Community, alumni invited to downtown block party Friday

Now a staple of First Friday celebrations in downtown Greencastle, the block of Indiana Street south of Washington will be alive with activity again this Friday from 7-11 p.m. with a downtown block party for community members and DePauw alumni sponsored by Old National Bank.

Courtesy photo/GARY LEMON

Members of the Greencastle community are invited to take part in the festivities of DePauw University Alumni Weekend with a downtown block party on Friday evening.

Sponsored by Old National Bank, the party is set for 7-11 p.m. Friday. DePauw alumni will begin arriving after 8 p.m. following a dinner and awards presentation on campus.

A celebration of the city’s historic, re-energized downtown, the block party will feature local music and food on the Indiana Street block between Washington and Walnut streets.

Popular local band War Radio, led by LaToshia Dean Everson (‘04 DePauw graduate), will be featured, along with food and beverages from Myers’ Market, Moore’s Bar, Tap House 24, Scoops Ice Cream, Starbucks and Completely Nuts and Candy.

“DePauw is proud of downtown Greencastle and its exciting momentum,” DePauw President Mark McCoy said. “We are eager for this opportunity to show off the downtown and its new and longtime businesses to our returning alumni. I am especially grateful for community partner Old National Bank’s help in making this event possible.”

Old National Bank’s event sponsorship will support live music and equipment rental while also partnering with DePauw and the City of Greencastle to install decorative string lighting to remain over Indiana Street.

“Old National Bank has a long history of community involvement in Greencastle,” Old National Bank Retail Center Manager Cara Goodin said. “We are equally enthusiastic about our future involvement in the progress of our downtown area. Old National Bank is delighted to partner with DePauw in welcoming alumni and residents of the Greencastle community to this downtown celebration.”

While savoring local music and food, block party attendees can enjoy the continuing revitalization of the downtown and environs that started with the Stellar Communities Grant announced in March 2011.

Beginning with the opening of Eli’s Books and Starbucks and the extensive restoration of historic building facades, streetscaping and infrastructure, progress has continued through significant private investment in opening Music on the Square, Tap House 24, Scoops Ice Cream, Conspire Contemporary Craft, Completely Nuts and Candy, Wasser Brewing and the soon-to-open Bridges Craft Pizza and Wine Bar.

Investment also helped complete an extensive kitchen renovation at longtime downtown anchor and restaurant Almost Home.

“Greencastle’s historic downtown is gaining recognition as a destination for high-quality food, goods and culture,” Greencastle Mayor Bill Dory said. “We welcome DePauw alumni to make our downtown a special part of their experience this weekend and in the future. I want to thank Old National Bank for making this event possible.”