Dillinger Heist Re-enacted During First Friday
Warsaw is gearing up for a showdown never before seen here when infamous gangsters John Dillinger and Baby Face Nelson return to Warsaw Friday night to re-enact the theft of machine guns and bulletproof jackets stolen from the Warsaw Police Station in the 1930s.
March Into History event is the March 1 First Friday theme for the monthly celebration. The First Friday committee has put together a fun historical event that will captivate and include the crowd that attends.
Those who would like to help catch the hardened criminals should report to the First Friday information booth to pick up badges and whistles, but be warned: it is asked that the public does not try to apprehend Dillinger as he is to be considered armed and dangerous.
Indian Chief Chicosee will also be on hand to keep an eye out for Dillinger and to keep the First Friday event safe for everyone.
Two re-enactments of the Dillinger heist will be held at 6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Also part of Friday’s festivities will be Indian crafts for kids at Reinholt’s Town Square Furniture, Himalayan Salt Creations, Indiana Antiques and Dennie House.
The Kosciusko County Historical Society will host a downtown historical trivia tour. Pick up packets at the booth in downtown.
Indiana Antiques, which is celebrating its first anniversary, will be giving away 8 court-side tickets for the Fort Wayne Mad Ants game. There will also be additional prize drawings, storewide sales and free popcorn.
Along with the usual sales held by downtown merchants for First Friday events, many merchants will be keeping with the theme and providing history on local buildings.
Live entertainment from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. will be moved into the KeyBank building due to the weather. Humanity & Hope United Foundation will be downtown collecting clothing donations for children and adults. Clothing donations will go to those in need in Honduras.
Friday’s First Friday March Into History event is being made possible by the city of Warsaw and the Dane & Mary Louise Miller Foundation. The fun begins at 5 p.m. and goes until 9 p.m.