Pioneer Days coming Sept. 11 and 12

GREENCASTLE -- Downtown will take a step back in time Sept. 11 and 12 during Pioneer Days.

On Friday, businesses located on the square and Indiana Street to the Greencastle Fire Department will transform to the mid-1800s during regular business hours. At noon, old-fashioned wedding ceremonies will be conducted on the steps of the Putnam County Court House.

A judge will officiate in a white wig and the bride and bridegroom will be dressed in period clothing. Couples interested in reciting their vows in this unique way can contact Putnam County Clerk Marty Watts at 653-2648.

In addition, there will be a John Dillinger reenactment at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. in the Putnam County Family Support Services building, 24 W. Washington St. During Dillinger's Midwest crime spree from September 1933 to July 1934, he and his crew of bandits robbed a bank formerly located in that building.

From now until Sept. 9, members of the community can pay $5 to have anyone "arrested" by the Putnam County Sheriff's Department or the Greencastle Police Department. The arrest will take place Sept. 11 and the "criminal" will receive a copy of their mug shot.

The money raised will be donated to a charity chosen by PCSD and GPD. To pay and pick up a "warrant," stop by WREB studio, 2468 W. CR 25, between 3 and 8 p.m. Monday through Friday.

On both days there will be activities held in the parking lot of the Moose Lodge, 12 W. Franklin St. There will be horse-drawn farm implements, food, crafts, herbs, leatherwork, pottery, quilts, cookbooks, items from Timber Arts in Bainbridge and Hobbit Gardens.

Live music will also be performed in the parking lot of the Moose both days. A selection of bluegrass music will begin at 6 p.m. Native American music, including drumming and regalia with an explanation by Jacqulin Weaver, will also be held in the parking lot both days. There will also be a Native American lodge on display.

On Saturday only, a community fundraiser will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the square. Dr. Thomas Zennie will be giving a lecture on how Native Americans utilized plants during the "real" pioneer days. The lecture is open to the public and will be at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. in the Red Leaf Creativity Center, 10 W. Washington St.