Run for the Wall May 23 in Harrison County @ThisisIndiana

Press Release
Harrison County CVB

CORYDON, INDIANA, May 12 – On Tuesday May 23, 2023, the veterans’ motorcycling organization, Run for the Wall, will pass through downtown Corydon on the way to the Harrison County Fairgrounds for dinner and a ceremony. The riders are on a ten-day journey to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., where they will convene with other participating motorcyclists from across the country.

Harrison County residents and visitors are invited to welcome the motorcyclists by lining the sidewalks of Capitol Avenue in downtown Corydon. Their expected arrival time is approximately 5:30 pm. Updates on the event will be posted on the Harrison County Convention & Visitors Bureau Facebook page, as they are made available to us, or call 1-888-738-2137 for more information.

The riders will be escorted through downtown Corydon from I-64 exit 105 by the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department. Several organizations, including local veterans’ groups, are assisting with any needs the riders might have during their stay in Corydon. The Harrison County Convention & Visitors Bureau will provide the Run for the Wall participants a grab-and-go breakfast on the morning of May 24th before they continue their ride.

Currently, there are 472 riders registered for Run for the Wall’s central route – which passes through Corydon – and they plan to meet with an additional 1,000 or more riders from three other routes, in Washington D.C. on May 26.

About Run for the Wall

Run for the Wall was founded in 1989 by Vietnam Veterans James Gregory and Bill Evans. The two traveled across America on motorcycles promoting their message through local radio, TV, and newspapers. Their purpose was to provide facts regarding the thousands of men and women still unaccounted for from all wars. They sought to honor the memory of those killed in action and support military personnel. The riders include veterans and active military personnel as well as friends, family, and other supporters. Their goal is to promote healing among all veterans and their family and friends.

There are additional activities during Memorial Day weekend at the site and the events conclude with a final Rolling Thunder Parade in Washington, D.C., on Sunday. The parade consists of over 350,000 motorcycles that parade from the Pentagon parking lots, through downtown Washington, ending at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.

For more information on the Run for the Wall, visit www.rftw.org.

No Limits Celebration at Indiana School for the Blind, July 22, 2023

Press Release
Indiana Blind Children’s Foundation

INDIANAPOLIS: The Indiana Blind Children’s Foundation (IBCF) is excited to welcome acclaimed musician A.J. Croce to Indianapolis on Saturday, July 22, 2023, for the foundation’s annual No Limits Celebration.

Held in the historic 1930s-style auditorium at Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ISBVI), 7725 North College Avenue in Indianapolis, the performance will be preceded by a pre-concert reception featuring local jazz artist, Reggie Bishop, and a meal from the Jazz Kitchen — all of which is included with the price of admission.

The No Limits Arts Series aims to strengthen inclusiveness and remove social barriers in the arts for individuals with disabilities. In keeping with the goals of No Limits: An Arts Series Focused on Access for All, made initially possible by the Strengthening Indianapolis Through Arts and Cultural Innovation grant from Lilly Endowment, IBCF in partnership with ISBVI, brings artists of all abilities to the stage that mirror the strengths and abilities of students at ISBVI.

The public is invited onto the school grounds to not only experience internationally known artists and musicians but learn about the programs at ISBVI helping students succeed academically and socially.

“The Indiana Blind Children’s Foundation is passionate about bringing high-caliber artists to the ISBVI auditorium stage each year whose career and artistry shine a light on abilities and confront perceived notions surrounding those with vision impairments. A.J. Croce is a multi-talented performer – pianist, singer, and songwriter, who will transform the audience musically and challenge any limiting perceptions,” says IBCF executive director, Laura Alvarado.

A virtuosic piano player, A.J. Croce toured with B.B. King and Ray Charles before reaching the age of 21, and over his career, he has performed with a wide range of musicians, from Willie Nelson to the Neville Brothers; Béla Fleck to Ry Cooder. Son of the late Jim Croce, A.J. has blazed his own trail as an artist, releasing 10 studio albums including 2021’s By Request.

Following his performance, A.J. Croce will take part in a Q&A with event emcee Kathy Nimmer, reflecting on his life’s journey as a musician. Concert attendees are also invited to attend this intimate sit-down conversation at no additional fee.

Tickets can be purchased here for the 2023 No Limits Celebration.

Holiday World Now Open for the 2023 Season @holidayworld

AroundIndy.com staff photo.

Press Release
Holiday World

SANTA CLAUS, IN—Holiday World is now open for the 2023 season. The southern Indiana theme park ushers in its 78th season with two smoothly retracked coasters, new food items, and completed Compass Commons Team Member housing. 

Notable for the 2023 Season:

• The Voyage wooden roller coaster received 1,600+ feet of upgraded, smoother track. That means 25% of the 1.3-mile ride has brand new track. 
• Splashin’ Safari earned the #2 spot on USA Today’s 10Best Poll for Best Outdoor Water Park, making it the best water park in the Midwest.
• Compass Commons is officially open.

Reminders before Guests visit:

• Splashin’ Safari, which first opened 30 years ago, will open for the 2023 season on May 20.
• Both parks are open daily beginning Memorial Day, May 29.
• Holidays in the Sky drone and fireworks spectacular runs nightly from June 17 through July 30, featuring 400 drones and entirely new animations and music.
• Both parks will be cashless in 2023.
  • The parks accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover via credit card, ApplePay, and GooglePay.
  •  Free cash-to-card kiosks will be available on-site. 

Holiday World will open to the public on weekends beginning Saturday, May 13; Splashin’ Safari will follow on Saturday, May 20. Season Passes, Daily Tickets, and Cabanas are on sale now at HolidayWorld.Com. Children 3 and under are free, and children four or five years old qualify for a free Pre-K Season Pass. 

AroundIndy.com Editor’s note: Holiday World is in Spencer County, Indiana, which is on Central time (same as Evansville), one hour behind Indianapolis. For example, 10 am at Holiday World is 11 am in Indianapolis.

World Record Fairy Attempt in @HendricksCounty, May 20, 2023

Photo courtesy Central Indiana Enchanted Fairy Festival.

By Josh Duke
Visit Hendricks County

The Central Indiana Enchanted Fairy Festival has moved to a new location in Hendricks County this year and will even attempt a world record in addition to its usual blend of fairies, mermaids, unicorns and other legendary creatures who come out for this annual two-day family event filled with incredible entertainment.

The Fairy Festival, hosted for the first time at Murphy Aquatic Park, 753 S. County Road 625 East in Avon, Indiana, will be May 20 and 21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Performances for all ages will occur on four stages both days. Some of the dozens of stage performers include Indy Tribal dancing, aerial acrobatics and magicians. Festival goers can see the fairy court, receive a fairy dust shower, walk the fairy path labryinth and even meet a live unicorn.

This year event organizers will attempt to break a world record for the most people dressed as fairies in one place on Saturday, May 20. To qualify, the fairy costumes must at least include wings, a tutu and wand. The current world record is 878.

For more information, visit https://www.centralinfairyfest.org/copy-of-festival-3.

Juneteenth Black Heritage Concert, June 19, 2023

By Jen Thomas
On behalf of Indiana Landmarks Center

Indiana Landmarks’ Black Heritage Preservation Program is honoring Juneteenth with a concert and art show featuring local talent on Monday, June 19. 

Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Indiana Landmarks will celebrate with an evening of performances at Indiana Landmarks Center featuring contemporary gospel group Men in the Fire, R&B group The Downstroke Band and improv comedians Act A Foo. In addition, the artist group “WE ARE Indy Arts” will showcase works in a variety of mediums including painting, drawing, sculpture and mixed media during a special exhibit in the Rapp Family Gallery at Indiana Landmarks Center.

Throughout the evening, event promoter and emcee Thomas J. Griffin and entertainers will share brief facts about Indiana’s Black heritage compiled by Shari Scales, a local writer/researcher. Indiana Landmarks President Marsh Davis and Black Heritage Preservation Program Director Eunice Trotter will open the event with brief remarks.

“This isn’t simply a celebration of a historic day. It’s a celebration of Black history and Black culture,” said Trotter. “The result will be a Juneteenth event that is as enriching as it is entertaining.”

The concert begins at 6 p.m. in Grand Hall, with an opportunity to visit the art gallery after the concert until 9 p.m. Sponsors and VIP ticket purchasers can attend a 4 p.m. reception and meet-the-artists event in the Rapp Family Gallery, where they will enjoy drinks, hors d’oeuvres and an opportunity to purchase art. Sponsors and VIP ticket holders will also receive premium concert seating.

The art exhibit is being curated by Anthony Radford, who will install the exhibit for the June 7 First Friday event, leaving it intact through the Juneteenth holiday. Featured artists are Dana P Smith, Angelita Hampton, Lorenzo Bryant, Jax Robin, Precious Norris, Durango, Landon Taylor, Kenny Mason, Dallas Garrett, Octavius Lettsome, Lundyn-Christelle, and Iliyas Tomasiewicz (Sir Altium).

Ticket prices are $25 for general admission and $50 for VIP tickets. Indiana Landmarks member tickets are $20 and $40.

WHAT:   Juneteenth Concert and Art Show

WHEN:   June 19

                 4 p.m.: VIP reception and meet-the-artists event in the Rapp Family Gallery

                 6 p.m.: Concert in the Grand Hall

WHERE:  Indiana Landmarks Center, 1201 Central Ave., Indianapolis

COST:      $25 for general admission ($20 for Indiana Landmarks members)

                 $50 for VIP tickets ($40 for Indiana Landmarks members) 

To purchase tickets: bit.ly/ILJuneteenthConcert23