
EVENTS
Central Normal College baseball team, ca. 1916

Bicentennial Closing Celebration
Join the Bicentennial Steering Committee and our community to celebrate 200 years of Hendricks County and all of the amazing things accomplished from our Bicentennial year! There will be performances from local arts organizations, acknowledgements to the endorsed projects and events, and the announcement of the Bicentennial Legacy Project: The Bicentennial Tree Trail.
The event is FREE and open to the public!

Hendricks County Bicentennial Christmas Tea
Every year Ms. B's Teas hosts a traditional Christmas Tea during the month of December. This year we will commemorate the county's bicentennial by creating a Hendricks County Bicentennial Christmas Tea. Our menu is inspired by the foods consumed by pioneers in Indiana in 1824 and will celebrate pioneer heritage featuring three savories (smoked ham, johnny cakes, potato cakes), corn soup, biscuits with apple butter, three desserts (coffee fritters, Hoosier sugar cream pie, persimmon pudding), cider and tea.
These authentic pioneer dishes will certainly offer a taste of history but also pay tribute to the resourcefulness and resilience of Hendricks County’s early settlers. Served throughout the month of December, by reservation only.

Avon Tri Kappa Bingo Night
The popular annual bingo event will feature a Bicentennial theme, including a county history display, bingo callers dressed from the 1930’s (when Bingo officially began), historical trivia questions and giveaway prizes. Doors open at 5 p.m.

Turning the Pages of Time: Celebrating Hendricks County's Bicentennial
Brownsburg Public Library will be holding an event on Oct 26th called "Turning the Pages of Time: Celebrating Hendricks County's Bicentennial." We'll hold a panel discussion with some of the authors of the new Hendricks History book, Linda Cook and Frankie Konosvek will be speaking about their books, then we will have an "Ask a Brownsburger" desk, a librarian dressed as the first librarian of Brownsburg at the historic desk, and a Reminisce Room, where Hendricks' locals can bring old pictures, yearbooks, and other things to share with fellow residents. To top it off, we're planning on planting a native plants path behind the library, to really reconnect with the areas roots.

Heartland Apple Festival - Bicentennial-themed corn maze
Beasley’s will celebrate the Bicentennial with their annual corn maze. The corn maze design is selected each year and serves as the overarching theme of their seven fall festival weekends beginning with the Heartland Apple Festival. Look for a Bicentennial themed corn maze this fall.

2024 Cemetery Tour
Meet some of the residents who preside in Shiloh Cemetery in Washington Township. Shiloh Cemetery was established in 1823 and has burials up to the present time. One of the residents who we will meet is Joseph Fawcett who settled in the Washington Township area in 1823. Another is George L. Gladden who fought in the Civil War. We will even be able to hear from Hortense Myers, the political UPI reporter and the first woman in the Indiana Journalism Hall of Fame. It will not be an event to miss!

Heartland Apple Festival - Bicentennial-themed corn maze
Beasley’s will celebrate the Bicentennial with their annual corn maze. The corn maze design is selected each year and serves as the overarching theme of their seven fall festival weekends beginning with the Heartland Apple Festival. Look for a Bicentennial themed corn maze this fall.

Hendricks County Historic Road Rally
The Hendricks County Historical Museum will host a road rally, leading participants through the county to visit spots that early settlers in Hendricks County walked, set up business and farmed. Historic notes on each featured location will be provided. Cost is $20 per car. Participants will meet in the Broadway Street parking lot across from the Museum. Registration and instructions will occur from 8:30-9 am, first car leaves at 9 am. Route will take about two hours. Awards follow when all cars return.

Pioneer Escape Room
The pioneer escape room will be conducted during Summer Reading and Celebrating Avon at the Avon-Washington Township Public Library and will be open to grades 5-12 during the week of July 15 and September 28 (Celebrating Avon). Five participants will be transported through a time portal to the 1830s. One of the participants will be James Trotter who has been arrested for profanity and has to pay $1 fine to be released from jail. Participants will have to collect the numbers for the combination to the safe to find the $1 by using clues which will be scattered throughout the room.

Celebrating Avon Festival
Join us to celebrate 200 years of county history as we also highlight the history of Washington Township and Avon during a free, family-friendly event. Activities will include music, food, crafts, games and local history including an escape room for teens that will focus on Indiana history and historical displays. You also won’t want to miss the Pioneer Path which showcases local artisans and includes woodworking, bee-keeping, rosemaling, drop-spinning, pottery, printmaking, cane weaving, and more! The festival will also have tractors, model trains, a K9 demonstration from Avon Police Department, a giant slide and of course a candy drop by Hendricks Power Cooperative. Parking is available at the library.

Montrose Farms Bicentennial and National Alpaca Farm Day
Open house to celebrate both Montrose farm's bicentennial and National Alpaca Farm Day on Sept. 28th.
Visitors are welcome to wander the grounds, meet the alpacas, etc. Placards with historical information will be spaced around the farm. Spinning demonstrations available along with vendors and musicians.

Danville Community Awards
Join us for an unforgettable evening under the stars, honoring Danville's 200-year bicentennial and the remarkable individuals who contribute to its splendor. Anticipate a night filled with mouthwatering cuisine, refreshing drinks, lively music, and pure joy. Ensure your attendance at this cherished town tradition by securing your tickets early. This year's theme is "Through the Decades," so don your favorite era attire—whether it's a flapper dress, wingtip shoes, leisure suits, or vintage 1900s costumes. Participate in our costume contest and indulge in more surprises throughout the event.

Plainfield Quaker Day Festival Parade
The Plainfield Chamber's Quaker Day Parade through downtown Plainfield will have a Bicentennial theme in 2024, "IN OUR PLAINFIELD ERA, THEN AND NOW"

Tri-Kappa Fair on the Square Half Marathon and 5K
The Fair on the Square Half Marathon, 5K & 1-mile walk Presented by Hendricks Regional Health is located on the beautiful Courthouse Square in Danville. Our event kicks off the annual Fair on the Square Fall Festival allowing runners to enjoy the festivities and festival offering from traditional small-town vendors. Crafts, foods, apparel and one-of-a-kind offerings will make you smile. The Courthouse Square is so unique that Hollywood filmed the Fall Festival for the movie Mayberry the week prior to our event in 2019. Join us; it is worth the trip.

Afternoon Tea: Hats Off to 200 Years
Organized by the Hendricks County Historical Museum but held at the Fairgrounds, this afternoon tea party will include having clothing and headwear worn in the county over the past 200 years on display. The cost is $25 per person and tickets can be reserved at hcmuseum@co.hendricks.in.us

Lend-to-Scan Day
Organizers are seeking historic Hendricks County photographs that fit the themes Town, Architecture, Schools or Business. Drop off no more than 25 of your historic photographs on the day of the event. Allow 1-2 weeks to scan the items to be added to their digital collections. You will be contacted when your photos are ready for pick up.

Bicentennial History Hike
Embark on a time-traveling adventure with a park naturalist at Arbuckle Acres Park during a Bicentennial History Hike! Celebrate 200 years in Hendricks County while discovering how Brownsburg has evolved over the years. It's a journey through history and nature that's as fun as it is fascinating.

Gallery on the Square's 2024 Plein Air Competition and Family Fun Art Fair
This is the the Gallery on the Square’s seventh annual public Plein Air painting competition and free community arts event, Saturday, August 10, 2024. Four artist divisions: professional, non-professional, teen and youth (12 & under) will be drawing and painting their versions of familiar scenes around Danville’s historic square, as well as in its neighborhoods, public spaces and local Hendricks County sites.
The public is invited to participate in the community “Family Fun Art Day” to be held from 1:00 pm - 3:45 pm on the eastside of the square. Activities will include:
Bath Bomb Painting
Chalk-the-Walk
Create ‘Make-and-Take Art’
Face Painting
Over $2,500 in prizes will be awarded in a variety of categories, including a $500 scholarship to a recent graduate of Danville High School who will be pursuing a degree in art.
One of the Peoples’ Choice Awards will be the “Hendricks County Bicentennial 200 Plein Air Award. Voters will be asked to select “the best of show depicting Hendricks County’s rich history that includes a look to the future.” The prize will appropriately be $200.

Pioneer Escape Room
The pioneer escape room will be conducted during Summer Reading and Celebrating Avon at the Avon-Washington Township Public Library and will be open to grades 5-12 during the week of July 15 and September 28 (Celebrating Avon). Five participants will be transported through a time portal to the 1830s. One of the participants will be James Trotter who has been arrested for profanity and has to pay $1 fine to be released from jail. Participants will have to collect the numbers for the combination to the safe to find the $1 by using clues which will be scattered throughout the room.

Hendricks County 4-H Fair
Be a part of the birthday party as the 4-H Fair commemorates the county’s 200th with its bicentennial-themed, week-long celebration. The usual food, farm animals, rides, games and other activities will return with a bit of a historic birthday twist.

Pittsboro Freedom Celebration
The park comes to life with the sights and sounds of the 4th of July during the annual Freedom Celebration. The day starts with a parade through Pittsboro, then a full day of activities at Scamahorn Park including vendors, great food options, and games for families. The skies come alive with a tremendous firework show to close out the night.

Hendricks Symphony Presents "Star Spangled Spectacular"
Hendricks Symphony will host a patriotic community concert June 30 at Hendricks Live! entitled “Star Spangled Spectacular.” In honor of the Hendricks County Bicentennial, concert attendees will receive free commemorate buttons at this special event as a keepsake. The concert will celebrate America’s love of patriotic music.
Hendricks County Rib-Fest & BBQ
This county-wide, family-friendly event will bring back live entertainment after a multi-year hiatus to celebrate the county’s bicentennial. Come early for the annual Rib Run, enjoy live music, kids activities, great BBQ and much more throughout the day and stay late for the festive hot air balloon glow followed by fireworks at dusk.

Bicentennial Cotillion
Take a twirl through history as we celebrate Hendricks County's Bicentennial. Kick up your heels and experience English Country Dance lead by Alice Smith-Goeke and live music by Entwyned. It’s easy enough for beginners and there is no fancy footwork needed. English Country Dance is characterized by simple sets and patterns that can be enjoyed by the entire family. Singles, Couples and Families welcomed. You don’t need to bring a partner. All dances taught. No experience necessary. Fancy Dress/ Costumes are admired, but not required. Lets party like it's 1824 on July 14 at the Hendricks County Fair!

Amo Fish Fry Festival
This popular festival includes live music, tasty food, kids activities, a car show, a parade and a spectacular fireworks finale. It is also known for its nightly Bingo tent, which will highlight 200 years by having a $200 top Bingo prize each night of the event.

Family Day at the Museum
Family friendly exhibits, demonstrations and activities about settlers in the early days of Hendricks County.

Evenings in Danville
New in 2024, Evenings in Danville is a free, concert series that will salute the Bicentennial with a group rendition of “Happy Birthday”, photo ops and cupcakes before the opening evening performance from More Than A Feeling, a Boston and American Foreigner tribute band. The concert series will continue with four more events throughout the summer.

Summer Fun Run & Walk Series
Held 12 weeks throughout the summer, the Hendricks County Parks Foundation provides this annual fitness event to showcase our county parks. The Summer Fun Run & Walk Series will celebrate the Bicentennial at its kickoff event on May 29 at W.S. Gibbs Memorial Park with birthday or bicentennial-themed desserts for all participants.

Dancing with the Hendricks County Stars
10 local stars will exhibit their new ballroom dancing skills on behalf of the Hendricks County Historical Museum in this Bicentennial Year. Join us for this fun-filled evening of dining, dancing, and great dance performances by “Stars” of Hendricks County! And all proceeds benefiting the historical preservation efforts of the Hendricks County Museum.