Meltdown Winter Ice Festival, Jan. 28-30, 2022

By Nancy Sartain
Richmond/Wayne County Tourism Bureau

Richmond, Indiana — Richmond’s 9^th annual Meltdown Winter Ice Festival is scheduled for January 28-30, 2022, and will be full of ice slinging and stunning ice carvings converting downtown Richmond into a frozen art gallery. These works of art are created from solid blocks of ice using chisels, handsaws, chainsaws, and blow torches.

You can watch the ice creations come alive before your very eyes. On-site carvings by some of the best ice sculptors that have carved around the world, including Richmond’s own Andrew Thistlethwaite, will be busy transforming over 20,000 pounds of ice into jaw-dropping works of art.

There’s an array of wintery activities for the whole family to enjoy. The Family Fun Zone gleams with activities and games made from ice — think ping pong, skee ball, an ice slide, and a giant throne to sit on for photo ops. “Magical Snowflakes” guides visitors through a scavenger hunt.

Friday, at Elstro Plaza, the family can gather together to watch professional artists create custom ice carvings, and then watch “Balto” playing at the drive-in movie.

Saturday, take a stroll along Main Street to view the shimmering ice carvings, play at the Family Fun Zone, do the scavenger hunt, sip on hot chocolate, and grab a bite to eat at one of the food trucks or local eateries. 

Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. is the main event — Meltdown Throwdown, an exciting ice carving competition. Watch two teams of skilled carvers battle it out on stage creating stunning ice sculptures where you decide who wins. Fireworks will conclude this event. 

Be sure to sign-up for the Meltdown Frozen Fun Pass which is your mobile guide for exclusive savings, freebies, and opportunities to win some cool prizes. Sign up for the Frozen Fun Pass on VisitRichmond.org.

The ice sculptures will remain on display until they melt.

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Eagles Over Monroe, Jan. 22-30, 2022

Press Release
Indiana DNR

Monroe Lake’s annual Eagles over Monroe event offers a wide range of programs and activities about bald eagles, Jan. 22 to 30, 2022. Included are a mix of small to medium-size in-person programs and hikes, a self-guided tour and scavenger hunt, and a virtual presentation on Facebook Live.

Details, including full descriptions and registration links, are available at bit.ly/eaglesovermonroe2022.

One featured program is a conversation with Al Parker, a wildlife biologist who guided Indiana’s bald eagle reintroduction program. He will share history and personal stories starting at 2 p.m. on Jan. 29 at Paynetown State Recreation Area (SRA). Space for this free program is limited to 40 attendees. Advance registration is required by Jan. 26.

Entrance to Paynetown SRA and all other SRAs at Monroe Lake is free during the winter months.

On Jan. 30, the Indiana Raptor Center will offer two live raptor presentations at Paynetown SRA, at 1 and 3 p.m, respectively. The presentations will feature up-close looks at multiple raptor species, including a bald eagle and a golden eagle. Each presentation requires advance registration by Jan. 27 and is limited to 30 people; a program fee of $5 per person is required.

A free self-guided driving tour and scavenger hunt will be available throughout the Eagles over Monroe period. An online map will guide you to some of the lake’s best spots for eagle viewing. The scavenger hunt, with clues hidden at select viewing locations, can be completed along the way for a chance to win an Indiana State Parks annual entrance permit.

For those who prefer having help when looking for eagles at the lake, sunset eagle watches will be offered on three different evenings. Volunteers will have spotting scopes set up, and hot cocoa will be available for attendees who bring their own travel mug. Visitors are invited to drop by, no registration needed, between 5 and 6 p.m. on Jan. 26 at Pine Grove SRA, on Jan. 28 at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers office on Monroe Dam Court, and on Jan. 29 at Paynetown SRA. The sunset watches are free, but donations will be collected to support future programming and events at Monroe Lake.

On Jan. 27, Monroe Lake interpretive naturalist Jill Vance will offer a live virtual presentation on the history of the bald eagle reintroduction program in Indiana. “Return of the Bald Eagle” will stream via Facebook Live at 11:30 a.m. The presentation will be recorded for those unable to watch live.

Special hikes are also scheduled throughout the week. All hikes are free but require advance registration and have limited spots available. If a hike is full, consider signing up for the waiting list.

• Fairfax Birding Stroll, Jan. 22 at 10 a.m. (limited to 15 people)
• Winter Exploration Hike, Jan. 24 at 1 p.m. (limited to 10 people)
• Northfork Birding Hike, Jan. 25 at 10 a.m. (limited to 15 people)
• Bald Eagle Hacking Tower Hike, Jan. 26 at 1 p.m. (limited to 20 people)
• Bald Eagle Hacking Tower Hike, Jan. 29 at 10 a.m. (limited to 20 people)

If you have questions not answered at the web link listed above, contact Vance, jvance@dnr.IN.gov or 812-837-9967.

To view more DNR news releases, please see dnr.IN.gov.

100th Indianapolis Home Show, Jan. 21-30, 2022

By Tiffany Whisner
On behalf of the Home Show

The Indianapolis Home Show returns for its 100th year! An Indiana tradition, the oldest home show in North America offers the latest in decorating, landscaping, construction and remodeling ideas. Visitors to the Indianapolis Home Show can talk to hundreds of home and décor experts for advice and explore thousands of the newest home products. It’s a must-attend event!
 
The Indianapolis Home Show is produced by Marketplace Events, which produces 57 consumer shows annually in the U.S. and 16 in Canada, including 65 home shows, six holiday shows and two wedding shows. The 73 combined events, in 34 markets, currently attract 22,000 exhibitors, 1.9 million attendees and another three million unique web visitors annually.
 
WHEN:                10 days: Friday, January 21 through Sunday, January 30, 2022
 
WHERE:             Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center – West Pavilion, Expo Hall
              
Fischer Homes to Build Centerpiece Home
Fischer Homes leads the builder team for this year’s Centerpiece Home, a structure built entirely inside Exposition Hall at the Indiana State Fairgrounds! Fischer Homes will unveil the Leland floorplan, part of its Masterpiece Collection, with a Modern Farmhouse elevation. This two-story, 3,376-square-foot home includes four bedrooms, 3.5 baths, a three-car garage and the option of a finished lower level. It also offers a two-story family room with shiplap fireplace, spacious hearth room with fireplace, gourmet island kitchen with butler’s pantry, private owner’s suite on the first floor and a flexible loft space.
 
HGTV Star Mina Starsiak Hawk is Back!
Daughter of the “Two Chicks and a Hammer” mother-daughter duo, Mina Starsiak Hawk is back at the Home Show revealing all the best stories from season six of “Good Bones.” The series follows Mina, a real estate agent and mom of two, along with her mom, Karen, as they buy properties throughout Indianapolis, demo them down to studs and renovate them into dazzling homes. Don’t miss seeing Mina at the Home Show on Friday, January 28 and Saturday, January 29.
 
Nina Klemm of Carmel-Based “Flipping Exes”
Nina is a realtor with a client roster that includes everyone from professional athletes to CEOs. She and her ex-boyfriend starred on Bravo’s “Flipping Exes,” flipping properties in and around Carmel, the “Beverly Hills of the Midwest.” Meet Nina and hear about all the up-and-coming trends for home décor and renovation when she appears at the Home Show on Saturday, January 22 and Sunday, January 23.
 
Home Idea Center by Davis Homes
Want to know about all the newest and coolest trends for your home? The Home Idea Center by Davis Homes has it! Located in the center of the West Pavilion, come check out everything from the best new home products and appliances to the biggest home décor trends to reinvent and refresh your home!
                             
Make It a “Great Day” with Local Personality Patty Spitler
Host and executive producer of “Great Day TV with Patty Spitler,” Patty is a popular name in central Indiana TV and radio, having won The Indianapolis Star’s Best Local TV Personality twice! She has a 45-year career in radio and TV broadcasting, including 23 years at WISH-TV, and is known for her passion for pets. Meet Patty at the Home Show when she appears on Friday, January 28.
 
Local Design Influencer Combines Modern + Vintage
Anissa Zajac is an interior designer and CEO of House Seven design + build, which she owns with her husband Brian. Based in Indianapolis, the mother of three has become a top influencer in the field of design — her unique approach embodies her love for both antiques and modern furnishings. Come see Anissa on Saturday, January 22, and get advice on how to create a space that is both functional and beautiful.
 
The Marketplace
At the Marketplace, Home Show attendees can find everything from affordable furniture to unique knick knacks you won’t see anywhere else! Seek and Find Furniture and Home Décor along with several local furniture artisans from The Artisan Markets bring a boutique shopping experience with curated home décor and gift items. Plus, they’ll be on stage throughout the 10-day Home Show to show you creative ways to take your next step in home décor.
 
Tablescape Inspiration
Need a festive way to kick off any good celebration? Tablescapes prove that a beautiful table is more than just dishware. It’s your chance to get creative! A group of local designers offers Home Show attendees a hearty dose of tabletop inspiration, from the simple and stylish to the elegant and elaborate. Make sure to check out these displays! And designer Jamie Markley will have some DIY tips for you on stage on Saturday, January 29.
 
Take a Pic with Pixie Gypsy
It’s the cutest, most-decked-out mobile photo booth you’ve ever seen! Pixie Gypsy is a fully-remodeled 16′ 1971 Pixie Piker camper turned into a mobile photo booth. Come see Pixie Gypsy all decorated for the Home Show, and snap pics with your friends and family on site!
 
Not In My Backyard with the Hoosier Gardener
Not In My Backyard, says Hoosier Gardener Jo Ellen Meyers Sharp! Writing and speaking about natural gardening for more than 25 years, Jo Ellen has all kinds of “dirty” secrets. At this year’s Home Show, she’ll take a look at poor landscape practices and how to correct them — everything from pruning to planting and more! See her on stage on Thursday, January 27.
 
The Queen of Free Takes the Throne
Cherie Lowe, the Queen of Free, shares freebies and strategies for everyday savings along with inspiration for those pursuing a debt-free life. If you long to refresh your home but feel the pinch of your finances, join the court of the Queen of Free at the Home Show on Sunday, January 23 and Sunday, January 30.
 
Sip, Sip, Hooray!
The Wine Bar by Booher Remodeling and PRP Wine International is the place to wine down. Featuring an open concept in the West Pavilion, the Wine Bar has a variety of wines for Home Show attendees to treat their taste buds.
 
Precision Outdoors Living Stage 
Check out all the Home Show stage presentations on the Precision Outdoors Living Stage, designed and constructed by Precision Outdoors. A local landscaping company servicing the Indianapolis area for almost two decades, Precision Outdoors offers everything to build your outdoor dream space. Also, check them out on stage on Thursday, January 27; Friday, January 28; and Sunday, January 30 to talk all things outdoors.
 
Plus:
 
Hero Day – Opening Day
Pay honor and tribute to all our heroes on Hero Day, Friday, Jan. 21! All active and retired military, police and fire personnel get FREE ADMISSION for the day, plus FREE PARKING at the State Fairgrounds. Just bring a valid ID, and come enjoy the Home Show on opening day!
 
Master of Ceremonies WIBC’s Terri Stacy
Often referred to as the “Sunshine of the Morning Show” on WIBC, Terri Stacy acts as a roving field reporter for Radio Indiana. Terri’s personality and charm come back to the Home Show both weekends this year as master of ceremonies to keep Home Show attendees informed and involved with what’s happening on the Precision Outdoors Stage and throughout the Home Show.
 
Fridays                                               1/21, 1/28                           10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturdays                                           1/22, 1/29                           10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sundays                                             1/23, 1/30                           10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Monday-Thursday                              1/24 – 1/27                         10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
 
$15 – Adult                        
$3 – Children ages 6-12                  
FREE – Children 5 and under
 
Check out the Indianapolis Home Show website at www.IndianapolisHomeShow.com and get $2 off adult admission — good every day! Make sure to go online and save! Online discount courtesy of Central Indiana Chevy Dealers 
 
Visit any Indiana Members Credit Union, and purchase tickets for $4 off the regular box office admission price of Home Show tickets! Check out www.IndianapolisHomeShow.com.
 
Visit select participating Central Indiana Ace Hardware stores starting January 3, 2022, and get a coupon for $4 off the regular box office admission price of Home Show tickets! Check out the list of participating stores at www.IndianapolisHomeShow.com.
 
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 317.705.8719 OR VISIT THE INDIANAPOLIS HOME SHOW WEBSITE AT www.IndianapolisHomeShow.com.