Naptown Buzz

Your source for all things Indy™

Community

Americana Auction Coming to Indianapolis Motor Speedway March 11th

by

A unique auction will be held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway March 11, 2017, involving a series of items not seen by the public in more than 40 years.
The auction includes a rare Herschell-Spillman 30-horse, all-wood carousel, and a second Allen Herschell 30-horse, ½ & ½ carousel.

Two vintage National Amusement trains are featured items that will be auctioned off, along with 16 brass and cast iron bells, an original Hansom Cab, and a classic Albert Decap dance organ built in Belgium in the 1930s.

Several vintage steam pumpers used for fire-fighting early in the 20th century and an actual 1826 prairie schooner wagon are also in the auction catalog.

These items are being sold as non-collection assets unrelated to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Foundation’s mission because they do not relate to racing or automobiles in any way, and were never intended to be displayed in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum.

“The spectacular items in this one-of-a-kind auction tell important stories about life in America in the days of our grandparents and great-grandparents and deserve to be displayed and used in an appropriate setting. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum was never intended to be that setting and it is time they find a home where they can be enjoyed as treasured examples of American life of 75 to 100 years ago, or more” said Betsy Smith, executive director of the nonprofit Indianapolis Motor Speedway Foundation that operates the museum.

Proceeds from the auction will be invested in the future of the museum, to celebrate more than a century of the innovation, thrill, and adventure of motor racing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The sale will be held in the Pavilion at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Admission is $10.

For more information on the auction items and how to participate, go to www.nortonauctioneers.com.

FREE Admission to Conner Prairie on President’s Day

by

Conner Prairie has a day full of fun activities planned on President’s Day. Admission on Feb. 20 is free for everyone, one of three free days the museum offers the public each year.

In addition to the popular surprise birthday party for George Washington and patriotic songs performed by Lady Liberty, here’s a peek into all the action planned from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; for a complete list of activities, visit Conner Prairie’s news blog.

Pop-up Maker Workshop: Build-a-Teddybear with Teddy Roosevelt; It’s not every day one gets the opportunity to make a toy with the president it’s named after.

Create.Connect: FDR and the REA; FDR is trying to bring electricity to rural America. Do you think it’s a good idea? Come have a chat with this former president and hear what he has to say on the subject. After that experiment with circuits and see what it really takes to electrify a home in the 1930s.

I like (Putting with) Ike: Dwight Eisenhower is bringing golf to the White House.  Join him in a round and see if you can make a hole in one.

George Washington’s Surprise Birthday Party: 11:15 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. This is the main event. Come help us celebrate the birthday of America’s first President. Enjoy some light refreshments, pose for some photos, and participate in a game or two.

Lincoln’s Logs: 3 p.m.: Is there anything you’ve always wanted to ask Abe Lincoln? Whether you have questions about the man himself or if you’re looking for advice, now is your chance.

Ladies First: A Celebration; 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.: It has long been said that behind every great man is a great woman and our POTUSes and FLOTUSes are no exception. Join us for a musical look at a few of this country’s first Ladies – and some presidential lady firsts. If you’ve ever wished that Abigail Adams, Abigail Fillmore, Belva Lockwood, Edith Wilson, Eleanor Roosevelt and Jackie Kennedy would return from the dead and perform in a rap-musical homage to “Hamilton,” your wish will come true.

SOURCE: Conner Prairie

500 Festival to Hold Remote OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon

by

The 500 Festival announced a remote version of the 2017 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon and Finish Line 500 Festival 5K for overseas troops stationed at Camp Bondsteel in Kosovo on April 28 and 29. Hosted by our deployed Indiana National Guard, and other U.S. Armed Forces personnel, the individuals stationed at Camp Bondsteel will have a unique Indy Mini experience that feels like home.

“Holding a satellite version of the 2017 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon is something we’re very excited about this year,” said Bob Bryant, president and CEO of the 500 Festival. “It’s an honor and a privilege to take our event and deliver it to Hoosiers and other armed forces personnel overseas. We can’t wait to see the impact this has on both our troops and our participants at home.”

Longtime Indy Mini public address announcer Rob Powers will travel to Kosovo to manage the event as a representative of his nonprofit organization, American 300, and the 500 Festival.

“Emceeing one of the greatest half marathons in the world is an incredible honor, but being able to announce at a forward deployed remote Mini-Marathon is beyond words,” Powers said. “And then I get to fly half way around the world to do it again a week later in front of thousands here in Indy.”

Powers will travel with Vietnam wounded warrior Charlie Manis; a decorated member of Indiana’s famed D Company, 151st Rangers, Indiana Army National Guard.

“Charlie is going to be our grand marshal for the event and he’ll be jumping into the 5K along with his fellow Indiana National Guardsmen,” added Powers.

Troops in Kosovo will receive the full experience, from medals and shirts to an exciting and challenging 13.1 mile race. They’ll also hear the same voice that launches the Mini-Marathon back in Indy the following weekend.

The 2017 remote Mini-Marathon is the first since 2013 when the 500 Festival hosted a similar event. Prior to 2013, the last time Troops had run a remote Mini-Marathon was with Powers in Kuwait in 2009.

“We’re thankful for organizations working to support our service members while overseas,” said Maj. Gen. Courtney P. Carr, the adjutant general of the Indiana National Guard. “Events like this promote healthy lifestyles that improve the overall well-being of our soldiers.”

The 500 Festival will continue a season-long campaign of encouraging our Indiana military personnel throughout running events this spring. The 500 Festival Miler Series, presented by OrthoIndy, consists of races in February, March and April mirroring a half-marathon training program. A Thank You banner, signed by staff, volunteers and participants will be delivered to Kosovo and displayed at the race to support and encourage troops as they prepare for their own Mini-Marathon.

SOURCE: 500 Festival

Carmel Parks Department Accepting 2017 Summer Camp Registrations

by

Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation is now accepting registration for its 2017 Summer Camp Series and Half-Day Camp programs. Offerings include theater, sports, nature, tweens and more.

The Summer Camp Series offers 12 different types of camps for children to enjoy based on their interests. They are offered each week Monday–Friday, beginning as early as May 30. Most camps operate between the hours of 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., but exact times vary based on camp. Children ages 5-15 are invited to participate in the Summer Camp Series. Camps are located throughout Carmel including the Monon Community Center, various parks and district schools. Campers will also get the chance to take field trips and visit The Waterpark during their time in camp. Children should plan to bring a sack lunch and snack each day.

“The Summer Camp Series is a great tool for parents who need childcare throughout the summer. All of the camps are educational and fun and a great way for kids to spend time with their friends and learn something new,” said Ben Johnson, Director of the Summer Camp Series program.

Half-Day camps are designed for kids ages 4-11. There are several offerings beginning as early as June 5 and running weekly through August 4. Parents can choose morning camps from 9 a.m. – noon or afternoon camps from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. All half-day camps will take place at the Monon Community Center.

“Half-day camps are perfect for younger kids or kids who may not be ready for the full-day option yet. Children will get the chance to learn about various subjects such as dinosaurs, weather, nature and more,” said Amanda Jackson, Recreation Supervisor at Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation.

Parents can choose to enroll their child(ren) in just one week of camp or the full summer. Registration is available at carmelclayparks.com.

Gen Con 50 Early Event Submission Ends February 19th

by

Want to host events at Gen Con 50? Event Submission is open now with thousands of proposed events already submitted! While Event Submission will last through July 17, the Early Event Submission period is rapidly approaching its cut-off date of February 19. Events submitted prior to this date have the best chance at being placed, and also can receive more feedback from the Program Management team.

Want to learn more about running events at Gen Con? You can read more at Tips for New EOs/GMs. You also can get comprehensive information on the topic from the updated Event Host Policy.

Gen Con 50 Housing Registration Begins February 12th!

by

From Gen Con…

Housing Registration in 2017 will differ from prior years’ processes. The most important change to know is that all attendee badge purchasers will receive a unique randomized access time the day before Housing Registration opens. All attendee-type badge purchasers will receive access times. Not all attendees receiving access times will participate in Housing Registration. Extra time also has been built into the registration process, so attendees should not be discouraged if they receive a much later access time compared to previous years.

After randomization of all the purchasers of attendee-type badges, a countdown timer for your unique access time will appear on your “My Housing” page on gencon.com.

All customers that purchase an attendee-type badge after Housing Portal access times have been assigned will be placed at the end of the Housing Portal Access queue.

The first customer in-queue will gain access to the Housing Portal at noon (Eastern) on Sunday, February 12with subsequent customers receiving access thereafter. Badge purchasers can reserve one room for every 1-2 badges purchased. Rooms will be reserved one-at-a-time, in real-time. Refreshing your browser page will not cause you to lose your position in the Housing Portal Access queue.

Nightly minimum stay restrictions will be in-effect again for all hotels in the downtown area. Reservations for hotels in the downtown area must consist of three or more consecutive dates and must include the night of Saturday, August 19. Nightly minimum stay restrictions will remain in place throughout Housing Registration. Reservations at suburban hotels are not subject to nightly minimum stay restrictions.

To secure your hotel reservation, you must use a credit card that expires after the 2017 convention. The Housing Portal will not allow you to reserve a room with a credit card that expires before the convention ends.

Gen Con Selects Child Advocates as Official Charity for Gen Con 50

by

Gen Con, the longest-running game convention in North America, has chosen Indianapolis-based charity Child Advocates as its Official Charity Partner for 2017. As part of this agreement, they will receive the proceeds from Gen Con’s numerous longstanding charity events, including a charity auction, a balloon sculpture and its destruction, and the popular “Cardhalla,” a giant construction of cards.

“We at Child Advocates are thrilled to be included in the Gen Con 50 event,” said Cindy Booth, Executive Director at Child Advocates. “Child Advocates is celebrating our 35th year of advocacy for children in Indianapolis and what a way to help us celebrate: benefitting from the generous participants of Gen Con, who’ve had a long history of helping children in our community while enjoying their time at Gen Con.”

In 2017, Gen Con will take place from August 17-20, celebrating its historic 50th convention and its 15th year in Indianapolis. During its time in Indy, Gen Con has raised more than $230,000 for local charity partners including organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana, Gleaners Food Bank, and the Julian Center.

“Gen Con is honored to work with the team at Child Advocates,” said Adrian Swartout, CEO/Owner of Gen Con.

“Their work makes an immediate and important impact in the lives of children in the Indy community. Our team takes great pride in the kindness and compassion of our attendees, exhibitors, and sponsors. We hope for another great donation that really pays tribute to our 50th convention.”

Interested parties can purchase badges now at gencon.com. Sign-up for charity events will begin in May 2017.

Becca Lax Crowned the 59th Indiana State Fair Queen

by

Miss Vanderburgh County, Becca Lax

Becca Lax was crowned the 59th Indiana State Fair Queen in January 2017. She currently attends Purdue University studying Professional Flight and is an active member of Women in Aviation and Aviation Ambassadors.

A 10-year 4-H member and 5-year member of Junior Leaders, she remains active in Vanderburgh County 4-H and Vanderburgh County Homemakers, has enjoyed singing in the 4-H Chorus, being a Delegate Coordinator at the Indiana State Fair Youth Leadership Conference, and designing and sewing items such as a flight suit inspired by Top Gun.

The Indiana State Fair Queen plays a key role in promoting the Indiana State Fair by traveling nearly 6,500 miles during June and July to approximately 45 counties in preparation for the Indiana State Fair, August 4-20, 2017.

Final Ten Contestants

  • First Runner-Up: Gabi Reese, Miss Boone County
  • Second Runner-Up: Sydney Dobson, Miss Jasper County
  • Third Runner-Up: Ashley Fritz, Miss Hancock County
  • Fourth Runner-Up: Kaylee Gray, Miss Pike County
  • Addison Smith, Miss Fountain County
  • Maryellen Spreen, Miss Lawrence County
  • Yolanda Diaz, Miss Clark County
  • Kendall Riley, Miss Martin County
  • Brianna Bolinger, Miss Wells County

Remaining Semi-Finalists

  • Kenzie Kretzmeier, Miss Benton County
  • Mariah Rumfelt, Miss Delaware County
  • Marlee Thomas, Miss Howard County
  • Kaitlin McPike, Miss Jackson County
  • Katie Ott, Miss Johnson County
  • Madison Gogel, Miss Spencer County

SOURCE: Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center

Zoobilation tickets go on sale Wednesday

by

The sky is the limit for the indulgences awaiting guests at Zoobilation 2017 presented by Indianapolis Power & Light Company, as the Indianapolis Zoo will celebrate in style for the arrival of several high-flying new species.

Tickets for this year’s event will go on sale at 9am Feb. 1 on the Zoo’s website, and they typically sell out fast. The Zoo will then host one of the Midwest’s wildest and most anticipated black-tie fundraisers on June 9, beginning with the Premium Experience presented by Ice Miller LLP at 5:30pm followed by general admission from 7pm to midnight. The Zoo will be closed to the public that day in preparation for another unforgettable evening.

This year’s theme, Tropical Adventure, recognizes the opening of the Zoo’s new presentation, Magnificent Macaws presented by Central Indiana Honda Dealers. Attendees can flap their feathery, colorful formal attire for a lavish evening of decadent foods, top-shelf beverages and amazing live music, all set amid the Zoo’s incredible animals and exhibits.

Zoobilation 2017 will also be the first event hosted inside the Zoo’s new Bicentennial Pavilion. This stunning, indoor-outdoor structure is designed with beautiful, natural elements and will be the perfect place to experience the city’s premier philanthropic event.

Throughout the evening, patrons will sample a diverse selection of culinary creations from 70 of Central Indiana’s finest and most popular restaurants, all vying for the coveted people’s choice and blue ribbon awards. In addition, attendees will sip cocktails, wines and other drinks served at 13 different bars, with beverages sponsored by Republic National Distributing Company of Indiana. The night will be filled with the sounds of live entertainment presented by Bose McKinney & Evans LLP, featuring eight rocking bands and one of Indy’s hottest DJs.

Additionally, the Premium Experience offers a limited number of party goers early access to the event as well as other exclusive benefits, including opportunities to interact with some of the animals Zoobilation supports. Plus, these guests will enjoy priority parking, an arrival gift, access to the air-conditioned Oasis Lounge in the Dolphin Pavilion and more.

Attire for Zoobilation is black-tie and guests must be 21 or older. General admission tickets are $275 for Zoo members (limit four) and $300 for non-members. Premium Experience tickets are an additional $200. All tickets are non-refundable.

Zoobilation guests enjoy a wild evening of indulgence while also supporting the Zoo’s animal conservation mission. In 2016, this luxurious event raised $2.2 million to help fund the care of the Zoo’s nearly 1,400 animals and 31,000 plants as well as its global conservation initiatives.

SOURCE: Indianapolis Zoo

Gen Con 50 Badges Go On-Sale At NOON!

by

Badges for the historic Gen Con 50 will go on-sale Sunday, January 29 at noon (Eastern) on gencon.com. 4-Day badges, single day (including Sunday Family Fun Day) badges, and Trade Day badges will become available for purchase at their discounted Pre-Registration prices. During Pre-Registration, attendees from the United States can choose USPS Priority shipping or 24-hour on-site Will Call pick-up. After Pre-Registration closes, badges will revert to their standard prices and must be picked up via Will Call.

Attendee badge prices for Gen Con 50 are the same as last year. Additional badge information can be found at gencon.com/attend/your_badge.