Indiana bicentennial kick-off presentation scheduled Dec. 11

Friday, December 6, 2013

While Indiana's bicentennial seems years away -- December 11, 2016 -- planning at both the state and local levels is already underway.

Those organizing the local effort are seeking to raise awareness of the milestone and associated efforts and begin an interactive collaboration with the citizens of Putnam County.

The first public event will be a kick-off presentation and discussion with the public at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 11 at the Putnam County Museum.

Chris Jensen, executive director of the State Bicentennial Commission, will be in attendance to provide the community with information about State efforts.

County Board of Commissioners' President Don Walton approved the formation of a committee to coordinate the local effort. That committee is co-chaired by Phil Gick and Elaine Peck and has met multiple times this fall and structured the local effort to mirror the state's.

Activities will be orchestrated under one of four categories -- historic preservation and celebration, nature conservation, youth and education and community involvement.

While numerous entities within the county have been represented at the meetings to date, the committee encourages local governments, businesses, organizations, schools, churches and individuals to join the effort. The committee seeks ideas, funding, and commitment of time and effort to make this celebration of Putnam County's past, present and future contributions to the state and the nation fun, successful and memorable for all.

Currently the committee envisions an 18-month-long celebration period book-ended by the annual County Fair in July 2015 and a festive celebration on the Courthouse Square on Dec. 11, 2016.

This celebration window embraces the idea of having the celebration incorporate both established events that may be tailored to highlight the bicentennial and new events that are specifically designed to focus on this historic milestone.

Celebrations will connect all corners of the County in new ways and give different Putnam County communities the chance to shine. It is expected that the bicentennial will also create the impetus and inspiration for some significant projects or programs that will enrich our community and include, to the maximum degree possible, all of citizens of the county.

Those wishing to get involved or share ideas with the committee may do so at pcbicentennial@outlook.com or at 653-4978.

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