It seems like the end of the year and the beginning of the next is a whirlwind at times. We celebrate Christmas with family and friends and one week later, turn our thoughts toward plans, resolutions and hopes for the future.
Next year, however, is going to be extra special. Hendricks County will celebrate its 200th anniversary and our 2024 Bicentennial year will be packed with events, programs and legacy projects that every person in the county can enjoy. Event planners are already thinking of ways to incorporate the Bicentennial in their annual community fun, and everyone from civic groups to businesses to families are beginning to brainstorm.
Washington Township Parks and Recreation will hold the first Bicentennial event of the year, or at the end of this year I should say, and you won't want to miss it.
Bicentennial Bash
I’m sure I’m not the only one who has set the clocks forward a few hours to celebrate New Year’s Eve with three kiddos. It’s midnight to them…9 p.m. for me. They want to enjoy the holiday, too, and it’s always fun to celebrate with family, friends and neighbors.
Washington Township Parks and Recreation will host its Bicentennial Bash from 5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 31 at the Washington Township Park Pavilion Center. Intended to be for the entire family, the event will include a DJ, photo booths, light snacks and fun activities. Stick around, because the party ends with a fireworks show at 7 p.m.
The first 500 who register will receive a goody bag including a Bicentennial coloring book, noisemakers and other New Year’s related treats. It’s $2 a person to attend, and you need to register here to get in on the fun.
Who is Involved in the Year-Long Bicentennial Celebration
Everyone. There’s a Bicentennial Steering Committee leading the effort but the hope is that every person in the county will find a way to recognize all their hometown has accomplished over the past 200 years.
Expect annual events like the Hendricks County Rib Fest and BBQ and the Hendricks County 4-H Fair to have a Bicentennial theme but as for other things to mark on your calendar, much is still to be decided.
Individuals, families, community groups, schools and businesses can all leave their legacy on the special occasion. Consider hosting a public event or working together on a community project that will benefit many. Think about ways to educate and inspire as many as possible while preserving all that Hendricks County is today.
Who to Contact
There is a Bicentennial website at www.Hendricks200.com that will provide everything you need. Check out historical photos, a timeline and a Bicentennial event calendar and continue checking back as information is updated and added along the way.
On the website, visitors can learn by watching a video about how the Bicentennial logo came to be, request a free yard sign on the Contact Us page to display their county pride or submit their 2024 event for official Bicentennial endorsement. (Details or requirements for endorsement can also be found on the website).
Sign up for a monthly newsletter for the most up-to-date information, and if you’re interested in sponsoring a large or small event, those opportunities are also available.
