Bevy of events fill early September weekend in Kokomo
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For those who say there is never anything to do in Kokomo, you might want to actually step outside the house. This past Saturday was so filled with events that it was nearly impossible to do it all.
Downtown Kokomo was the location for many of the happenings. Beginning in Foster Park, the Walk of Hope took place, promoting suicide prevention. Dozens showed up early Saturday morning to enjoy a light breakfast, gather information from several organizations promoting mental health, and then stroll along the Walk of Excellence in memory of those who chose suicide.
Before that walk began, health-minded exercisers took to the performing arts pavilion in Foster Park for a bit of yoga. There will be one more opportunity for this activity on Sat., Sept. 26, beginning at 9 a.m., at the same location.
Less than an hour after the walk began, another event memorializing loss took place at Kokomo Municipal Stadium. The Kokomo Fire Department was joined by several community partners for the 25th anniversary of the attacks on 9/11, which was commemorated by a grueling stair climb to reflect the arduous and futile trek first responders made up the World Trade Center towers, hoping to save lives.
At Kokomo Beach, a different type of activity took place. The Kokomo Parks and Recreation Department held its annual community garage sale, attracting bargain hunters and clutter clearers alike.
Cross America got in on the busy Saturday with something a bit more laid back. Its monthly Cars, Coffee, and Christ Cruise-In, at the 840 Daniel Dr. headquarters, attracted classic cars and fervent worshippers who offered up prayers for the community.
There was plenty of fresh produce, delicious baked goods, handmade crafts, and live music at the Kokomo Downtown Farmers Market. It is a weekly mainstay in downtown Kokomo, offering the best in locally sourced food and merchandise. Greentown’s weekly farmers market also got in on the action on this September Saturday.
Memorial Gymnasium also played host to a special event on Sept. 12 as the Very Early Childhood Education Center put on its 2nd Annual Crib to Classroom Family Expo. Loads of families frequented the event, which placed them in contact with a remarkable number of resource, information, and material providers. Whether it was diapers for infants, bicycle helmets for young riders, vital information about nutrition and health, or just a fun trip through a bounce house, the Expo had plenty on offer.
For those feeling a bit more adventurous, a trip to the Howard County 4H Fairgrounds opened up an exciting afternoon Motorcycle Rodeo, presented by Howard County ABATE. Riders showed off their skills and promoted safe motorcycle operation while entertaining the crowd.
The Kokomo Howard County Public Library can always be counted on for fun activities almost daily, and this past Saturday was no exception. young readers had a chance to work on their skills while sharing their love for books with dogs trained to support the activity. Sunflowers were the focus of the library’s afternoon craft at its south branch, where artsy types put together a whimsical craft using a Mason jar lid and a bit of fabric.
Things got a bit wild in Jackson Morrow Park, just as lunchtime rolled around. The Kokomo Parks and Recreation Department was at it again; this time with it recurring Creature Feature. Participants had the opportunity to get up close and personal with a variety of animals while learning more about wildlife.
At noon, the courthouse square played host to the 2026 Relay for Life, an annual walk to raise funds for the fight against cancer. Dozens of walking teams took to the streets while flanked by vendors and food trucks.
Later that afternoon, the Welcome Table Worship Cafe welcomed people to its service at the SOL House along Superior Street next to Foster Park. They meet each Saturday at 510 W. Superior St., beginning at 4 p.m.
As dinner rolled around, the people of Greentown were treated to the volunteer fire department’s annual fish fry.
And to close out the day, the parks department got back into the action by providing a family movie night in Foster Park, featuring “Beetlejuice.”
While last Saturday was packed to overflowing with events, upcoming days and weeks have even more to offer. For a rundown of these activities, check out the Lantern’s What’s Happening This Week and Coming Soon to a Place Near You articles, posted every Sunday at www.kokomolantern.com and on the Lantern’s Facebook page.
Also, see additional photos from several of the events that took place last Saturday at the above locations.