Indy Auto Show, Dec. 26, 2018 to Jan. 1, 2019 @indyautoshow

Indy Auto Show at the Indiana Convention Center.
AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2016, all rights reserved.

By Tiffany Whisner
On behalf of the Indy Auto Show

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (November 29, 2018) – 20 automobile manufacturers from around the world will display their 2019 model automobiles, SUVs, light-duty trucks and luxury vans at the 105th Indianapolis Auto Show. America’s second-longest-running auto show returns to the Indiana Convention Center Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2018 through Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019.

In addition to all the new model vehicles, auto manufacturers will feature their specialty vehicles and more. Consumers will be able to speak with automotive product specialists surrounded by spectacular exhibits. Tens of thousands of consumers are expected to attend this annual event.

State Farm Insurance, in partnership with Hasbro, would like to welcome Indianapolis Auto Show attendees to The Game of Life, a fully-interactive auto show experience built for those who love cars just as much as we do. As State Farm is “here to help life go right,” this year’s space allows consumers to become an oversized game piece and experience The Game of Life through the lens of car-buying decisions, from their first car to their retirement RV.

The activation includes an oversized game spinner, tablet interactives, photo opportunities and a digital scoreboard, encouraging participants to try their luck at the high score. As a “thank you” for participation, auto show attendees can walk away from the experience with their own branded tote bag. Talk to a State Farm agent about your life goals. While you’re at it, get an auto quote.

We are happy to have the Indiana Blood Center at the show again this year. The Indiana Blood Center will have one blood mobile as well as a small four-bed blood drive setup inside the Auto Show space at the Convention Center. Founded in 1952, Indiana Blood Center is a non-profit organization and vital community resource dedicated to providing a continuous, safe and adequate supply of blood components and biological services first to people of our own communities, then wherever needed. This is done through the dedication of 350 associates and the commitment of more than 90,000 Hoosiers blood donors. To join Indiana Blood Center’s life-giving cause or for more information, visit http://www.indianablood.org.

Visitors to the Ivy Tech Community College booth can interact with faculty and hands-on equipment from the automotive technology program. They can also take a virtual tour, grab giveaways, and enroll on the spot to be entered to win a scholarship at the college.

We are also proud to announce The Indianapolis Star as a “Gold Sponsor.”

“This year’s 105th show has so much to offer. The manufacturers are optimistic and the consumer gets to see why they are so excited,” said Steve Baker, president of The Indianapolis Automobile Trade Association. “We’ve utilized every inch of the space to make the most of your visit. Come out and spend some time with family and friends during the holidays at the 2019 Indy Auto Show. We know you won’t be disappointed!”

SHOW HOURS
Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2018 – 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 27, 2018 – 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 28, 2018 – 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 29, 2018 – 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018 – 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 31, 2018 – 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019 – 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Admission: Adults: $7.00 at the door, $6.00 online; Children 12 and under are FREE when accompanied by an adult.

For more information about the 2019 Indianapolis Auto Show and to purchase tickets, visit www.indyautoshow.com.

Christmas at the Indianapolis Zoo thru Dec. 30, 2018 @indianapoliszoo

Christmas at the Zoo at the Indianapolis Zoo.
Photo provided by the Indianapolis Zoo and used with written permission.

By Carla Knapp
Indianapolis Zoo

INDIANAPOLIS — A light sprinkling of snow and the glow of twinkling lights will fill the sky, creating a magical nighttime experience that has become one of Central Indiana’s most beloved holiday traditions.

Christmas at the Zoo presented by Donatos and Teachers Credit Union is bigger than ever, now offering 36 nights of merriment and memories in the making. With Mondays and Tuesdays added in for the first time, the event kicked off Nov. 23 and continues daily through Dec. 30, 2018, closed only on Christmas Eve and Day. The Zoo opens at noon and Christmas at the Zoo activities go from 5-9pm, extended until 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

Now celebrating 50 years, the Indianapolis Zoo was the first zoo in the nation to host a holiday lights event, and this wintertime favorite continues to grow year after year.

Under the Bicentennial Pavilion, Santa’s Village is a newer addition to Christmas at the Zoo. Guests will feel like they’ve stepped inside a glittering snow globe as they walk under a festive archway and discover the whimsical scene. Children can meet the Jolly Old Elf himself inside his charming study. Families can snap photos in Santa’s Barn presented by State Farm where his magical sleigh and a few reindeer await. Plus, there are opportunities to see penguins and wintertime dogs. The Snowflakery mirror maze hides fun and surprises around every corner. For a special treat, guests can decorate cookies in Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen.

A stunning tunnel of lights will lead visitors from Santa’s Village into the rest of the beautifully decorated Zoo, which will transform at sunset into a winter wonderland. Several large displays provide memorable photo ops, including We Three Trees presented by Central Indiana Honda Dealers and Christmas Tree Joy presented by Honda Manufacturing. The 100 percent LED energy-efficient lights are presented by Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at St. Vincent.

Additionally, many of the Zoo’s more robust animals will be out late to enjoy the cooler weather, including tigers, brown bears, walrus, red panda and others. All the Zoo’s indoor exhibits will be open to offer a perfect place for guests to go when cheeks get rosy. Plus, guests can learn more about their favorite animals during special chats throughout the day.

Christmas at the Zoo is free for Zoo members and included with regular admission. Discount tickets are available at participating Donatos and Teachers Credit Union locations. Guests can receive $1 off admission at the gate with the donation of a new hat, scarf or gloves to benefit St. Mary’s Child Center. Visit IndianapolisZoo.com for advance tickets and more information.

Big Ten Football Championship, Dec. 1, 2018

Lucas Oil Stadium in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana.
AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2018, all rights reserved.

Big Ten Press Release
Courtesy Indiana Sports Corp.

ROSEMONT, Illinois. – Northwestern and Ohio State will meet in the 2018 Big Ten Football Championship Game presented by Discover on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The 8th annual Big Ten Football Championship Game is scheduled to kick off at 8 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast nationally on FOX and Compass Media Networks. The winner will earn the Amos Alonzo Stagg Championship Trophy and a chance to play in one of the six bowls that comprise the College Football Playoff, including the Rose Bowl Game.

Ohio State will make its fourth championship game appearance following berths in 2013, 2014 and 2017. The Buckeyes will be seeking their third victory in the contest and second in as many years, having defeated Wisconsin in 2014 and 2017. Northwestern will be making its first championship game appearance, with the Wildcats looking for their first Big Ten Championship since 2000. The Wildcats and Buckeyes last met on Oct. 29, 2016, with Ohio State claiming a 24-20 victory in Columbus.

The Buckeyes defeated Michigan 62-39 on Nov. 24 to end the regular season at 11-1 overall and 8-1 in conference play to claim a share of the East Division title. Ohio State and Michigan finished tied atop the East Division standings at 8-1 in conference play, however Ohio State earned the championship game berth due to its head-to-head win over Michigan.

The Wildcats defeated Illinois 24-16 on Nov. 24 to improve to 8-4 overall on the season, including 8-1 in conference play. Northwestern earned the outright West Division title.

Tickets for the Big Ten Football Championship Game remain available and can be purchased through Ticketmaster atwww.ticketmaster.com or by calling (800) 745-3000. In addition, a ticket block is being held for Ohio State and will be sold through the university ticket office. The Northwestern allotment has been sold out. Those interested in VIP Packages or suites should contact Indiana Sports Corp by emailing selmore@indianasportscorp.org or by calling (317) 237-5036.

Fans attending the 2018 Big Ten Football Championship Game in Indianapolis on Dec. 1 will be asked to enter with clear bags and should be prepared to arrive early. More information can be found on bigten.org/fcg.

Every Big Ten Football Championship Game ticket will allow complimentary admission to the Big Ten Fan Fest presented by Dr Pepper, to be held at the Indiana Convention Center on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 30 and Dec. 1. For more information on the Big Ten Football Championship Game, visit bigten.org/fcg.

INDYPROV 15th Anniversary Show, Dec. 7

By Shannon Samson
On behalf of INDYPROV

(INDIANAPOLIS) – INDYPROV, the city’s only Emmy-award nominated comedy troupe will celebrate 15 years of performing on Friday, December 7, 2018 at The Athenaeum, 401 E Michigan Street, in the Mass Ave Arts & Theatre District in downtown Indianapolis at 8:00 p.m.  

The show will feature the current troupe, as well as alumni and special guests, Kara Kenney, Call 6 Investigator at RTV6, and Chris Hagan, Fox 59 Sports Director and Anchor, who will perform in a few improv games. The night will begin with a red carpet hosted by drag/comedy group PINK SLIP at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at www.indyprov.com or at the door.

Executive Artistic Director Bill Skaggs said, “We are so excited to be marking this milestone. The local comedy community has changed so much over the last 15 years and it’s so rewarding to be a part of that. This night will recognize our contribution to the thriving Indianapolis arts scene, celebrate our growth and vision for the future, as well as our love for making people laugh.”

ABOVE: INDYPROV currently has 40 members and performs all over Indianapolis at various locations. Its highly interactive brand of improvisational comedy has entertained audiences all over the region and as far away as New York, Chicago and Florida since 2003, when the troupe started with less than a dozen performers. INDYPROV operates as a non-profit organization, offering educational classes to the public and other non-profits such as Girls Inc., Girls Rock, KIPP and Dress for Success.

For more information on INDYPROV or the 15th Anniversary Show, please contact Executive Artistic Director Bill Skaggs at bill@indyprov.com or 317-721-3001.

Images provided by INDYPROV and used with written permission.

Country Christmas at Stonycreek Farm

Enjoy a hayride to the field to cut your own Christmas tree.
Photo provided by Maverick Public Relations and used with written permission.

By Sharon Smith
On behalf of Stonycreek Farm

Hamilton County, Ind. – Christmas is celebrated each year on Stonycreek Farm in Noblesville, Indiana. Owner Loren Schmierer welcomes the community to celebrate the holidays on his Christmas tree farm and it remains an anticipated family event.

 Country Christmas at Stonycreek Farm Nursery and Landscaping runs through December 15. Hours are Saturday/Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday 3 to 6 p.m. There is no fee for parking. Hayrides to the field stop at 5:15 p.m. due to approaching darkness.

“We now have third generation families taking hayrides out to our fields to cut their own Christmas trees,” says owner Loren Schmierer. “People enjoy taking a hayride pulled by our antique tractors over the hill to our fields. As an added featured, Santa will be driving one of our tractors this year.”

Hayrides to the fields are free and Stonycreek Farm also provides handsaws for those who don’t have their own tool. In addition to choosing and cutting your own Christmas tree, the farm also has a wide selection of pre-cut trees on its lot, including White Pine, Canaan Fir and Douglas Fir. Trees range in size from five feet to eighteen feet. Visitors will find custom made, fresh evergreen wreaths, swags and roping in the greenhouse.

Situated on 50 acres of rolling Indiana farmland, Stonycreek Farm is one of the few places where visitors can take a hayride to the field to choose and cut your own Christmas tree. Named after the creek, which meanders through its property, Stonycreek was an Indian trade route in the 1860’s and the site of an old gristmill. Steeped in great American history, still standing on the old farmstead are the original house, the big barn, black smith shop and buggy barn.

Christmas decorations adorn the farm and make the perfect backdrop for visiting the farm animals or shopping in the greenhouse. Be sure to take a look at the new line of bristle-brush animals, candles, and poinsettias as you listen to Christmas music and browse through an array of Christmas ornaments, holiday decor and collectibles.

Shopping in the greenhouse at Stonycreek Farm.
Photo provided by Maverick Public Relations and used with written permission.

What began as a small pumpkin patch in 1972 has grown into a full-service nursery and landscaping business.  Stonycreek FarmNursery & Landscaping is located on 50 acres of farmland in Noblesville, which once served as an Indian trade route and was the site of an old gristmill.

Stonycreek Farm Nursery and Landscaping is located at 11366 State Road 38 East, two miles east of Noblesville on State Road 38 East.  For more information call (317) 776-9427 or go to www.stonycreekfarm.net.