Bainbridge to mark bicentennial with full day of activity

BAINBRIDGE — The Town of Bainbridge will mark 200 years of history with a Saturday, Sept. 14 celebration.

From Indiana Basketball Hall of Famers to an evening concert featuring a pair of well-known Hoosier acts, the Bainbridge Improvement Society has planned a complete day to celebrate the town’s bicentennial.

Bainbridge High School basketball legends Jeff Blue, Pat Rady and Larry Steele will assist with a morning basketball camp as well as taking part in an afternoon panel discussion that will also feature Ben Chadd on behalf of the late Archie Chadd. Meanwhile, Putnam County Historian Larry Tippin will give a presentation on the history of the town.

The evening will include performances from The Flying Toasters as well as Henry Lee Summer.

For more information or to register for any of the events listed below, visit www.bainbridgeimprovementsociety.com/bicentennial

5K Run/Walk, 8 a.m.: Get your steps in ahead of the day with a run or walk around town. Contact Shannon Detro or Robert Hensley with questions or to volunteer. North Point Park. Register online.

Youth Basketball Clinic, 8:30 a.m.-noon: In 49 states, it’s just basketball. But this is Indiana, and we can’t think of a better way to celebrate the town of Bainbridge’s 200th birthday than with hoops and history. North Putnam High School varsity coaches Vince Brooks and Kelly Windmiller invite local students in grades 1-8 to a free youth basketball clinic assisted by Bainbridge High School legends, Indiana All-Stars and Indiana Basketball Hall of Famers Jeff Blue, Pat Rady and Larry Steele. Bainbridge Elementary School, Indoor & Outdoor Courts. Register online.

Smokin’ Rides-n-Rods Car Show 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.: The Bainbridge Volunteer Fire Department will host its ninth-annual car show during the Bicentennial Celebration. Come look at sweet rides and enjoy a barbecue lunch, with proceeds benefiting the BVFD. Contact Chief Kevin Thorson with questions. The rain date for the car show only is Sept. 21. Registration, 9:30-11 a.m.; Judging, noon; Awards, 1 p.m. Bainbridge Volunteer Fire Department.

Bicycle Tour, 10 a.m.-noon: Drag your bicycle out of the garage and air up the tires because Kenny Lukenbill will lead a leisurely group ride around town — just like the good ol’ days. All ages are welcome. No registration necessary – just show up. North Point Park.

Food, Retail & Community Vendors, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.: Enjoy food offerings from local restaurants and organizations, check out community and retail vendors and see the historical artifacts on display at the Town Hall and Community Building. Because “strengthening the community through service and fellowship” is the Bainbridge Improvement Society’s mission, we hope you’ll take this time to visit with neighbors, too. Bainbridge Community Building.

Open Houses, noon-5 p.m.: Has it been a while? Visit your old school and church and reminisce or pay your respects to those who have gone before us. Volunteers will be available to show you around and answer questions. Bainbridge Christian Church, Bainbridge Elementary School, Bainbridge United Methodist Church and Bainbridge Cemetery

Best of Bainbridge Parade, 2 p.m.: Local businesses, organizations, sports teams, clubs, classrooms and families will get creative in showing their town and North Putnam pride. Music, candy, fun outfits, unique vehicles and swag are encouraged. Bainbridge Elementary.

History Program, 3-4:30 p.m.: For the first 45 minutes of the program, County Historian Larry Tippin will share highlights from the town’s 200 years. Then, Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame members Jeff Blue, Pat Rady and Larry Steele, as well as Ben Chadd on behalf of his dad, Archie Chadd, will participate in a panel discussion, sharing their Bainbridge and basketball memories. Bainbridge Community Building (Indoors).

Bounce Houses, 3-8 p.m.: After your children load up on treats during the parade, let them burn off that energy (for free) in multiple bounce houses while you catch the History Program, grab a bite or visit with neighbors. Bainbridge Community Building (Outdoors).

Beer & Wine Garden, 4-10 p.m.: Bainbridge Community Building (Outdoors).

Mural Artist Meet & Greet, 4:30-6 p.m.: The Putnam County Mural Project’s second Mural Festival is taking place Sept. 7-21, and Bainbridge is lucky to be the home of one of the walls. Artist Anthony Brooks will be available to answer questions during this time and then help present the awards for the Bicentennial Celebration’s elementary art contest Bainbridge Community Building (Indoors).

Live Music: The American West Band, 4:30 p.m.: Bainbridge Community Building (Outdoor Stage).

Elementary Art Contest Awards, 6:15 p.m.: The Bainbridge Elementary School teachers living in town have organized a student art project and contest. Get ready to be inspired by our young talent. Bainbridge Community Building (Outdoor Stage).

Live Music: The Flying Toasters, 6:30 p.m.: Bainbridge Community Building (Outdoor Stage).

Dixie Chopper Drawing, 8:45 p.m.: Bainbridge Community Building (Outdoor Stage).

Live Music: Henry Lee Summer, 9 p.m.: Bainbridge Community Building (Outdoor Stage).

In addition to the Saturday festivities, there will be an event on Friday evening as well as another on Sunday.

On Friday, the Bainbridge Community Building will host a welcome home gathering with ribeye sandwiches, chips and drinks available for purchase. Carryout orders are welcome.

On Sunday, the Community Building will play host to a multi-church pitch-in and social to cap off the weekend. Churches will provide the main course, and attendees should bring a side dish to share.