Friendship Day roses available Friday

With sponsors gathered in support at Eitel’s and Co. Florist, Mayor Bill Dory signs a proclamation of Friday, Sept. 22 as Friendship Day in Greencastle and Putnam County. Friendship Day is an opportunity for participants to get a dozen roses for free, with the caveat that 11 of them be given away to 11 other people in the name of goodwill and happiness. Eitel’s, represented by owner Jenny Sullivan (seated left) supplies the flowers, while other supporters include (standing from left) Ivy Tech Greencastle President Greg Cook, Tami Van Rensselaer of the Greencastle-Putnam County Development Center and Main Street Greencastle, Chamber President Amy Trusty, Brooke Trissel of Mill Pond Health Campus, Nancy Michael of First National Bank and Chamber Executive Director Brian Cox.

Banner Graphic/JARED JERNAGAN

Southern hurricanes can’t stop Friendship Day ... perhaps just delay it a little bit.

Originally slated for two days sooner, Friendship Day 2017 is set for Friday, Sept. 22.

The annual event, spearheaded by the Greencastle Chamber of Commerce and Eitel’s and Co. Florist, provides a free dozen roses for participants, with the caveat that they give 11 of them away.

The event had to put off for two days due to delayed shipment of the 3,900 roses in the aftermath of Hurrican Irma in Florida, but the show will go on.

Participating sponsors with the dozen roses include Eitel’s, the Greencastle Partnership Center (where the Chamber and Main Street Greencastle both have offices) and First National Bank-Greencastle.

Single roses can also be picked up at Asbury Towers Retirement Community, Ivy Tech Community College, Mill Pond Health Campus and the Putnam Inn.

Poet Biorefining is also a sponsor, paying for roses to be delivered to teachers at local schools.

Roses will be available beginning at 8 a.m.