Richmond Highschool Red Devils ***
  • 1st Place        Winchester – The Force (the 9th win for their director at band days)

The rest placed as follows:

  • 16th Place       Noblesville
  • 15th Place       Muncie Central
  • 14th Place       West Lafayette
  • 13th Place       Frankton
  • 12th Place       Sheridan HS
  • 11th Place       Union County Patriots
  • 10th Place       Mooresville
  • 9th   Place      Hagerstown Tigers ***
  • 8th Place             Kokomo Wildcats
  • 7th Place        Centerville HS Blue Regiment ***
  • 6th Place        Fountain City Knights ***
  • 5th Place             Jay County
  • 4th Place            Anderson
  • 3rd Place            Muncie Southside

The difference between 1st and 2nd place, according to the judges, was just a fraction of a point.  Congratulations to all the Wayne County bands for an excellent job we are proud of you! And congratulations to our neighbors in Winchester for all your work.

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Hometown Scavenger Hunt Starts Next Week!

hometown scavenger hunt, wayne county indiana

hometown scavenger hunt, wayne county indianaIf you’ve needed an excuse to check out the sights & sounds in Richmond/Wayne County, now is the time. You can also win some wonderful prizes!

The Wayne County Tourism Bureau is hosting the Hometown Tourist Scavenger Hunt throughout Wayne County Monday, August 8th through Friday August 12th.  This year’s theme is Civil War in Wayne County, sponsored by Richmond Baking Company.

1st Prize:

$50 gas card from the Wayne County Tourism Bureau
2 admission tickets to Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari
$30 gift pack from Galo’s Italian Grill, Ainsley’s Café & Olde Richmond Inn
Gift Basket from Warm Glow Candle Outlet
PLUS a basketful of goodies from the Old National Road Welcome Center Gift Shop

2nd Prize:

$25 gas card from the Wayne County Tourism Bureau
2 admission tickets to the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
$20 gift pack from 5th St. Bagels, Café 51, Greens Fork Diner, and The Tin Lizzie
$10 Gift Certificate from Warm Glow Candle Outlet
PLUS a basketful of goodies from the Old National Road Welcome Center Gift Shop

HOW TO PLAY:

Every participant will pick up a “passport” to answer a question and/or take a photo of something unique to each site.  Passports will only be available at the Welcome Center.  A set of clues will be released each day during August 8th-August 12th, via www.facebook.com/visitrichmondin or at The Old National Road Welcome Center and The National Road Antique Mall in Cambridge City.

HOW TO WIN:

Those who complete their passport with the correct answers and photographs by Friday, August 12th, 6 p.m. and return it to the Old National Road Welcome Center by Monday, August 15th will have their names put into a drawing for the prizes.  The winners will be announced on Tuesday, August 16th.

BE A PART OF THE FUN!!!

Call for more details, call 765-935-8687 and ask for Julie,

Old National Road Welcome Center
5701 National Road East
Richmond, IN