Wells County - City of Bluffton, Indiana

Indiana’s Bicentennial
2016
Events & Activities
Wells County
Overview
Help us celebrate Indiana’s 200th Birthday with various activities and
events in Wells County. Indiana's 2016 Bicentennial celebration aims to
honor our state’s 200 years of history, and to do so in a modern way that
engages all Hoosiers and leaves a lasting legacy for future generations.
Projects
Bison Tour
Two large fiberglass Bison will be traveling to various events around Wells
County in 2016. One of the Bison will help celebrate the Bicentennial with
a collage of Wells County history including the Wabash River. This bison
was made possible with funds from the Wells County Foundation.
The United Way of Wells County is also having a large Bison painted as a
collaborative art project with representatives from all three school corporations. Blossom the Book Butterfly and the Bison will be traveling around
the county throughout the summer and fall. The Bison will be very busy
and you never know where you will see it next.
Blossom and the BISONtennial Book
The United Way of Wells County will be printing a new Blossom and the
BISONtennial book that was approved as a Legacy Project. This new book
in the Blossom the Book Butterfly series will be distributed to the preschool
children and kindergarten children this fall and Blossom will be offering
photo ops with herself, the Bison, and the children.
Downtown Bluffton Walking Tour
The Wells County Public Library and the Wells County Historical Society
are teaming up to provide a self-guided walking tour brochure of downtown
Bluffton. Brochures should be available at both locations in May and will
include plenty of historical information about the buildings on the “tour.”
There will also be a guided tour later in the year (possibly August) that will
include several “behind-the-scenes” locations that might not always be
open to the public. For more information contact Emily Marshall at the
library (260-824-1612 or [email protected]).
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Indiana State Park Passes
The Indiana State Parks and the Indiana State Library have worked together to provide the library with two state park passes that will allow you free
access into most of Indiana's wonderful state parks to help celebrate
Indiana's Bicentennial and the State Parks’ Centennial. These state park
passes will be available to check out with
a valid library card on a first-come, firstserved basis throughout 2016. Each pass
will be checked out for 7 days at a time
and you can also place the pass on hold if
it's currently out to someone else and then
you’ll be notified when it's available. There
will be fees if the pass is returned late or
not at all. Otherwise it's free with your
library card! Find out more information
about this program at the Main Library in
Bluffton or Ossian Branch. If you’d like to
purchase your own Indiana State Park Pass then you can do that online at
the Mother Nature's Mercantile: Indiana State Park Store.
Time Capsule
The Wells County Public Library is working on creating a time capsule with
various modern items that will be sealed away in the library and scheduled
to be reopened in 50 years. There will be a public vote for items to include
in the time capsule (will start approximately in August 2016 at the library)
and then a special presentation at the Bicentennial Bash at the library on
December 11, 2016 when the time capsule will get sealed up.
World’s Largest Parlor
This new photo-opportunistic park will be in the heart of downtown Bluffton
and contain an oversized chair, piano, table, and stain-glass window
decorated to look like a parlor. Construction on the park will begin in 2016.
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Special Events
All dates and times subject to change. Check with organization before the event.
JANUARY
2016 Tournament of Books
The library’s Tournament of Books kicks off at the Main Library. Each
month from January-November in 2016, there will be two book covers on
the wall beside the front desk. You’ll get the chance to vote for your favorite
and the book with the most votes will advance in the “Tournament of
Books.” By the end of the year, we will have chosen Wells County’s favorite
book of all time. Books in the tournament were selected from a list of the
highest circulated books at the library and will include: “A Child Called ‘It,’”
“Art of Racing in the Rain,” “Diary of a Young Girl,” “Room,” “Heaven is for
Real,” “Pride and Prejudice,” “Shop on Blossom Street,” “Danger in the
Shadows,” “The Help,” “The Notebook,” “Sail,” and “The Hobbit.”
FEBRUARY
“The Golden Age: Indiana Literature: 1880-1920”
Exhibit - February 1-29 (Main Library-Bluffton)
The 19th state’s rich literary heritage at the turn of the century is highlighted
in the museum-quality exhibition borrowed from the Indiana Historical Society. Drawn from collections at the IHS, Indiana State Library, and Indiana
University’s Lilly Library, the exhibition explores what came to be known as
the “Golden Age of Indiana Literature,” a time period in which Hoosier
authors achieved both national prominence and popular acclaim. The
exhibition examines some of the many writers who contributed to the
state’s literary golden age, but concentrates on the lives and careers of four
individuals who loomed large during this period – George Ade, Meredith
Nicholson, Booth Tarkington, and James Whitcomb Riley.
Winter Reading Program
February 1-29 (Main Library-Bluffton & Ossian Branch)
The theme this year for the Winter Reading Program helps celebrate the
golden-age of literature with “Reading: It’s Golden.” Pick up a reading log at
the library and then earn incentives, such as books and gift baskets for
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reading throughout the month of February. There is also an option to Pay it
Forward by giving your winning book—if you complete the program—to
Kate’s Kart. This wonderful organization donates new books to hospitalized
children at Bluffton Regional and other area hospitals.
MARCH
Celebrating Indiana’s Bicentennial
3rd Grade Essay Contest
Deadline: Tuesday, March 15
In honor of Indiana’s Bicentennial, the Association of Indiana Counties is
sponsoring an essay contest for 3rd grade students. Students are encouraged to write about how the county received its name and also about a
person living in Indiana that has made positive contributions to the county,
state, or nation. More information is available at: www.indianacounties.org.
Shari Miller Wagner poetry presentation
Tuesday, March 22: 6:30-7:30 pm (Main Library-Bluffton)
Shari Wagner, the newly-named Indiana Poet Laureate for 2016-2017, will
read a small selection of poems from her books “The Harmonist at Nightfall: Poems of Indiana” and “Evening Chore.” She will also give a presentation and information on what she will be doing during her two-year term as
Indiana’s Poet Laureate. Wagner teaches poetry and memoir writing at the
Indiana Writers Center and literature for Butler University’s Religion, Spirituality and the Arts seminar. She holds a master’s degree in creative writing
from Indiana University – Bloomington. Her poems have been featured in
Ted Kooser’s syndicated column, American Life in Poetry and in Garrison
Keillor’s radio program, The Writer’s Almanac. Registration appreciated (at
the library, call 260-824-1612, or online at www.wellscolibrary.org).
APRIL
National Library Week
April 10-16 (Main Library-Bluffton & Ossian Branch)
The theme this year is "Libraries Transform."
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Chain Reaction Competition: Turn the Page
Saturday, April 9: 1:00-3:00 pm (Main Library-Bluffton)
All ages. The library is excited to offer its first-ever Chain Reaction Competition to celebrate National Library Week. We are looking for teams of any
size and age to work together to build a Rube Goldberg®-style machine
that uses several steps/links to turn the page of a book. $100 grand prize
and $25 team prizes in a variety of categories, such as most creative, best
use of recycled materials, people’s choice, and more! Pick up a complete
packet with rules and information from the library. There will be a training
session provided by Casey Drudge with TekVenture of Fort Wayne on
Saturday, March 5 from 1-2 pm. Participants must submit the registration
form by March 26. The judging and events on Saturday, April 9 are open
for anyone to attend, so feel free to stop by and see some amazing
machines! Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Registration forms at
the library (call 260-824-1612 or visit www.wellscolibrary.org for more info).
200 Tulip Trees for Free
Starting Friday, April 29 (Main Library-Bluffton)
To help celebrate the Bicentennial, the library will be giving out 200 tulip
trees for free starting on Friday, April 29, which is Arbor Day. Stop by
during library hours to get our state tree and then plant it in your yard or
another location. Trees are available on a first-come first-served basis and
will be available at the library until they have all been given away. Trees
are being donated by the Wells County Soil & Conservation.
MAY
Indiana Art Project
May (Main Library-Bluffton & Ossian Branch)
The Main Library and Ossian Branch will be transforming the front windows
into a large Indiana Art Project with the help of the children, teens, and
adults that would like to help decorate an Indiana “patch” with a drawing,
quote, Indiana memory, or anything else!
Centennial All-Star Ball Game
Sunday, May 15: 2 pm (Ouabache State Park)
A ball game featuring State Parks vs. City Parks. For more information
contact Louise Miller at 260-824-0926 or [email protected]
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Summer Reading Program
May 23-July 30 (Main Library-Bluffton & Ossian Branch)
Participate in the library’s Summer Reading Program featuring the sportstheme “On Your Mark, Get Set...Read.” During this time, Indiana athletes
throughout history will be featured in displays throughout the library.
JUNE
Bison-tennial Bash
Saturday, June 18 (Ouabache State Park)
For more information contact Louise Miller at 260-824-0926 or
[email protected]
Wells Community Theater Presents: Kiss Me Kate
Directed By: Otto “Tank” Lowe
June 24, 25, 2016 at 7:30 pm
June 26, 2016 at 2:30 pm
Bluffton High School
Tickets = $14 for adults, $10 children (12 and under)
$12 for current Creative Arts Members
Kiss Me Kate is a musical written by Samuel and Bella Spewack with
music and lyrics by Cole Porter. Porter was an Indiana native, which is one
of the reasons this play was selected during the Bicentennial year.
Ice Cream Social
Sunday, June 26: 2-5 pm (Wells County Historical Museum)
Freedom Festival
Thursday, June 30 (Ossian Health and Rehabilitation Center)
JULY
Smokey Bear Celebrates the State Park Centennial
Saturday, July 2 (Ouabache State Park)
Meet Smokey Bear, enjoy a bicycle parade, and more! For more
information contact Louise Miller at 260-824-0926 or [email protected]
Wells County 4-H Fair
July 16-21 (Wells County 4-H Park)
Enjoy several exhibits and events specifically for the bicentennial.
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BisCreamTennial Party
Saturday, July 16: 1-4 pm (Melching Park in Ossian)* updated info
Sponsored by the Ossian Rolls of the Ossian Revitalization Group
Enjoy ice cream, musical entertainment, time-period games, a car show,
and other festivities to help celebrate Indiana’s Birthday. Guests should
bring lawn chairs or blankets. For more information contact Judy Harkless
at 260-597-7275.
William Wells speaker & Mini Taste of Wells County
Friday, July 22: 6:00-7:30 pm (Main Library-Bluffton)* updated date
Author William Heath will be discussing his book "William Wells and the
Struggle for the Old Northwest." Learn about the life and history of the
person that our county is named after and then enjoy a small sampling of
foods from around Wells County. Bring your books for an autograph
signing. More information about William Heath and his books is available at
www.williamheathbooks.com. Registration appreciated (at the library,
call 260-824-1612, or online at www.wellscolibrary.org).
AUGUST
Walking Tour
Dates to be determined—should happen in August
The Wells County Historical Society and the Wells County Public Library
are joining together to offer a guided Walking Tour of downtown Bluffton.
You’ll get to see many behind-the-scenes spaces of buildings downtown
that rarely get seen by the public. Registration required. Contact Emily
Marshall at 260-824-1612 or [email protected] for more info.
Wheels of Yesteryear Antique Power Show & Festival
August 12-14 (Wells County 4-H Park)
This organization promotes and encourages interest in the ownership of
antique vehicles, machinery and equipment, and early American life.
For more information visit www.wheelsofyesteryear.com.
Bluffton Brew Fest
Saturday, August 20* (Arts, Commerce & Visitors Centre - parking lot area)
Enjoy a variety of beer tasting stations, vendors selling foods, and live
music the entire day. Sponsored by Bluffton Now. *updated date
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SEPTEMBER
One Book One County
September 1-October 31 (Main Library-Bluffton & Ossian Branch)
The One Book One County selection this year will feature an Indiana
author: Philip Gulley. All area residents are encouraged to read the book
and enter into a county-wide discussion with their friends and family
members. Check out a copy of the book at the library, and then make sure
to save the date to see Philip in person at the library on
Thursday, October 20 from 7-8 pm.
Wells County Snap Shots - Photo Contest
September 1-30
The goal of this Photo Contest is to help preserve a small piece of history
for the future. The Photo Contest Committee is seeking modern photos
taken of people or places in Wells County during 2016. Digital photos can
be submitted to Emily Marshall at [email protected] or at the
Main Library in Bluffton between September 1-30 (please put “Wells
County Snap Shots” in the subject of the email). Photos will be printed on
8x10 paper and need a resolution of 300 dpi or higher. The photos will be
judged by area experts and a select number will be printed and put on
display at the Art’s, Commerce & Visitors Centre at the end of the contest
and then at the Main Library. All photos will be shared via social media.
Bicentennial Torch Relay
Starts on September 9 and ends October 15
The bicentennial torch will make a 2,300 mile journey
across the state traveling through 92 counties.
The Torch Relay will begin in Corydon, the state’s
first capital, and culminate in Indianapolis on the
Statehouse Grounds. The torch is scheduled to pass
through Wells County on September 30. The relay
was designed to inspire Hoosiers and promote unity
across the state by connecting people, communities,
and regions.
Ossian Days
September 15-17 (Downtown Ossian)
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Bluffton Street Fair: “HAPPY BIRTHDAY INDIANA”
September 20 – 24 (Downtown Bluffton)
The theme for the Bluffton Free Street Fair this year is “Happy Birthday
Indiana.” Be on the look out for many of the 20 Bicentennial Torch Relay
carriers in a float during the opening night parade and special activities
throughout the Fair to help celebrate Indiana’s Bicentennial.
OCTOBER
Cemetery Walk
Sunday, October 2: 2 pm (Elm Grove Cemetery)
Sponsored by the Wells County Historical Society
Children’s Book Festival
Saturday, October 8: 10 am – 3 pm (Main Library-Bluffton)
You do not want to miss this new event! Award-winning musician and
author, Jim Gill, will perform many of his signature songs for our young
attendees. Then Indiana-based author and illustrator David Slonim, will
speak about his books, creative process, and more. The performance and
presentation will be specifically designed for kids, but everyone in the
family is invited to attend. Jim and David will both be selling and signing
books and CDs during the day. We will also have food trucks down
Washington Street, carnival games featuring book themes, special times to
meet children’s costumed book characters, and lots more!
Philip Gulley Author Visit
Thursday, October 20: 7-8 pm (Main Library-Bluffton)
Philip Gulley is a Quaker pastor, writer, and speaker from Danville, Ind.
An eclectic writer, Gulley has published 20 books, including the acclaimed
Harmony series chronicling life in the eccentric
Quaker community of Harmony, Indiana and the
best-selling Porch Talk series of inspirational and
humorous essays. He is the One Book One County author for 2016 and will be giving a presentation
about his newest book: “A Lesson in Hope.” Books
will be available for sale that evening or you can
bring your own to have them signed. Sponsored
by the Friends of the Library. Registration appreciated (at the library, call 260-824-1612, or online).
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NOVEMBER
“Who is a Hoosier?” Exhibit
November 7-December 2 (Main Library-Bluffton)
Learn about the make up of the many people that have been nicknamed
Hoosiers over the years, just in time for the Bicentennial. In this traveling
exhibit, borrowed from the Indiana Historical Society, maps and informational graphics highlight the statistical impact of changing ethnic groups—
from pioneer settlers, 19th century immigrants, and modern arrivals—
while photographs from various IHS collections and institutions all over the
state bring to life the personal stories of immigration.
Christmas in the Mansion
(Wells County Historical Museum)* updated times
Dates include Saturdays & Sundays: November 26/27, December 03/04,
December 10/11, and December 17/18 from 2-6 pm
DECEMBER
Ossian Home Town Christmas
Thursday, December 8 (Downtown Ossian)* updated date
Bicentennial Holiday Celebration* updated info
Friday, December 9-Sunday, December 11 (Downtown Bluffton)
Join us as all of Wells County celebrates Indiana’s official 200th
birthday with a party. Various businesses will be open in downtown
Bluffton with special bicentennial-themed holiday events and activities.
Enjoy carriage rides, an advent walk, singers, and much more!
More details coming soon.
Bicentennial Bash @ the Library
Sunday, December 11: 2-4 pm* (Main Library - Bluffton)* updated info
The Wells County Public Library will be open on a special day to seal up
the 2016 time capsule that will be stored in the library and scheduled to be
reopened in 50 years. There will also be a “Bicentennial Cake,” historical
interpreters and reenactments, holiday activities featuring a historical
theme, and more to fit in with the “Bicentennial Holiday Celebration”
throughout the county that weekend. Several special collections from the
Indiana Room will also be on display in the library that day.
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More Information
Make sure to visit the Indiana Bicentennial Commissions official website
at www.in.gov/ibc for information about state-wide events and other
projects happening in Indiana during 2016.
If you have a question about the events in this publication, please
contact the organization sponsoring the event. Some events require
pre-registration and contain a small cost.
Local History
For more information about Wells County or Indiana History visit the
Wells County Public Library and specifically the Indiana Room at the
Main Library in Bluffton.
Wells County Public Library
www.wellscolibrary.org
Main Library (Bluffton) & Indiana Room
200 West Washington St. Bluffton, IN 46714
260-824-1612or
Ossian Branch Library
207 North Jefferson Street, Ossian, IN 46777
260-622-4691
Publication compiled by the:
Wells County Public Library
Last updated: 05/13/2016