By DAN MCGOWAN
Grow Indiana, Writer/Reporter

INDIANAPOLIS — The executive director of the Indiana Bicentennial Commission says next week’s Statehood Day will kick off dozens of events that will lead up to a “singular moment” in the state’s history. Perry Hammock says community and individual involvement in events that will take place in all 92 counties has brought thousands of Hoosiers together. In all, there are nearly 700 registered projects, with more than half designated Bicentennial Legacy Projects.

Hammock says one of the challenges of organizing such a statewide effort is “more competition” for people’s attention. “We’re trying to figure out new ways of reaching people. I’m blessed to have a young, small staff and they have the creativity to help reach out through social media and other efforts.” He says “part of the challenge for us has been how do we reach out to people? Once they find out about the bicentennial, once they’re aware of it, most everybody finds it to be and interesting and exciting thing.”

He says the bicentennial has offered the opportunity for leaders throughout the state to have discussions about finding ways to improve their community, find their place in it and keep and retain talent. Hammock says it has brought together organizations from churches to Kiwanis clubs to schools for a positive purpose, which has bred creativity and diversity in the types of projects related to the celebration.

The state-recognized Bicentennial Legacy Projects come in a variety of forms, including festivals, land purchases, murals, landmark improvements and more.

Statehood Day is Dec. 11. A commemorative event is set for the day at the Indiana Statehouse. You can connect to additional events that will run through the rest of this year and next by clicking here.

Hammock says Indiana’s 200th birthday also serves as an opportunity for community-minded organizations to “bond.”