Jay County Fiber Fest and Spin-In, Mar. 11-12, 2016

Jay County Fairgrounds in Portland, Indiana.
AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2012, all rights reserved.

By Gyneth Augsburger
Jay County Visitor & Tourism Bureau

The Jay County Visitor and Tourism Bureau will hold its 13th Annual Fiber Fest & Spin-In Friday March 11 and Saturday March 12, 2016 at the Jay County Fairgrounds, 806 East Votaw Street, located in Portland, Indiana.

The 2-day event devoted to the fiber arts will include classes, hands-on activity, and demonstrations. On Friday at 7:00pm Susan McFarland, will be giving a lecture, Rare Breed in the USA, Teeswater. On both days there will be an opportunity for both boy and girl scouts to earn a fun patch. Homemade food is also available both days.

For more information or to register for classes please visit our websitehttp://www.visitjaycounty.com/fiberfest or contact Gyneth Augsburger at the Jay County Visitor and Tourism Bureau, 260-726-3366 or email infojc@visitjaycounty.com.

Date Activity Hours Admission Fee

Thursday, March 10 Classes by pre-registration 5-8pm not open to Public

Friday, March 11 Open to the public 10-5pm $1.00 (6 & under Free)

Friday, March 11 Classes by pre-registration 9am-4pm

Friday, March 11 Scout Patch Day 10am-7 pm $3-scout patch

Friday, March 11 Lecture by Susan McFarland 7pm-8pm

Rare Breed in USA – Teeswater

Friday, March 11 Limberlost Naturalist 12pm-2pm

Friday, March 11 Recyclable Crafts Time varies

Friday, March 11 Demos all day – Sheep Shearing-Petting Zoo-Storytelling, and more

Saturday, March 12 Open to the public 9am-4pm $1.00 (6 & under Free)

Saturday, March 12 Classes by pre-registration 9am-4pm

Saturday, March 12 Scout Patch Day 9am-4pm $3-scout patch

Saturday, March 12 Limberlost Naturalist 12pm-2pm

Saturday, March 12 Recyclable Crafts Time Varies

Saturday, March 12 Demos all day – Sheep Shearing – Petting Zoo – Storytelling and more

The Fiber Fest & Spin-In will feature fiber artists of all descriptions. There will be vendors of all kinds of fibers, from the common to the exotic, including wool, mohair, angora, flax, alpaca, cotton, silk and even buffalo! Other related items will be for sale including sweater yarn and equipment for all fiber crafting needs.

This is an opportunity to observe fiber artists in a relaxed atmosphere and to purchase their products. Due to increased interest we have expanded to a second building where we will be including additional opportunities for our youth from face painting to creating a craft from recyclables. There will also be the Jay County Legacy Quilt Display in honor of our states Bicentennial year.

A special Thank You to our Sponsors: Annette Alexander/Raymond James and Richards Restaurant.

“Sister Act” @BeefandBoards, Feb. 11-Mar. 26, 2016

“Sister Act” at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Photo provided by the theatre and used with written permission.

By Patricia Rettig
Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre

Hang on to your habit, because Deloris Van Cartier is about to shake things up when Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre presents the divine comedy Sister Act as the first musical in its 2016 Season. Nominated for five Tony Awards including Best Musical, Sister Act is on stage for the first time at Beef & Boards, Feb. 11 to Mar. 26, 2016.

Sister Act is a musical based on the hit 1992 film of the same name that starred Whoopie Goldberg in the role of Deloris. Goldberg went on to produce the uplifting Broadway adaptation that features original music by Alan Menken (Newsies, Beauty and The Beast, Little Shop Of Horrors), a Tony and eight-time Oscar winner.

Filled with powerful gospel music, outrageous dancing and a truly moving story, Sister Act tells of disco diva Deloris Van Cartier, who is put in protective custody after witnessing a murder. The cops put her in one place they’re sure she won’t be a found: a convent! Disguised as a nun, Deloris finds herself at odds with both the rigid lifestyle and uptight Mother Superior. Using her unique disco moves and singing talent to inspire the choir, Deloris breathes new life into the church and community but, in doing so, blows her cover.

The Beef & Boards production welcomes newcomer Zuri Washington in the role of Deloris, with Suzanne Stark (Peter Pan, The Drowsy Chaperone, Mary Poppins) as the Mother Superior, and newcomers Erick Pinnick as Curtis Shank, Lamont O’Neal as Lt. Eddie Souther, and Gabrielle Harker as Sister Mary Robert.

Sister Act is on stage for 48 performances through March 26 in the intimate space of Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. Tickets range from $41 to $66 and include Chef Odell Ward’s freshly prepared dinner buffet and select beverages. Parking is always free.

For reservations, call the Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre Box Office at 317-872-9664 anytime between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays. Discounts are available to groups of 20 or more; contact the Group Sales Department for more details.

For more information, including complete show schedule, visit beefandboards.com.

Big Ten Conference Career Expo, Mar. 10, 2016 @bigten

Union Station in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana.
AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2014, all rights reserved.

By Jane Jankowski
Indiana Sports Corp.

The Big Ten Conference Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments return to Indianapolis in March, and with it, the opportunity for employers to connect with students and alumni from the 14 member universities at the Big Ten Conference Career Expo.

This year’s expo will be on Thursday, March 10, 2016, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Union Station in downtown Indianapolis, near Bankers Life Fieldhouse, which is the site of the conference tournaments.

The Career Expo will feature employer booths and a cyber café staffed with career counselors to assist students with interviewing skills and resume reviews. There also will be a special sports career-focused session, The Sporting Life: Careers in Sports, featuring a variety of panelists from the sports world at 10:30 a.m.

The Expo is free and open to Big Ten students and alumni who are looking for internships and employment or recent college graduates looking for a career change. This will be the seventh Expo held in conjunction with the Big Ten Basketball Tournaments.

“This event is a way for the Big Ten Conference to connect with Indianapolis in a way that goes beyond the great basketball tournaments we’ll host in March. It’s proven to be a great tool to connect companies with students from the conference. The employers have let us know they regularly follow up with the students after the event,” said Donna Wilkinson, senior vice president of human resources for Pacers Sports & Entertainment.

Registration for the Career Expo is free for all Big Ten students and alumni at www.BigTenCareerExpo.com. Students who register online are eligible for a drawing for a new iPad.

Sponsors of the 2016 Big Ten Conference Career Expo include Spectrum Brands, Anthem, Lilly, Magnitude Marketing Agency, the Indianapolis Star, Indiana Sports Corp and Pacers Sports & Entertainment.

More information about the 2016 Big Ten Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments is available at www.BigTen.org orwww.IndianaSportsCorp.org. The women’s tournament will be March 2-6 and the men’s tournament is scheduled for March 9-13, 2016.

Boat, Sport & Travel Show, Feb. 19-28, 2016 @indysportshow

By Dan Forst
Boat, Sport & Travel Show

ALMOST TIME FOR INDIANA’S ANNUAL OUTDOOR AND TRAVEL MEGA-SHOW: The Ford 62nd Annual Indianapolis Boat, Sport & Travel Show returns to the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis February 19-28, 2016.

Ten days just may not be enough time to see and experience all the Ford 62nd Annual Indianapolis Boat, Sport & Travel Show has to offer. Most anything related to the outdoors and outdoor travel will be on display; from boats and RVs to hunting, fishing and even motorcycles, not to mention some of the greatest outdoor travel destinations in the country. It’s all here at the largest sport show in the nation.

One of the biggest draws to this outdoors super show is the vast and diverse number of exhibitors. There are seven spacious exhibition buildings totaling over 700,000 square feet in floor space. Whether you’re looking to buy the latest RV, boat or ATV, plan and book a hunting or fishing dream trip, meet and learn from some of the biggest names in the outdoors or merely to browse some of the latest fishing tackle, the Ford 62nd Annual Indianapolis Boat, Sport & Travel Show definitely must be at the top of your to-do list.

The Indiana State Fairgrounds is once again home to the Ford 62nd Annual Indianapolis Boat, Sport & Travel Show scheduled for ten exciting days February 19-28, 2016. The opening weekend, February 19-21, features two distinct shows within the show. Returning is the 25th Annual Indiana Motorcycle Expo including the visually inspiring Biker’s Showcase and the historical Pioneers of Hoosier Motorcycling. Brand new this year is the first ever Great American Fly Fishing Expo, also during the opening weekend. The closing weekend, February 25-28, brings back the always-popular 19th Annual Indiana Deer, Turkey & Waterfowl Expo. Throughout the entire ten days, show visitors can enjoy the Boat Pavilion, RV Pavilion, Travel and Tourism Pavilion, Quiet Sports and Outdoor Living Pavilion and one of the most popular features of the show… Tackle Town.

Tackle Town encompasses 70,000 square feet of all things fishing. With over 100 exhibitors, it’s hard to imagine needing something that cannot be found here. Check out all the latest fishing tackle, boating accessories, fiberglass repair and restoration tips, book a guided fishing trip or let the young ones have a blast in the Kid’s Zone. Plus, learn from some of the nation’s top fishing pros as they demonstrate baits and cutting-edge angling techniques during daily seminars at the huge 4,000-gallon Hawg Trough.

During the second weekend of the Ford 62nd Annual Indianapolis Boat, Sport & Travel Show, visitors get an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet and listen to some of the greatest living legends of the fishing world as they share fascinating stories and entertaining accounts of the early days of fishing. Scheduled are Forrest Wood, Jerry McGinnis, Hank Parker, and Billy and Bobby Murray. These heroes’ places in fishing history and their accumulative knowledge is mind blowing; something you don’t want to miss. Also on the second weekend is the Ask the Pros Seminar Series, which this year is focused on crappie fishing – one of the most popular forms of fishing here in Indiana and throughout the nation.

The RV Pavilions provide visitors some five acres of the latest RVs on the market. Show organizer, Kevin Renfro, says it is probably the biggest selection of RVs ever to appear at the show. From pop-ups to luxury coaches and travel trailers, it’s all in one place and under one roof.

Likewise, the Boating Pavilion includes 180,000 square feet of everything imaginable for boating enthusiasts. Fishing boats, ski boats and massive cruisers are all ready to board and inspect, along with a great selection of power sport crafts, side-by-sides, boating lifestyle products and accessories.

The Travel and Tourism Pavilion is a cornucopia of delight for planning your next getaway. Some 150 travel professionals from 24 different states and abroad are ready to help you plan a simple family vacation, fishing or hunting trip, or the dream trip of a lifetime. Also within the 70,000 square-foot pavilion, the Travel Café returns after a great inaugural reception last year. Here, visitors can see exciting and entertaining travel destination presentations and videos, hear about fresh new travel ideas from exhibitors in the Travel and Tourism Pavilion, and enjoy great and unique dining opportunities not typically found at an outdoor show.

Back by popular demand are the Dock Diving Dogs! Come learn more or register your own dog to participate in the world’s fastest growing dog sport. Teams will be showing off their jumping skills in events that dazzle spectators with high-flying canine athleticism at the K-9 X Games Dock-Diving Event including Alpha Air Dogs (“Big Air”), X’treme Vertical and X’treme Retrieve events.
19th Annual Indiana Deer, Turkey & Waterfowl Expo
Mark your calendars now for the 19th Annual Indiana Deer, Turkey & Waterfowl Expo, February 25-28, 2016.

If you’re looking to feed your hunting hunger, this is the place to get a plate full. Exhibitors from all facets of hunting are on hand, displaying and selling products from camo to treestands. Looking to book a hunt? Look no further. The 19th Annual Indiana Deer, Turkey & Waterfowl Expo has outfitters from 19 U.S. states, nine Canadian provinces and eight other countries.

The opportunity to learn from the best is in no short supply either. The Big Tine Hunting Seminar Series always brings some of the biggest names in the hunting industry to share tips and insight to help you maximize your hunting experiences. This year includes an exciting lineup including Chad Belding, host of The Fowl Life; Chuck Adams, legendary bowhunter and author; Greg Abbas, co-host of A-Way Outdoors; and archery trick shooter Byron Ferguson. Even more seminar speakers are answering all your hunting questions during the Ask The Pros seminar sessions.
Whitetail hunters will once again have the opportunity to bring in their deer to be officially scored by measurers from Boone & Crockett, Pope & Young and the I.D.H.A., the official scorekeepers for the Hoosier Record Buck program.

Over a hundred massive Indiana bucks can be seen up close and personal at the Hoosier Record Buck Trophy Deer Display.
But that’s not all. Try out a new bow in the Manufacturer’s Archery Demo Lanes or introduce a youngster to shooting at the Youth Archery Range. Waterfowl enthusiasts will find everything from duck boats to dog training, plus calls, clothing and gear at the Waterfowler Flyway. There will be treestand safety seminars, gun dog demonstrations, hunter education and much more!
Great American Fly Fishing Expo

The debut of the Great American Fly Fishing Expo, February 19-21, is destined to be one of the biggest and best events of its kind in the country. Designed with the serious fly angler in mind, this three-day fly-fishing-only show provides fly-fishing lifestyle enthusiasts with a tempting and artfully tied pattern consisting of quality exhibitors, insightful seminars, and other unique show features.

Fly-fishing manufacturers are making a special trip to Indy this year to attend this “premier” fly-fishing event. Not only can you look at products by Rio, Sage, Redington, Fish Pond, Buff, Scott Rods, Simms, Scientific Anglers and Orvis, but you can buy them as well, at the largest event of its kind in the Midwest.
From manufacturers and retailers of the latest fly-fishing rods, reels, boats, clothing, fly-tying tools and materials, and accessories, to a who’s who of fly-fishing guides, resorts, lodges and outfitters offering a full-range of angling adventures on the most productive rivers, lakes and streams here in the Midwest and around the world, exhibitors at the inaugural Great American Fly Fishing Expo will offer up that sweet combination of gear and information that fly anglers crave.

Fly-fishing guides are the true ambassadors of the sport. An intimate knowledge of the waters they fish and ongoing firsthand experience with a full gamut of available gear allows them to cut through the sport’s significant learning curve and get their clients catching fish. Even the most experienced and capable fly anglers will rapidly espouse the merits of fishing with a good guide. Their experience and information is worth top dollar. Experienced and respected fly-fishing guides from around the Midwest will be on-hand delivering riveting seminars and speaking one-on-one with attending fly anglers about the whens, wheres, and hows of catching steelhead, trout, smallmouth and largemouth bass, muskie, carp and more in the Midwest’s most prolific fisheries. No guide fee required. Simply come with your ears and your questions.

While anglers, manufacturers, retailers, and guides are each essential parts of the fly-fishing industry, equally critical are the grassroots conservation organizations that have done so much to protect and expand habitat, educate, and improve our enjoyment of the sport of fly-fishing. Along with guides and shops, these organizations are tremendous resources for individuals and families looking to learn more about the sport of fly-fishing.

Several such clubs and organizations will not only be exhibiting at the Great American Fly-Fishing Expo, but will also be involved in offering a variety of special features and attractions such as fly-casting lessons and demonstrations at the fly-casting pond, fly-tying lessons and demonstrations, and educational workshops on fish, habitat and other critical conservation topics.

Have kids? Be sure to bring them along to the Great American Fly Fishing Expo. They’ll be able to tie their own fly with the assistance of expert volunteers, and then receive a special “fishing license” they can take to the trout pond and catch a fish on their very own fly.

Our own Midwest region is firmly on the map of global fly-fishing hot spots, offering hundreds of well-known and lesser-known world-class fisheries. Now, the Midwest has the premier fly-fishing show to match. Whether you’re a passionate fly-fisherman, guide, club member, retailer, manufacturer, or represent any other aspect of the fly-fishing industry, make plans to cast a line into the fray at the inaugural Great American Fly Fishing Expo, February 19-21, 2016, opening weekend of the Ford 62nd Annual Indianapolis Boat, Sport & Travel Show at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.

One ticket gets you into all of the shows open on the day of your visit. To learn more about the Ford 62nd Annual Indianapolis Boat, Sport & Travel Show, the 19th Annual Indiana Deer, Turkey & Waterfowl Expo, the Great American Fly Fishing Expo, the 25th Annual Indiana Motorcycle Expo and all the other great happenings, visit http://indysportshow.com/. New features are added to the website frequently, so be sure check back often.

Valentine’s Day Events in Downtown Indianapolis

By Amanda Dorman
Downtown Indy, Inc.

Is romance in the air but you can’t come up with any ideas for Valentine’s Day? Here are some great suggestions:

Dine out, dance or do both!

Grab your dancing shoes and head to the historic Fountain Square Theatre Building on Feb. 12 for Friday Night Swing Dance. Take a dance lesson at 7:30 p.m. then stay for live entertainment from 8:30 – 11:30 p.m. with some of the hottest swing bands around. The dance lesson is $12 and dancing only is $10.

Get up and groove after dinner at the Love is All You Need Dinner Dance at The Rathskeller on Saturday, Feb. 13. This event includes a three-course meal starting at 6 p.m. followed by a performance from First Time Caller Band from 8 p.m. – midnight. Tickets are $90 per couple.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with treats from the tropics including chocolate and coffee, all while enjoying the candlelit romantic atmosphere of the Conservatory at Garfield Park. Sweets for Your Sweetie takes place Sunday, Feb. 14 from 6:30 – 8 p.m. and 8 – 9:30 p.m. and costs $10.

Chef JJ’s culinary team will be preparing fresh, local dishes made to share for Valentine’s Day Night on Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $75 and include beer or wine tasters, a five-course dinner and a sweet treat to take home. Beer and wine will be available for purchase.

Weber Grill is offering a special Valentine’s Day menu Feb. 12 – 14. The meal includes a choice of Cedar Planked Salmon, Surf and Turf or New York Strip plus a strawberry salad, shrimp bisque and chocolate dipped strawberries. Make your night out extra special by adding red roses to your table for $30 (put in your request when making reservations).

Other date-friendly dinner spots:

Bluebeard
Harry & Izzy’s
Iozzo’s Garden of Italy
Milano Inn
Spoke & Steele
St. Elmo Steak House
Tastings

Shows and performances

Listen to a tribute to one of the most influential artists of all time – Frank Sinatra. The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra will play tribute to the 100th birthday of Sinatra during Sinatra Centennial at Hilbert Circle Theatre Feb. 12 & 13. Tickets are $15 – $61 or $10 for students.

Experience the fun of The Mind Tripping Show – a comedy with a psychology twist. Catch the show at The Hilton on Feb. 12 at 8:30 p.m. or Feb. 13 at 5 and 8:30 p.m. Make an entire night of it and dine at 120 West Bar & Grill or McCormick and Schmick’s, both at The Hilton, before or after the show. Check The Mind Tripping Show website for special restaurant offers.

Younger Valentines can enjoy Valentine’s Day Cabaret at Peewinkle’s Puppet Studio Feb. 12 – 15. Marionettes include magical music boxes, a dancing ostrich butterflies and more. An optional post-show workshop is available for purchase. Tickets are $13 and FREE for children under two.

Groove to live music at Old National Centre. Catch R&B musician and Hoosier native Babyface on Feb. 14 at 7 p.m.

Visit one of Downtown’s museums

Watch a pre-Valentine’s Day screening of the iconic love story Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. The film, part of the Winter Nights Film Series, plays on Feb. 12 at 8 p.m. in the Toby. While visiting the IMA, explore Oldfields-Lilly House and Gardens, the 26-acre estate that is just as beautiful in the winter, and snap a photo in front of the LOVE sculpture. Browse Gustave Baumann, German Craftsman–American Artist before it closes Feb. 14.

The Indiana State Museum is hosting the 13th annual Indiana Art Fair on Feb. 13 from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. showcasing an array of art made in Indiana. More than 60 artists from 28 of Indiana’s counties will be represented. For those looking to celebrate the holiday with girlfriends, the Indiana State Museum is hosting Galentine’s Art Night on Feb. 12 from 6 – 9 p.m. Meet and mingle with the Indiana artists from the Art Fair and enjoy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails while shopping. A select number of guests can paint their own masterpiece.

Get active

Couples who run can participate in the Be My Valentine 5K Run/Walk at the Athenaeum on Feb. 13 at 9 a.m. For a more relaxing workout, couples can attend Valentine’s Candlelight Hot Yoga at The Hot Room on Feb. 12 at 6 p.m. or

Partner Yoga & Massage at Invoke Studio on Feb. 14 at 2 p.m.

Gift it

Surprise your partner with a gift from Rowdie himself. On Feb. 11 & 12, the Indianapolis Indians mascot will hand deliver a gift package of an Indians t-shirt or Rowdie Doll, four box seat ticket vouchers and four Gigi’s cupcakes. The package costs $95 (Rowdie-less packages will also be available for pick up for $75). All deliveries must be within a 20-mile radius of Victory Field.

The Indianapolis Colts Mascot, Blue, will also be making deliveries. Surprise visits from Blue include confetti, flowers, chocolates and Colts gear. Deliveries cost $150 and are available Feb. 8 – 12.

Stop by Silver in the City on Mass Ave for a unique piece of jewelry, including many options from local designers. If you’re taking the diamond route, be sure to visit Windsor Jewelry for diamonds, gold and precious stones.

Start your Valentine’s Day weekend with a wine tour and tasting at Easley Winery. Complimentary tours begin at noon on Saturday and Sunday and tastings cost $5. While you’re there, share a chilled bottle of Kauffman’s 76 Brand or grab a bottle to go – it will be on special for $8 per bottle.

Give your partner the best chocolate in town. Score big points with a heart box filled with sea salt caramels or your choice of assorted truffles from The Best Chocolate in Town.

Get a room

Why not celebrate Valentine’s Day all weekend long and stay at one of Downtown’s many hotels?

Book the Valentine’s Day Package at the Hilton Indianapolis and receive a five-course meal for two, a rose, a champagne toast, complimentary valet parking and overnight accommodations.

The Alexander’s Win Their Heart with Art package includes a $25 credit in Plat 99, prosecco and chocolate covered strawberries, brunch for two in Market Table, a late check-out at 2 p.m. and overnight accommodations. Book their package benefitting Horizon House and receive a $25 credit to Plat 99, a <3INDY shirt, an in-room amenity and complimentary self-parking.

The Omni Severin’s Retreat to Romance package includes a $100 cuisine and cocktail credit, a bottle of Chandon sparkling wine, romantic turndown service, concierge pre-call, a late check-out of 1 p.m. and overnight accommodations.

The Conrad’s is offering a girl’s getaway weekend. The Galentine Day Package includes chocolate covered strawberries upon arrival, $10 gift card per person to Tastings, an AVEDA styling session at Evan Todd Spa & Salon and overnight accommodations.

For more information, visit http://downtownindy.org, or call 317-237-2222.