Ideas, Volunteers, Funds Needed For Local Bicentennial Celebration
WARSAW — Approximately 30 individuals attended a public meeting of the Kosciusko County Bicentennial Committee Wednesday evening, March 16, to hear plans and needs for a county celebration of the state’s birthday.
Diane Wulliman, chairwoman, along with Paula Bowman, Mike Loher and Deb Wright, committee members, shared the formation of the group, what plans have been developed and where the celebration plans are currently. A preliminary schedule of events was provided for the celebration Sept. 29-Oct. 1.
“We need volunteers from each community. We need ideas to have enough things going on that people can come, see and participate,” said Wulliman. “There are many ways to be involved, many volunteers needed and lots of community involvement,” stated the committee. Some sponsors have been received, but more are needed. A fundraising packet has been put together by the committee to seek funds. “Our biggest expense is the concert,” Wulliman stated. Volunteers are needed not only to help with events, but with mailings or making telephone calls.
Loher stated the goal “is to have everything free, no admission charge.” When questioned about the proposed concert, Loher stated the group is looking at the list of who is available and the costs. “It’s irrelevant to get names until we have the money. At some point we’re going to have to cut off (the fundraising) and deal with what amount we have and run.”
Most of the conversation focused on the answering questions regarding the Torch Relay. Wulliman stated all that is definite at this point is the torch will be in the county for 2 1/2 hours Thursday, Sept. 29. Additionally 22 names of torch bearers were turned into the state to participate. State officials will be making the contacts.
The group is trying to organize a county wide Vintage Baseball tournament and seeking interested individuals.
Preliminary plans include a celebration in Central Park, Warsaw and Lakeside Park, Syracuse, during the torch visit in the count on Sept. 29. That evening a countywide musical celebration is planned at the MOCC on Grace College campus. “Decades of Music,” is planed from 7-9 p.m. featuring bands and choirs from schools as well as adult choirs and musicians.
A first Friday evening will be held Sept. 30. In Syracuse, it will be Wawasee High School’s homecoming, against Warsaw, with events planned including the homecoming parade, including a fly-over by the Hooligans Flight Team from Nappanee. In Warsaw, Bowman is anticipating a hot air balloon launch in the city parking lot. That evening will culminate the First Friday celebration of “A Decade of Change,” with a little bit of everything.
Main events are being planned for Saturday, Oct. 1, at the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds. A pancake breakfast from 7-10 a.m. is scheduled followed by a parade at 10 a.m. Vendors and commercial tents will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. with antique tractor display and quilt show from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. A car show on the fairgrounds midway is planned from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The winners of the beard contest will be announced at 1 p.m. with a concert at the grandstand from 6-8 p.m. The day will end with fireworks at 8:30 p.m.
Events being considered are a bicycle ride, a motorcycle ride, bounce house and other inflatables, a petting zoo, tricycle races and bingo. Groups, organizations and churches are being encouraged to participate with booths for bake sales, games as simple or complex as desired.
The group is planning another meeting in April and will be announced.
To provide ideas, help sponsor the festivities or souvenir, or create an event and sponsor it, let the committee know. To contact the committee individuals can email [email protected] or visit its Facebook page.