Submitted
The Hamilton County Bicentennial Commission announces its lineup of grant-funded and community events for July 2023.
Noblesville Township, located in the center of Hamilton County and home to Noblesville, is being celebrated during July. The Bicentennial Commission will highlight a huge number of events this month, so be sure not to miss out. The traveling exhibit will also tour during the month.
You can see details and other events on the online calendar at HamCoTurns200.com/events.
Fun at Forest Park Carousel & Tom Thumb Golf Course
July 1-31, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Forest Park, Noblesville
Some FREE events. $2 for carousel, $3 for mini-golf
The 103-year-old “Little Beauty” Carousel and “Tom Thumb” mini golf course will be showcased in all their glory. Check out new historic signage and videos and pick up free giveaways commemorating the carousel’s history. Free ride times will include July 11 and July 18 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Music Festival on the Square
July 1, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Courthouse Square
FREE
The Noblesville Township Office will offer a jam-packed music festival to kick off Noblesville’s month. Almost a dozen artists will play multiple genres throughout the day. More activities and details will be available soon, so keep checking HamCoTurns200.com.
Noblesville Nostalgia Art Show
July 7-29, various times
Nickel Plate Arts, 107 S. 8th St.
FREE
Nickel Plate Arts has collaborated with artists from Noblesville and beyond to showcase 200 years of history in Noblesville. Artists will share original pieces about Noblesville’s history and heritage. Alongside this show, original art from the Hamilton County Bicentennial book will be on display as well as the traveling exhibit. During First Friday in July, come to the exhibit opening to visit with some artists and authors from the book and get your copy signed. Small quantities will be available for sale.
History Faire
July 8, 1 to 2 p.m., and July 22, 1 to 4 p.m.
Gal’s Guide to the Galaxy Library, 107 S. 8th St.
FREE
Think Science Faire but for history. Kids aged 10 and up as well as adults are invited to create a tri-fold board and dress up as notable people from Hamilton County and interact with guests to showcase what they learned. The information session and registration event on July 8 will provide ideas, examples, and tri-fold boards for free. If you can’t make it, email info@galsguide.org to have your spot reserved. The History Faire will take place on July 22 and will be open to the public. See how history comes to life when the community shares what they have learned about our wonderful community. Find more information at galsguide.org.
Hamilton County Military & Veterans Celebration & Resource Fair
July 8, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Noblesville Schools Community Center, 1775 Field Drive
FREE
Veterans, Active Military, their families, and the general public are invited to this Veteran Resource Fair where visitors will learn about all the federal, state and local resources available to local Veterans. From suicide prevention, healthcare, housing, finance, insurance and more, the more everyone understands about their neighbor’s needs and the resources available, the stronger communities will be. Additionally, a challenge coin commemorating the event will be given to Military and Veterans who attend, and there will be a history presentation on past Hamilton County Veterans and the U.S.S. Indianapolis. For more, visit HamiltonCountyVeterans.com and click “July 8, 2023 HC Veteran Celebration” link.
American Legion Post 45 Reopening
July 15, time TBD
273 S. 8th St.
FREE
Having recently moved from its location on Conner Street to the historic R. L. Wilson House, the Noblesville American Legion invites the public to the reopening of the post for activities and historic presentations. Visitors will learn about the history of the house, which will celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2023, as well as the Post, which was founded in 1920. A band and ice cream social will also be part of the fun.
Taste of History: Early Noblesville Dining & Recipes
July 18, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Hamilton East Public Library – Noblesville
FREE
Join the staff of Hamilton East Public Library’s Indiana Room as they take you on a food tour of early Noblesville restaurants. Hear about the first members of Hamilton County’s “hospitality” industry as participants sample the historic dishes that made these Noblesville establishments famous. From corn pone to wild game, learn about the first foods served in Noblesville dining establishments with their culinary partner, 9th Street Bistro. Registration is full, so keep an eye out for the next in this series.
Political Celebrities & the Vote Ice Cream Social
July 22, 1 to 4 p.m.
Hamilton County Historical Society, 810 Conner St.
FREE
The Hamilton County Historical Society has gathered some famous folks to re-enact their speeches on the square. Come see President Truman, Frederick Douglass, Susan B. Anthony, and Teddy Roosevelt on the stage of the annual Noblesville Street Dance. Each presenter will speak then be available for Q&A near the Historical Society. Additionally, free ice cream (while supplies last.) will be available. Finally, after you hear from the historic celebrities, come inside the museum for a look at the Indiana Historical Society traveling exhibit “Faces in the Crowd,” which talks about voters over time in Indiana.
Gibson Guitar & Mandolin Company Traveling Instrument Tour
July 29, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Preservation Hall, 1274 Logan St.
FREE
Join the Noblesville Preservation Alliance and the Gibson Guitar and Mandolin Company for an exhibition of antique and vintage instruments dated from 1903 to present. These valuable instruments will be transported from Nashville, Tenn., and three musicians will play tunes from different eras and discuss the historic context of the instruments. One of the musician-historians is the Master Luthier for the Gibson Company. Click here to RSVP.
Light Up the Night
July 29, 8 to 10 p.m.
Potter’s Bridge Park, 19401 N. Allisonville Road
FREE
Hamilton County Parks and White River Canoe Company are working together to provide a visual experience for visitors during this evening event. Stroll along historic Potter’s Bridge and see lighted canoes in the waters of White River for a unique show.
Noblesville Township’s Signature Event:
Hamilton County Fabric Arts Show
August; dates TBD
Noblesville Township Trustee’s Office, 836 Division St.
FREE
Come celebrate the fabric arts, both old and new. Held in partnership with Nickel Plate Arts, this art show will showcase artists and techniques for different fabric arts. Noblesville Township’s Signature Event is so big, event organizers had to squeeze it into August. Check out heirlooms and new pieces and vote for your favorite. Spots are still open until July 22, so apply here to be featured.
About the Bicentennial
The Hamilton County Bicentennial Commission was established by the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners as the official oversight agency for the 200th anniversary of the county in 2023. It will do so in partnership with the Hamilton County Historical Society, Hamilton County Tourism, Inc, and lead sponsor Duke Energy. For more information, visit HamCoTurns200.com.