What's Happening This Week?
Events taking place in Kokomo and Howard County from July 16-22 and beyond
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TODAY
Sunday Funday
Join the Kokomo Humane Society for Sunday Funday on July 16 from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. on the humane society grounds, 729 E. Hoffer St. From 11 a.m. until 4 p.m., visit the adoptable felines at the Cat Café while sipping on some great beverages. From 1-4 p.m., bring a camping chair and watch the adoptable shelter canine play groups. Adoptions can be made on-site.
MONDAY
New Baby Bunch
Do you have a new bundle of joy? Or do you feel like you’re in the trenches of parenting? Join the New Baby Bunch for friendship, support, and to share your parenting journey with other caregivers. The group meets each Monday from 9:30-11 a.m. at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road. The next meeting is Mon., July 17. Caregivers with a baby ages birth to 12 months are welcome to participate. Older siblngs are welcome to join also.
Unlazy River
Choose a fun pool floatie (or bring your own) to use as you complete a chalk obstacle course around the Nature Explore Outdoor Classroom at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr., on Mon., July 17, from 10-11 a.m. There will be lawn games, a sprinkler, and a snack, too! This event is designed for children ages 3-11.
Sew Much
Teens and adults can drop in to learn sewing or quilting basics or get help with their projects at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s Sew Much event on Mon., July 17, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. and from 4-7 p.m. Sewing machines provided. This event takes place at the library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road.
Swim Lessons at Kokomo Beach
The Kokomo Parks and Recreation Department will hold swim lessons at Kokomo Beach, with Session 3 taking place July 17-27. These two-week sessions run Monday through Thursday. Cost is $15 per session. Class times are 9-9:30 a.m. and 9:45-10:15 a.m. Classes are designed for children ages 6 months and up. All registrations must be submitted and paid for at Kokomo Beach. The forms are available there, at the KPRD park office in Highland Park, or online at www.cityofkokomo.org.
Summer Slam
Bridges Outreach presents Summer Slam, a daily program for students in grades 6-12 from any school. Summer Slam will meet every Monday through Friday from noon to 2:30 p.m. at the Carver Community Center, 1030 N. Purdum St. Enjoy games, snacks, and a field trip every Friday through July 14. For additional information, call 765-452-5723.
Recreation Adventure Program
The Kokomo Parks and Recreation Department will hold its daily Adventure Program, Mondays through Fridays from 12-5 p.m. at Highland Park, Mohr Park, and Bon Air Park. Supervisors are present to offer children leadership and organized games and sports, not to babysit. Children are free to come and go on their own. The program includes arts and crafts, games, storytelling, sports, and more. Call the Kokomo Parks and Recreation Department at 765-456-7275 for additional information.
Shark Week STEAM – Chomping Shark
Turn a regular clothespin into an amazing chomping shark as part of Shark Week STEAM at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road. This fun project for the whole family takes place on Mon., July 17, from 2:30-3:30 p.m. Register by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking on Events or by calling any KHCPL location.
Back to School Event
The Howard County Department of Child Services will hold a Back to School event on Mon., July 17, from 4-7 p.m. at Kokomo Municipal Stadium. This event is open to all Howard County students in grades K-12, and they must be accompanied by an adult. Schools supplies, information, and game ticket vouchers for the Kokomo Jackrabbits game on July 18 will be handed out at this event.
Jim “Moose” Carden Kids Fishing Clinic
The annual Jim “Moose” Carden Kids Fishing Clinic will take place on July 17, 18, 20, and 27 from 6:30-9 p.m. at Kokomo High School, 2501 S. Berkley Road. The tournament will take place July 29 at Kokomo Reservoir Park, 100 North, 500 East, from 7 a.m. until noon. Participants will receive a t-shirt. Rods, reels, and other fishing items will be donated to the kids.
Small Works at IUK
Come see the exceptional small work from artists across the United States at the Indiana University Kokomo Art Gallery, 2300 S. Washington St., from July 5-20. All artwork is 12 inches or smaller.
Americans and the Holocaust
The Kokomo Howard County Public Library is proud to be one of 50 U.S. libraries selected to host Americans and the Holocaust: A Traveling Exhibition for Libraries from the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. The exhibit will be on display through Aug. 17, at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St.
TUESDAY
Walking Readers Club
Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library as you make your minds and bodies healthier! Walk around KHCPL Russiaville's neighborhood, 315 Mesa Dr., on Tue., July 18, from 8-9 a.m.
Free Mental Health Walk-In Clinic
Are you an adult struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges? Come talk confidentially to a 4C associate who will help you find help locally. The walk-in clinic will be held on Tue., July 18, from 9 a.m. until noon at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St.
Art Camp
Art Camp offers artistic adventures and celebrations of creativity, friendship, and fun! The camp will take place in the Nature Explore Outdoor Classroom at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr., on Tue., July 18, from 10-11 a.m.
Book Buddy Book Club
Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities - regardless of reading ability - can join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library to read, make friends, and have fun. The club will meet at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., on Tue., July 18, from 10-11:30 a.m. Registration is required by calling 765-626-0813.
Discovery Center: Osmos
Have fun and meet new friends playing with the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s collection of low-tech and high-tech games and activities. On Tue., July 18, have fun with Osmos at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., from 2-3:30 p.m. This event is designed for children ages 8-13.
Americans and the Holocaust Survivor Stories
The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will hold a special Survivor Stories event in connection to the Americans and the Holocaust traveling exhibit currently on display. Survivor Tibor Klopfer will detail the atrocities his Hungarian Jewish family members experienced during the Holocaust at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., on Tue., July 18, from 6-8 p.m.
Kokomo Jackrabbits
The Kokomo Jackrabbits will play a home game vs. the Green Bay Rockers on Tue., July 18, at Kokomo Municipal Stadium. Game time is 7:05 p.m.; For tickets, call 457-5000 or visit www.kokomojackrabbits.com.
WEDNESDAY
Legal Aid Clinic
Need Pro bono representation? Have questions for an attorney? Apply with Pro Bono Indiana, Inc. to get the legal assistance you need at no cost to you! This service will be provided at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., on Wed., July 19, from 9 a.m. until noon. No appointment needed.
Growing Readers: Little Learners
Introduce your little one to quality literature and the library in a fun, inviting way with age-appropriate activities on Wed., July 19, from 10-10:45 a.m. at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road. This event is designed for children ages 3-5.
Discovery Center: Games
Have fun and meet new friends playing with the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s collection of low-tech and high-tech games and activities. On Tue., July 19, have fun with games at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., from noon until 2 p.m. This event is designed for children ages 8-13.
Fin-ally! It’s Shark Week Jaw-some Shark Party
Elementary-age children can celebrate Shark Week with all kinds of fun activities, games, and crafts at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s Jaw-some Shark Party on Wed., July 19, from 12:30-1:30 p.m. at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St.
Water Spray
The Kokomo Parks and Recreation Department and the Kokomo Fire Department will hold a free water spray at Foster Park, 721 W. Superior St., on Wed., July 19, from 1-3 p.m. All ages are welcome to attend and participate. For additional information, call 765-456-7275.
Wild for Pollinators
Artist and curator of the Kokomo Art Center, Lesley Wysong, is highlighting the beauty and importance of pollinators through an exhibition of paintings and photographs. The exhibit runs through July 29 at the art center, 525 W. Ricketts St. As part of the exhibition, the art center will present "Pollinator Pathway" on Wed., July 19, from 2-4 p.m., featuring Marian Cable and Carol Moore of the Howard County Master Gardener Association.
Americans and the Holocaust Butterfly Suncatcher
The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will hold a special Butterfly Suncatcher event in connection to the Americans and the Holocaust traveling exhibit currently on display. The event will take place on Wed., July 19, from 2-4 p.m. at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St. Teens will create butterfly suncatchers in honor of the millions of children who lost their lives to the Holocaust. Teens only. Registration required. Register by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking on Events or by calling any KHCPL location.
Card Creators
Stay connected with friends and family with a handmade card that shows you care. Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Wed., July 19, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at its south branch, 1755 E. Center Road, to make three all-occasion greeting cards. All supplies are provided at no cost. Register by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking on Events or by calling any KHCPL location.
AMVETS Meeting
The next meeting of American Veterans (AMVETS) Post 27 will take place on Wed., July 19, at 6 p.m., at the Russiaville First Baptist Church, 260 W. Main St. A potluck carry-in and meet and greet starts at 6 p.m. for free will donation. The official meeting takes place at 6:30 p.m. All veterans with an honorable discharge and their families are welcome. No combat required.
Well-Read and Badly-Behaved Book Club
We are well-read and badly-behaved. Are you? Yeah. We see you nodding. And hear you laughing. So you definitely need to join us at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road, on Wed., July 19, from 6-7 p.m. The book is “Death by Dumpling,” by Vivien Chien.
Kokomo Jackrabbits
The Kokomo Jackrabbits will play a home game vs. the Green Bay Rockers on Wed., July 19, at Kokomo Municipal Stadium. Game time is 7:05 p.m.; For tickets, call 457-5000 or visit www.kokomojackrabbits.com.
Park Band Summer Concerts
The Kokomo Park Band continues its Summer Concert season on Wed., July 19, at 7:30 p.m. in Highland Park. Conducted by Jay Gephardt the July 19 performance is themed “Wednesday in the Park with Jay,” a tribute to Stephen Sondheim featuring the Kokomo Men of Note Barbershop Chorus. Visit www.kokomoparkband.org for more information. The concert is free to attend and will be held in the Kokomo High School auditorium in the case of rain.
THURSDAY
Card Creators
Stay connected with friends and family with a handmade card that shows you care. Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Thu., July 20, from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at its south branch, 1755 E. Center Road, to make three all-occasion greeting cards. All supplies are provided at no cost. Register by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking on Events or by calling any KHCPL location.
Off the Books Podcast
Join Kokomo Howard County Public Library employees Bethann and Samantha on Thu., July 20, from 2-3 p.m. as they chat about all things books. If you're an avid reader or library lover, tune in using any podcasting platform.
Teen Art Group
Would you like the chance to sketch, color, and paint regularly with your friends? Then join the Teen Art Group at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., on Thu., July 20, from 4-4:55 p.m.
Teen Writers Group
The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will hold a Writers Group for teen amateur fiction writers on Thu., Jul 20, from 5-6 p.m. at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St. Write something to submit and critique. Teens who enjoy writing and want honest feedback are invited to attend. Register for this event by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking Events.
Music at the Fairgrounds
The Greentown Main Street Association presents Music at the Fairgrounds, a weekly concert series which takes place in front of the Community Building at the Howard County 4H Fairgrounds. The concerts will take place each Thursday evening, beginning July 20, at 7 p.m. The July 20 show features Matt Gerhard. The July 27 show features "Next Generation" with Keyton Romero and Cora Kendall. The Aug. 3 show features Pastime. The Aug. 10 show features Sally Duke and Matt Gerhard. The Aug. 17 show features "Spittin' Image." The Aug. 24 show features Macey Weeks. The Aug. 31 show features Rick Alan King. The Sept. 7 show features Eastern Connection. In case of rain, all concerts will be held in the fairgrounds' cattle barn.
Splish-Splash Final Bash
Complete the Summer Reading Program to earn your ticket to Kokomo Beach, 802 S. Park Ave., to celebrate your success with two hours of swimming on Thu., July 21, from 7-9 p.m. Thanks to our sponsor, Solidarity Community Federal Credit Union.
Kokomo Jackrabbits
The Kokomo Jackrabbits will play a home game vs. the Kalamazoo Growlers on Thu., July 21, at Kokomo Municipal Stadium. Game time is 7:05 p.m.; For tickets, call 457-5000 or visit www.kokomojackrabbits.com.
FRIDAY
Growing Readers: Tiny Tykes
Introduce your little one to quality literature and the library in a fun, inviting way with age-appropriate activities on Fri., July 21, from 10-10:45 a.m. at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road. This event is designed for children ages 3-5.
Banzai! Master Financial Skills
The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will hold a session of Banzai! Master Financial Skills for Teens and Adults on Fri., July 21, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Sponsored by Solidarity Community Federal Credit Union, this event will take place at the library’s Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr.
Kokomo Jackrabbits
The Kokomo Jackrabbits will play a home game vs. the Kalamazoo Growlers on Fri., July 21, at Kokomo Municipal Stadium. Game time is 7:05 p.m.; For tickets, call 457-5000 or visit www.kokomojackrabbits.com.
Mary Poppins by Curtain Call
Curtain Call Theatre for Children will present "Mary Poppins: The Broadway Musical" on Fri., July 21, at 7:30 p.m. and Sat., July 22, at 4:30 p.m. at Havens Auditorium on the IU Kokomo campus, 2300 S. Washington St. Presale tickets are $15. Tickets at the door are $18. This presentation is funded in part by a grant from the Community Foundation of Howard County. "Mary Poppins" is presented through a special arrangement with Musical Theatre International, which supplies all authorized performance materials.
SATURDAY
Fuse Beads Fruit Coasters
Watermelons, limes, lemons, oranges, even kiwi. Create bright, summery coasters with the Kokomo Howard County Public Library at its south branch, 1755 E. Center Road, on Sat., July 22, from 10-11 a.m. Best suited for ages 8+. Register by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking on Events or by calling any KHCPL location.
Storytime with Wrangler and Friends
Wrangler and Friends will share the story of several sweet animals with big hearts on Sat., July 22, from 11 a.m. until noon at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr. Learn about friendship, kindness, and taking care of each other!
Rhumfest
The Kokomo Summer Concert Series continues Sat., July 22, with Rhumfest at Kokomo Arts Pavilion in Foster Park. Rhumfest is a day of live music highlighting the talented students and instructors from the Rhum Academy of Music. Admission is free. Visit www.rhummusic.com or www.kokomosummerseries.com for additional information.
Indiana Sprint Week Darland Classic
The USAC National Sprint Cars and USAC Midwest Thunder Midgets are coming to the Kokomo Speedway on Sat., July 22, for the Indiana Sprint Week Darland Classic. Tickets are $30 for General Admission. Kids ages 12 and under attend free. Pit Passes are $35 for all ages. Gates open at 3 p.m. Hot laps start at 6:30 p.m., with racing to follow. For more information, visit http://www.insprintweek.com/ .
COMING SOON
Little Dribblers
One of the Kokomo Family YMCA's most popular youth sports summer camps is just around the corner! Make sure to register your kiddo for the Little Dribblers Summer Camp. Camp is open to children ages 4-6 and starts on Mon., July 24, at 5:30 p.m. These five-day camps focus on the skills, drills, rules, sportsmanship, teamwork, and conditioning in a series of unforgettable summer sessions. Register here: https://operations.daxko.com/Online/5014/ProgramsV2/Home.mvc
Bookend Painting
Do you have a favorite book or character? Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library in painting some of the library’s metal bookends and to help brighten the children's area at the Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr. The event is designed for children ages 6-13 and will take place on Mon., July 24, from 6-7 p.m. Get your creative juices flowing and we'll provide the supplies. Dress for a mess!
Americans and the Holocaust Survivor Stories
The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will hold a special Survivor Stories event in connection to the Americans and the Holocaust traveling exhibit currently on display. Holocaust survivor Esther Davidson and her husband, Ed, a retired U.S. Army officer, offer a powerful and personal look at this tragic event at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., on Tue., July 25, from 6-8 p.m.
YMCA Blood Drive
The Kokomo Family YMCA will host a blood drive on Wed., July 26, from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. The drive will take place in the YMCA’s Community Room, 114 N. Union St. Schedule a time to donate by visiting redcrossblood.org.
Banzai! Master Financial Skills
The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will hold a session of Banzai! Master Financial Skills for Teens and Adults on Wed., July 26, from 2-4 p.m. Sponsored by Solidarity Community Federal Credit Union, this event will take place at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St.
Shark-y Party
Kids in preschool through fifth grade can celebrate Shark Week with the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Thu., July 27, with a Shark-y Party from 10-11 a.m. at the library’s Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr.! Enjoy sharktastic fun, games, activities, and a snack in the Nature Explore Outdoor Classroom.
Relay for Life
Cancer survivors from Howard and surrounding counties will be honored and celebrated at the 2023 Howard County Relay for Life at Kokomo High School football field, 2501 S. Berkley Road, on Sat., July 29, from 3-11 p.m. A special recognition for those who lost their fight will also be held during the event. Teams have the opportunity to walk in support of their loved ones throughout the evening. Food vendors, entertainment, kids activities, and booth sales will be available to all. Vendor booth space is still available, and new teams are welcome and encouraged. For more information, call Gary at 765-252-8742 or go to https://www.cancer.org/involved/fundraise/relay-for-life.html.
Parks Master Plan Meeting
The City of Kokomo Parks and Recreation Department will hold a master plan meeting on Mon., July 31, at 5:30 p.m. at Kokomo Municipal Stadium. This will be the public’s first opportunity to offer input on future park planning in the City of Kokomo. A 15-20 minute presentation will be followed by public comment. Attendees will receive a free general admission ticket to that evening’s Kokomo Jackrabbits game, which begins at 7:05 p.m.
Ride of Hope
The 2023 Ride of Hope, sponsored by Turning Point - System of Care and Tyler's Triumphs, will take place on Sat., Aug. 12. The ride is held to raise awareness and support those struggling with substance abuse and addiction. The cost is $30 per rider and $10 per passenger. Bikes and Jeeps are welcome. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. at Harley-Davidson of Kokomo, 335 S, 00 EW. Kickstands up at 11:30 a.m. The lunch stop for the ride will take place from 1-2:30 p.m. at the Whiskey & Wine Saloon, 4986 White Point Dr., in Monticello. The after-party takes place at 4 p.m. at Cooper's Pub, 113 E. Sycamore St., featuring live music from The Checkered Vans, provided by Cooper's Pub. Register at turningpointsoc.org/events. For additional information, call 765-860-8365 or email tiffanyd@turningpointsoc.org.