Bicentennial events announced

Having been celebrated throughout 2016, the 200th anniversary of Indiana statehood will arrive on Sunday, Dec. 11.

The Putnam County Bicentennial Committee has an afternoon of celebration in store to commemorate the state’s big day, with a bicentennial capstone event from 1-4 p.m. at the Putnam County Courthouse.

The event will open with a welcome statement from County Commissioner Rick Woodall followed by words from our 61st Secretary of State Connie Lawson.

The afternoon will feature the unveiling of a piece of artwork showcasing 200 years of history in Putnam County.

Music celebrating the history of the state will begin at 2 p.m. with a performance from the South Putnam High School Choir. Covered Bridge Country Chorus will follow at 2:30, with the Cloverdale High School Choir at 3 p.m.

The final performers of the day will be DePauw School of Music faculty members at 3:30 p.m.

A pair of presentations about Putnam County history will be given by Ball State Professor Nicole Etcheson. The daughter of a Bainbridge native with family still in the community, Etcheson published at 2012 book about the Civil War era in Putnam County titled “A Generation at War, The Civil War Era in a Northern Community.”

Displays about the history of Putnam County and DePauw University will also be in place.

Coloring contest winners from local elementary schools will be announced.

Like any good birthday party, the afternoon will feature birthday cake and other refreshments celebrating Indiana’s 200 years.