What's Happening This Week?
Events taking place in Kokomo and Howard County from March 17-23 and beyond
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TODAY
Kokomo Musicale’s 120th
The 120th annual Kokomo Musicale will take place Sun., March 17, at 3 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church, 3401 S. Dixon Road. The entire community is invited to attend this free event. The Kokomo Musicale features an annual President’s Day scholarship competition for Howard County high school seniors. At stake are four scholarships – the Kathaleen Graham Scholarship ($600), the Anne Walsh Scholarship ($500), the Joan Knolinski Scholarship ($500), and the Tri Kappa Award ($500). The event also will feature guest speaker Robin Ligon Williams, making a presentation about her mother, Judith Kay Ligon, who was a member of Kokomo Musicale before pursuing her musical career in New York. For additional information, please contact Ruth Lawson, 765-461-7668, or David Britton, 765-453-1121. For details about the Tri Kappa Award, please contact Liz Harper - 765-271-3566.
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 will meet on Mon., March 18, from 9:30-11 a.m. at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road. Caregivers with a baby ages birth to 12 months are welcome to participate. Older siblings are welcome to join also.
Growing Readers: Little Learners
Introduce your little one to quality literature and the library in a fun, inviting way with age-appropriate activities on Mon., March 18, from 10-10:30 a.m. at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s Russiaville branch, 305 Mesa Dr. This event is designed for children ages 3-5.
Peek-a-Boo Playdate
Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library, 220 N. Union St., on Mon. March 18, from 11-11:30 a.m. for a playful storytime full of fun rhymes and songs for babies and toddlers. This event is designed for children ages 0-2.
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., March 18, 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.
BP Screenings at the Library
Community Howard Regional Health offers free blood pressure screenings at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library. This is an opportunity to ask questions about chronic diseases and medication management and to receive information on primary care doctors as well as receive a blood pressure check. The next screening will take place on Mon., March 18, from 3:30-5:30 p.m. at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St.
Spring is for Growing
Visit the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s Russiaville branch, 305 Mesa Dr., on Mon., March 18, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. to learn about planting and what will grow where from Mathias Ingle, Purdue Extension Educator. Kids will plant their own seeds to take home and care for. This event is designed for children ages 6-13.
Countdown to Darkness
Do you have questions about the upcoming solar eclipse? Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Mon., March 18, from 7-8 p.m. as NASA Solar System Ambassador Pamela Roller shares more about the science behind the intricate dance of the sun, moon, and Earth. This event takes place at the library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road.
Kokomo Young Life
Kokomo Young Life is a hangout on Monday nights at the Kokomo Family YMCA, 114 N. Union St., for all high school students. No YMCA membership required. The hangout is completely free to students. Events consist of fun, games, food, and a short and simple Bible lesson! The club meets each Monday at 7:07 p.m.
Summer Pickleball League
The Kokomo Parks and Recreation Department will hold a Summer Pickleball League, beginning April 27. Registration for this mixed doubles league will run from March 18-April 12. There will be recreational and competitive divisions. The league will run 10 weeks and will culminate in a tournament. Play will take place on Saturdays beginning at 10 a.m. Players ages 14 and older are welcome to participate. Registration is $50 per team and must be turned in at the KPRD office, 1402 W. Defenbaugh St. Call 765-456-7275 for additional information.
KPRD Adult Egg Hunt
The Kokomo Parks and Recreation Department will hold an Adult Egg Hunt on Sat., April 6. This event is for people ages 18 and up, and a wristband is required for entry. Wristbands are $5 and can be purchased at the KPRD office in Highland Park, beginning on March 18. Cash only. The adult egg hunt will take place in Jackson Morrow Park, and the horn will blow to start the hunt at 8:30 p.m.
TUESDAY
Mental Health Access Days
Are you an adult struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenge? Meet with a professional from 4C Health who can connect you to the support and services you need. The next Mental Health Access Day will be Tuesday, March 19, from 9 a.m. until noon at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St.
PAL Spring Soccer
Registration is open now for the Police Athletic League Spring Soccer League until the end of April. Sign up now by visiting www.kokomopalsports.com. The fee is $72 and must be paid at the time of registration. In-person registration is available every Tuesday and Thursday in March and April from 10 a.m. until noon at the PAL Field, 3520 W. Boulevard St. The season will begin the first weekend of May and will run until the end of June. Games are played on Saturdays and Sundays, depending on the number of teams. All games and practices will take place at the PAL field. The league currently needs coaches. Those interested in serving should note this on the registration form. Age groups are 4-5, 6-8, and 9-13. A 14+ group may be added if there is enough interest. For additional information, call 765-455-2440 or email palsports3520@yahoo.com .
Kindermusik Laugh and Learn
Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library for singing, dancing, and instrument play, which promote cognitive development! Kindermusik Laugh and Learn will be held at the library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road, on Tue., March 19, from 3:30-4 p.m. for children ages 0-5 years. Your child's movements stimulate the release of chemicals in the brain to support memory and learning!
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., March 19, have fun with Osmos at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., from 4-6 p.m. This event is designed for children ages 8-13.
Adaptive Gardening
Gardening can be a lifelong hobby, even if you have physical limitations or disabilities. Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Tue., March 19, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. for a how-to evening. This event takes place at the library’s Russiaville branch, 305 Mesa Dr.
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., 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., March 20, 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.
Parks Master Plan Meeting
The Kokomo Parks and Recreation Department will hold its second parks and recreation master plan meeting on Wed., March 20, from 6-7 p.m. in the City Hall council chambers, 100 S. Union St. The public is invited to attend and provide feedback on the master plan. A copy of the draft plan can be reviewed by visiting https://cms4.revize.com/revize/kokomoin/departments/our_parks.php
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, from 6-7 p.m. on Wed., March 20.
Disability Awareness Basketball Game
Bona Vista Services, a DSI partner company, will present its annual Disability Awareness basketball game on Wed., March 20, beginning at 6 p.m. at Kokomo High School’s Memorial Gymnasium in downtown Kokomo. As has been a tradition for decades, a selection of local celebrities from business, government, churches, and nonprofit organizations assembles each year to face the Bona Vista All-Stars in a friendly game of basketball. This event is free and open to the public, and basketball lovers are encouraged to come out and cheer on both teams. For more information about the event or the programs offered by Bona Vista, visit their Facebook page or www.bonavista.org.
Blind Tiger Comedy Open Mic
Blind Tiger Comedy hosts an open mic comedy night each Wednesday evening at 9 p.m. at the Elbow Room, 1004 N. Washington St. Anyone is welcome to take to the microphone to try to make people laugh.
THURSDAY
Story Art
Using picture books as inspiration, the Kokomo Howard County Public Library will encourage your little one to create art with a variety of media. This event, connecting literature and art, takes place on Thu., March 21, from 10-10:30 a.m. at the library’s Russiaville branch, 305 Mesa Dr.
Growing Readers: Little Learners
Introduce your little one to quality literature and the library in a fun, inviting way with age-appropriate activities on Thu., March 21, from 11-11:45 a.m. at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St. This event is designed for children ages 3-5.
Off the Books Podcast
Join Kokomo Howard County Public Library employees Bethann and Samantha on Thu., March 21, 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.
Solar Eclipse Discovery in Greentown
Learn about the upcoming solar eclipse with the Greentown Children’s Library, 301 S. Meridian St., after school from 3-4 p.m. on Thu., March 21. We will be discussing what an eclipse is, how long, when and where you can watch the full eclipse. We will watch a video, show a map of the eclipse path, and make a solar eclipse t-shirt to wear on April 8. We will also provide free viewing glasses to participants.
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., March 21, 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., March 21, 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.
Kids’ Art Club
Calling all young artists! Unleash creativity through fun projects and learn artistic skills in a supportive, lively environment at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., on Thu., March 21, from 6-7 p.m. The club is designed for kids ages 8-13.
FRIDAY
Lifeguard Instructor Course
Become a lifeguard instructor, and you can teach others lifesaving skills! Join the Kokomo Family YMCA for a three-day ARC Lifeguarding Instructor course, starting on Fri., March 22. All three days will be from 9:00 a.m. through 6:00 p.m. The purpose of the ARC Lifeguarding Instructor course is to train instructor candidates to teach the basic-level courses and modules in the American Red Cross Lifeguarding program. Sessions will be held at the Kokomo Family YMCA. Register today: https://bit.ly/49uaQGb
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., March 22, 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 0-2.
Arise Ministry Mental Health Luncheon
Clergy, Clinicians/Therapists, and Community Leaders you are invited! Please bring business cards and brochures to share. Coming together to gain insight and learn more about the effects of mental health in the community and how together we can shed a light and help one another to change one life at a time! This event takes place on Fri., March 22, from noon until 1:30 p.m. at Cross America, 840 Daniel Dr.
Solar Eclipse Crafts
Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library for Solar Eclipse Crafts on Fri., March 22, from 4-5 p.m. Create celestial art, learn eclipse facts, and make fun DIY models. Let's explore the wonders of space together and prepare for the upcoming eclipse at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St. This event is designed for children ages 6-13.
Civic Theatre Takes on Shakespeare
The dates have changed! Kokomo Civic Theatre presents “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged).” All 37 plays in 97 minutes. The show will feature general admission, as well as on-stage seating for an intimate and hilarious theatrical experience. This performance will take place at IU Kokomo Havens Auditorium, 2600 S. Washington St., on Friday, March 22, and Sat., March 23, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 24, at 2 p.m. All existing tickets will be honored for the new date. For tickets, call 765-454-8800 or visit www.kokomocivictheatre.org.
SATURDAY
Wrangler and Friends
Kindness and love create lasting relationships. Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library as Wrangler visits the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., on Sat., March 23, from 11 a.m. until noon, for story time, and hear a story about "a little horse who did a very big thing!"
Widows’ Purse Movie and Lunch
Widows’ Purse, an organization devoted to supporting widows as they recover and heal from loss, will hold a Movie and Lunch Day on Sat., March 23. The event starts at Panera Bread, 1941 S. Reed Road, at noon for lunch, followed by a screening of the move “Cabrini” at the AMC Theatres, 1530 E. Boulevard St. Widows’ Purse will cover the cost of the movie ticket for each widow in attendance.
Howard County Skywarn Seminar
The Howard County Skywarn Severe Weather Seminar will take place on Sat., March 23, from 2-4 p.m. at the Eastern Howard Performing Arts Center, 421 S. Harrison St. Presented by the National Weather Service and sponsored by the Kokomo Amateur Radio Club and the Howard County Department of Emergency Management, the seminar is free for all ages. Learn about tornadoes, storms, hail, flooding, and more. For more information, call 765-456-2242.
Cloudscape Explorers
Dive into the captivating world of clouds and weather patterns with the Kokomo Howard County Public Library! Weather permitting, we'll work together on identifying clouds in the sky and create a take-home journal to record daily formations! This event takes place on Sat., March 23, from 3-4 p.m. at the library’s South branch, 1755 E. Center Road.
Cowboy Church
On the third Saturday of each month, Fairview Baptist Church holds Cowboy Church. It’s a combination of Southern Gospel, Bluegrass, Hymns and a lot of serious goofing off. The next Cowboy Church will take place Sat., March 23, at 5 p.m. Fairview Baptist Church is located at 2108 E Vaile Ave. behind the Walmart Plaza.
COMING SOON
Free Tax Prep Service
The United Way serving Howard and Tipton Counties is offering free tax preparation services to the community. The tax preparation service uses IRS-certified tax preparers and guarantees you will receive 100 percent of your refund, with no fees or interest. The United Way’s tax preparers will also e-file your return and provide free Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit screenings. Pick up a packet which has instructions on what information needs to be provided. Complete the forms in the packet and return it to any of these sites: Kokomo Howard County Public Library Downtown, 220 N. Union St.; Kokomo Howard County Public Library South, 1755 E. Center Road; Kokomo Howard County Public Library Russiaville, 305 Mesa Dr.; Greentown Public Library, 421 S. Harrison St.; Tipton Public Library, 127 E. Madison St. For additional information, call 765-450-7619 or email freetaxprep@unitedwayhoco.org .
Free Mammograms
If you're uninsured or experiencing financial hardship, Advanced Medical Imaging, 2008 W. Boulevard St., is providing free mammograms to local women in need. Call 765-454-9729 or click here to schedule the appointment today: https://www.amikokomo.com/3d-screening-mammogram-appointments/
Iditaread Challenge
You are challenged to read 1,049 pages during the month of March in support of the Iditarod! Stop out at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s Russiaville branch, 305 Mesa Dr., and track your progress, or keep track of your pages on Beanstack.
Kokomo Bobkats Basketball
The Kokomo Bobkats will play a home game against the Cincinnati Warriors on Sun., March 24, at Kokomo Memorial Gymnasium, 200 N. Apperson Way. Game time is 3:05 p.m. Gates open one hour before tip-off. Tickets are $20 for lower bowl seating and $10 for upper bowl seating; Season tickets are $200 for lower bowl and $100 for upper bowl. Buy season tickets and merchandise anytime at 2989 S. Webster St. or by visiting www.kokomobobkats.com.
Eclipse Insights with Dr. Motl
Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library as it visits the IU Kokomo Observatory, 2660 S. Washington St., where Dr. Patrick Motl will share insights on the upcoming solar eclipse. The event takes place on Sun., March 24, from 7-8 p.m. Weather permitting, stargazers will get the opportunity to use the observatory’s telescopes.
Spring Fling: Play Dough Play
Staying home for Spring Break? Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library at its Russiaville branch, 305 Mesa Dr., on Mon., March 25, for Play Dough Play from 10-11 a.m. This event is designed for children ages 0-11.
Spring Fling: Big Games
Spend Spring Break playing, making, and building at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s Spring Fling: Big Games event on Mon., March 25, from 2-4 p.m. at the library’s Russiaville branch, 305 Mesa Dr. This event is designed for children ages 3-11.
Dark as Dusk
The IU Kokomo KEY Academy Series “Dark as Dusk” continues on Mon., March 25 in Kresge Auditorium from 7-8 p.m. Get an inside look at a once-in-a-lifetime celestial event. Join IU Kokomo faculty and friends for an engaging discussion leading up to the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. The Marhc 25 event will focus on Eclipses From Different Perspectives. Cost is $25. Registration is required by contacting Marsha McKinley, 765-455-9221 or mlmckin@iuk.edu.
Spring Fling: Play Dough Play
Staying home for Spring Break? Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library at its main branch, 220 N. Union St., on Tue., March 26, for Play Dough Play from noon until 1 p.m. This event is designed for children ages 3-11.
IU Kokomo High School Art Exhibit
The Indiana University Kokomo Art Gallery, 2300 S. Washington St., room KA102, hosts the 26th annual High School Art Exhibition through March 27. The exhibition features art from area high school juniors and seniors. The gallery is open Mon.-Thu. from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Spring Fling: Craft-a-Palooza
Staying home for Spring Break? Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library at its main branch, 220 N. Union St., on Wed., March 27, for Craft-a-Palooza from noon until 1 p.m. This event is designed for children ages 3-11.
Digital Den: Stencil Eclipse
Want something fun to commemorate the total solar eclipse in April? In this class, the Kokomo Howard County Public Library will offer the materials to create stencils to help make painting a beautiful picture of the eclipse a breeze. This event takes place on Wed., March 27, from 1-2 p.m. in the library’s Digital Den, 220 N. Union St. Register for this activity by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking on Events.
Spring Fling: Springtime Crafts
Staying home for Spring Break? Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library at its Russiaville branch, 305 Mesa Dr., on Thu., March 28, for Springtime Crafts from 10-11 a.m. This event is designed for children ages 3-11.
Eclipsing Colors: Solar Eclipse Painting
This Kokomo Howard County Public Library project combines science and art, allowing kids to express their creativity while learning about the total solar eclipse. The event takes place on Fri., March 29, from 2:30-3:30 p.m. at the library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road. Register by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking on Events, or by calling any KHCPL location.
Glo Swim and a Movie
Back by popular demand, the Kokomo Family YMCA will hold a Glo Swim and Movie Night on Fri., March 29, beginning at 6:30 p.m. This members-only event will feature swimming with glow lights, glow balls, glow sticks, and a family-friendly movie on an inflatable screen. Cost is $2, and spots are limited. Register by visiting https://operations.daxko.com/Online/5014/ProgramsV2/Search.mvc?category_ids=TAG19799
Smackdown XIII
The Kokomo Speedway announces the return of the Elliott’s Custom Trailer and Carts Sprint Car Smackdown XIII on Aug. 22-24. Ticket sales for the general public have begun. The three-day pass includes reserved seating and a pit pass if purchased by March 29. Single-day general admission tickets will be on sale each race day for $30 on Thursday and Friday, and $40 on Saturday. To purchase tickets, call 779-230-1310 or email smackdowntix@gmail.com.
Egg Your House
“Alz You Need is Love and a Pair of Sneakers,” a Walk to End Alzheimer’s team, presents its third annual Egg Your House event. Get ready to have your yard turned into an Easter egg wonderland. Order your pre-filled eggs to be hidden in your yard or dropped off, courtesy of the Easter bunny. The cost is $1 per egg, and the eggs can be delivered before, on, or after Easter Sunday, March 31. All participants will be entered into a prize drawing. Call 765-860-4360 or 765-431-8330 with your delivery date, address, and amount. Cash, check, and Cashapp accepted before or during delivery. All donations go to the Alzheimer’s Association.
First Friday Lunch and Learn
Join Community Howard Regional Health for its monthly First Friday Lunch and Learn event on Fri., April 5, from 12:10-12:50 p.m. at the Kokomo Family YMCA, 114 N. Union St. The April topic will be Hospice vs. Palliative Care: Making the Right Choice. Paradigm health will explain the differences and how to decide what care is best for your loved one and when those decisions need to be made. Free lunch is provided to those who register by April 1. Register by calling 800-550-1266 or visiting www.ecommunity.com/FirstFriday .
KPRD Spring Egg Hunts
The Kokomo Parks and Recreation Department will hold its 2024 Youth Spring Egg Hunt on Sat., April 6, at Northwest Park. The event starts at 1 p.m. and is free to all children ages 14 and under.
Dark at the Diamond
Solidarity Community Federal Credit Union invites everyone to Dark at the Diamond on Mon., April 8, for a free eclipse watch party occurring at Kokomo Municipal Stadium, 400 S. Union St., from 2-4 p.m. All are welcome during this family-friendly event. DJ Pugh will provide music, and interactive games and activities will take place on the field and concourse. So Tam Good Food Truck, Good Dudes BBQ & Catering, and HomeTeam Ice Cream will have food and treats for purchase, and free eclipse glasses will be provided for all attendees while they last.
Pint-Size Chef
The Kokomo Parks and Recreation Department will begin accepting registrations for its Spring session of Pint-Size Chef. The classes will take place on Tuesdays from April 9 until May 14. The cost is $30 per child, and there are just 12 spaces per class. Classes will take place from 5:30-6:30 p.m. for ages 5-8 and from 6:45-7:45 p.m. for ages 9-12. For additional information, including location of the clsses, call the KPRD office at 765-456-7275.
Kokomo Area Career Fair
The Kokomo Area Career Fair will take place on Wed., April 10, from noon until 2 p.m. in the Kelley Student Center on the Indiana University Kokomo campus, 2300 S. Washington St. Register for the largest community career fair in the county by visiting www.go.iu.eduj/4QeM .
Solidarity Scholarship
Dreaming of higher education but worried about the costs? Solidarity Community Federal Credit Union is here to support its members' academic aspirations with its Member Scholarship Program! Applications are now open until April 15 for its exclusive scholarship program, designed to empower members on their educational journey. Solidarity will award 7, $2,000 scholarships to area students. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity! Find the requirements and apply online today: https://bit.ly/SolidarityScholarships
CAM 2024 Sleepout
Coordinated Assistance Ministries (CAM), 625 N. Union St., will hold the 2024 Sleepout on Fri., April 19, from midnight until 7 a.m. The Sleepout is an exercise for youth groups, families, and others to experience what it would be like to be homeless. The event will take place in the CAM parking lot. Participants will learn about local agencies that serve the homeless. Register by visiting www.camhope.org or email your registration form to melanie@camhope.org. For additional information, call Melanie Waggoner at 765-452-8963, ext. 3.
Howard County Hall of Legends
The Howard County Historical Society presents the 2024 Howard County Hall of Legends dinner on Thu., April 25, at 6 p.m. in Hingst Hall on the Ivy Tech Community College campus, 1550 E. Morgan St. Tickets are available now through the historical society website, www.howardcountymuseum.org/programs/hall-of-legends or by calling 765-452-4314.