What's Happening This Week?
Events in the Kokomo and Howard County area taking place April 2-8 and beyond
This article is brought to you by the Coca-Cola Bottling Co. of Kokomo. Discover Real Magic with Coca-Cola.
TODAY
The Mikado at IUK
Don’t miss any performances of Gilbert and Sullivan’s “The Mikado,” a unique take on a classic opera, taking place at IU Kokomo’s Havens Auditorium, 2300 S. Washington St., on Fri., March 31, at 7 p.m., Sat., April 1, at 7 p.m., and Sun. April 2, at 3 p.m. General admission tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students. Children ages 6 and under are admitted free. This event is presented by IU Kokomo Communications and Performing Arts.
STEAM Mania – Sandwich Algorithms
Celebrate National PB and J Day with the Kokomo Howard County Public Library and explore algorithms by introducing a robot to make sandwiches. Please note sandwiches will be made with sun butter. The event takes place at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., on Sun., April 2, from 3-4 p.m.
STEAM Mania – LEGO Challenge
Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Sun., April 2, from 3-4 p.m. and build trees with Lego bricks. This STEAM Mania event will take place at the library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road, and is designed for children ages 6-11.
MONDAY
Nursery Rhyme Time
The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will hold Nursery Rhyme Time at its Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr., from 10 a.m. until noon on Mon., April 3, 10, 17, and 24. During this seven-week program, your children will be introduced to a rhyme, accompanied by fun, hands-on activities. Drop in and stay as long as you’d like. This event is for children ages birth through 5 years old.
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., April 3, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4-7 p.m. Sewing machines provided. This event takes place at the library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road.
STEAM Mania – Fun and Games
Enjoy fun and games related to science, technology, engineering, art, and math on Mon., April 3, from 3-5 p.m. at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr. This event is intended for children ages 8-13.
Drums Alive! Family Beats
Build a sense of community while doing cardio at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s Drums Alive! – Family Beats session on Mon., April 3, from 5-6 p.m. The event will take place at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St. Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Register by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking Events or by calling any KHCPL location.
Craft Night
Do you need some motivation to start a craft project or encouragement to complete one? Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library as it offers a fun evening of crafting that can be productive as you would like it to be. Bring your journals, coloring books, sewing, scrapbooking, or whatever you like. The event takes place at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., on Mon., April 3, from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
TUESDAY
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., April 4, from 9 a.m. until noon at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St.
Teens’ Choice Book Club
Teens meet once a month to discuss a book with their peers. Each month will have a theme. Teens will talk about what they liked about their book, what they didn’t, and how it fits the theme. The club will meet at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., on Tue., April 4, from 5-6 p.m.
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., April 5, from 9 a.m. until noon. No appointment needed.
Hands-On Welding
Join Ivy Tech Community College on Wed., April 5, for a Day with Dalton, instructor of welding and program chair. Get hands-on welding experience from 1-3 p.m. in Ivy Tech’s Industrial Technology Center, 1912 Trialon Ct. RSVP by visiting forms.gle/WQZhSbSthNa78qoV6
Blackout Poetry for Teens
Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library to create blackout poetry on Wed., April 5, from 4-5 p.m. at the library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road. Blackout poetry is created by taking a written piece of text from a book or magazine and removing words to create a poem. Teens will be given book pages and a Sharpie to create their poems.
Writers Group
The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will hold a Writers Group for amateur fiction writers on Wed., April 5, from 5-8 p.m. at the library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road. Write something to submit and critique. Adults who enjoy writing and want honest feedback are invited to attend.
Free Easter Egg Hunt
The Very Early Childhood Education Center, 210 W. Walnut St., will hold a free Easter Egg Hunt on Wed., April 5, from 5-7 p.m. The event includes free photos with the Easter Bunny, free play in the center’s two activity rooms, a free Easter Egg hunt, free books, and free snacks.
Propagating and Replanting Houseplants
Celebrate the start of spring by learning how to propagate and re-pot houseplants with the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Wed., April 5, from 6-7 p.m. at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St. You could win spider plants, pots, or succulent propagations. Drinks and snacks will be served during this event. Register for this event by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking Events or by calling any KHCPL location.
THURSDAY
Keep Kokomo Beautiful 2023
Join the City of Kokomo and the Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance to beautify the city by planting flower baskets that will be hung throughout downtown and along major thoroughfares. Volunteers will gather at The Garden, 4476 S, 00 EW, on Thu., April 6, from 9-11 a.m. and 4-6 p.m. Call 765-457-5301 or visit www.greaterkokomo.com to register.
Sensory Shenanigans
Sensory play encourages learning through exploration, curiosity, problem-solving, and creativity. Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library for a Sensory Shenanigans preschool play group at the Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr., on Thu., April 6, from 10 a.m. until noon. For children of all abilities and ages birth to 5, the program offers opportunities to engage with a variety of material.
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., April 6, from 4-5 p.m.
Teen Writers Group
The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will hold a Writers Group for teen amateur fiction writers on Thu., April 6, from 5:05-6 p.m. at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St. Write something to submit and critique. Adults who enjoy writing and want honest feedback are invited to attend.
STEAM Mania – Virtual Reality
Enjoy the amazing world of virtual reality using science, technology, engineering, and math on Thu., April 6, from 6-7 p.m. at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr. This event is intended for children ages 8-13.
FRIDAY
Kindermusik Wiggle and Grow
Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library for singing, dancing, and instrument play, which promote cognitive development! Kindermusik Wiggle and Grow will be held at the library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road on Fri., April 7, from 10-10:30 a.m. for children ages birth to 2 years. Your child's movements stimulate the release of chemicals in the brain to support memory and learning!
First Friday Lunch and Learn
Join Celina Gigliotti, clinical pharmacist with Community Howard Regional Health as she discusses discount prescription drug plans. There are numerous advertisements for discount prescription program, but do they work? Gigliotti will explain ways that discount drug plans may be able to help save money and ways that they won’t. This First Friday Lunch and Learn will be held at the Kokomo Family YMCA, 114 N. Union St., from 12:10-12:50 p.m. on Fri., April 7. Lunch will be provided to those who register by April 2. To register, call 800-550-1266, visit www.ecommunity.com/firstfriday , or scan the QR code below.
KHCPL Easter Egg Hunt
The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will hold Easter Egg hunts at its main branch, 220 N. Union St., on Fri., April 7. Four sessions will be held for different age groups. Children ages birth to 23 months will hunt at 4 p.m. Children ages 2-4 will hunt at 4:20 p.m. Children ages 5-6 will hunt at 4:40 p.m. Children ages 7-8 will hunt at 5 p.m.
First Friday
Go Green and take in all the beauty of downtown Kokomo while celebrating our local natural environment on Fri., April 7, from 5:30-9:00 p.m. There will be an arts-based open house tour of downtown Kokomo. Visitors to the downtown area during the event will find discounts and activities at shops and restaurants, and live music, public art, family-friendly activities and more; Call 457-5301 or visit www.firstfridaykokomo.com for additional information.
SATURDAY
Galveston Easter Egg Hunt
Galveston First Baptist Church will hold an Easter Egg Hunt for children ages 1-3 and 4-8 on Sat., April 8, at 9 a.m. in the Galveston Community Center, 101 Park Road. Donuts and drinks will be provided. Register for this event by scanning the QR code below.
KPRD Youth Easter Egg Hunt
The Kokomo Parks and Recreation Department will hold its annual Youth Easter Egg Hunt on Sat., April 8, at 1 p.m. in Northwest Park. This event is for children ages 10 and under. The event is free and open to the public.
Community Easter Egg Hunt
A Community Easter Egg Hunt for children ages 3-10 will be held on Sat., April 8, at 1 p.m. in Studebaker Park, located behind the Carver Community Center, 1030 N. Purdum St. For additional information, call Delores Jackson at 765-434-3834 or Ed Foster at 765-432-3417.
Basketball Training and Call-Out
The JC Barnett School of Jump Shooting will hold a basketball training session and call-out for exhibition tour teams on Sat., April 8,, at the St. Patrick Church gymnasium, 1204 N. Armstrong St. Sessions will run from 6-7 p.m. for students in grades 3 and 4, from 7-8 p.m. for students in grades 5 and 6, and from 8-9 p.m. for students in grades 7 and 8. For additional information, contact Barnett at 765-863-1025.
KPRD Adult Easter Egg Hunt
The Kokomo Parks and Recreation Department will hold its annual Adult Easter Egg Hunt on Sat., April 8, at 8:30 p.m. in Jackson Morrow Park. This event is for adults ages 18 and older. Wristband entry is required. Wristbands are $5 at the KPRD office, 1402 W. Defenbaugh St. Cash only.
COMING SOON
Unicorn Magic
Children ages 3-5 can express some unicorn love and create a unicorn painting at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., on Tue., April 11, from 2-3 p.m.
Paint Your Pet
Celebrate your pet with a portrait as part of National Pet Day on Tue., April 11. The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will host a Paint Your Pet event at its main branch from 5-6 p.m. The event is for children ages 8-13. Register for the event by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking on Events or by calling any KHCPL location. Send a photo of the pet you’d like to paint to eclark@khcpl.org by April 6. One pet per person. Dress for a mess.
Pint-Size Chef
The Kokomo Parks and Recreation Department is offering its Spring session of Pint-Size Chef. The sessions will take place on Tuesdays from April 11 through May 16. The cost is $30 per child. Sessions for children ages 5-8 will meet from 5:30-6:30 p.m., while session for children ages 9-12 will meet from 6:45-7:46 p.m. Space is limited as classes are held to 12 spaces. To register, call 765-456-7275.
Palm Sunday Tornadoes
Do you recall the tragic tornadoes that tore through the community on Palm Sunday in 1965? The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will hold an event to revisit that disaster on Tue., April 11, form 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Russiaville Lions Club, 555 N. Liberty St. This event for teens and adults will feature a visit from Janis Thornton, author of “The 1965 Palm Sunday Tornadoes in Indiana.”
Kokomo Area Career Fair
Connect your talent with local companies and organizations at the Kokomo Area Career Fair on Wed., April 12, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Ivy Tech Community College’s Hingst Hall, 1815 E. Morgan St. Don’t forget to dress to impress, bring a resume, and practice an elevator pitch that tells employers what you bring to the table. The career fair is sponsored by Ivy Tech Community College, Indiana University Kokomo, the City of Kokomo, and WorkOne of West Central Indiana.
Into the Unknown
The James Webb Space Telescope is rewriting cosmic history. It has been designed to answer many of the core questions that have mystified the human species over the past half-century. Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library at its south branch, 1755 E. Center Road, on Wed., April 12, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. for a discussion about what the telescope is discovering about the universe.
Kokomo INSight
Kokomo INSIght is a newly reformed support group for Howard County residents experiencing blindness, low vision, and vision loss. The group provides educational and emotional support to help members reach their full potential within the community and provides tips and solutions to everyday problems that arise from living with vision loss. The group will meet on Thu., April 13, from 2-3 p.m. at the Kokomo Senior Citizens Center in Foster Park. For additional information, send a text to 765-513-8724 or check out the Kokomo INSIght Facebook page.
The Marvelous Wonderettes
Kokomo Civic Theatre presents “The Marvelous Wonderettes” on April 14, 15, 16 at Havens Auditorium, IU Kokomo, 2300 S. Washington St. Take a trip down memory lane with more than 30 classic hits from the ‘50s and ‘60s including “Lollipop,” “Dream Lover,” “Stupid Cupid,” “Lipstick on Your Collar,” “You Don’t Own Me,” “It’s My Party,” and “Leader of the Pack.” Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are available online at www.kokomocivictheatre.org/tickets
Lifting the Stigma
Turning Point System of Care will hold a Lifting the Stigma fundraiser on Sat., May 6, at FIT Kokomo, 1308 S. Home Ave. The event runs from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Participants will compete in either an individual deadlift or a Metcon team of three lifters. Cost for participants is $40 for the individual competition or $90 for a Metcon team of three. Register for both events for just $60. These early-bird prices are good until April 14. Proceeds will benefit Turning Point’s Reach Youth program. Register as a participant, sponsor, or vendor by visiting www.turningpointsoc.org/events .
Raccoon Lake at Main Street UMC
Main Street United Methodist Church, 830 S. Main St., will host a fundraising evening featuring the Raccoon Lake Sax Quartet on Sat., Apr. 15, from 4-5 p.m. The quartet consists of professional musicians who are dedicated to preserving the art of live music. The event is open to the entire community. A silent auction will be held during the event, and a freewill offering will be accepted. Audience participation is encouraged.
Ellers Seminar
When you plan ahead, you can design every detail of your own final tribute and provide your loved ones with true peace of mind. Join Ellers Mortuary and Cremation Center, 3400 S. Webster St., for a free seminar and meal on Tue., April 18, at 6 p.m., and Wed., April 19, at noon and learn about the many benefits of making your final arrangements in advance. The meal will be provided by Martino’s Italian Villa. For more information or to RSVP, call 765-457-6644.
FCA Celebration of Champions
Join the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for an evening of celebrating the “champions” of the ministry of Fellowship of Christian Athletes -- donors, volunteers, coaches and athletes – while also hearing from special guest 2006 Indy 500 champion Sam Hornish Jr. and enjoying a delicious meal and great fellowship on Thu., April 18 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Cross America, 840 Daniel Dr. Register or sponsor by visiting https://mcindianafca.org/champions. Seating is limited, and registration ends April 3, so reserve your spot for free today!
Prevent Child Abuse Conference
The Family Service Association’s annual Prevent Child Abuse Conference, featuring guest speakers Erin Merryn and Tonier Cain, will take place on Thu., April 20 at Northview Church, 3409 S,CR 200 W, at 8 a.m. The conference is free and open to the public with thanks to presenting sponsors Anthem, SCAN, the Center Township Trustee’s office. For more information, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fsa-prevent-child-abuse-annual-conference-tickets-536106347517.
Hip and Knee Pain Dinner Seminar
Has hip or knee pain been impacting your life? Join orthopedic surgeon Dr. Courtney Holland for a Community Howard Regional Health Center for Joint Health dinner seminar about treatment options for hip and knee pain on Thu., April 20, from 6-7:30 p.m. This event will be held at the Elite Banquet and Conference Center, 2820 S. Lafountain St. and is free to all who register. Space is limited. Register by calling 800-777-7775 or by visiting https://bit.ly/3m9R6nx
Bob Ross Workshop
The Kokomo Art Association will host a Bob Ross-Style Workshop with certified Bob Ross instructor Teresa Boucher on Sat., April 22, from noon until 4 p.m. The workshop will take place at Artworks Gallery, 210 N. Main St. The cost of the workshop is $50, and all supplies will be provided. You will take home a 16x20 painting at the end of the workshop. Space is limited, so register soon. Send your payment via PayPal to whisper259@yahoo.com
Genealogy for Night Owls
Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Fri., April 28, for Genealogy for Night Owls. Staff will be ready to help people with all levels of family-hunting experience. There will be a buffet supper, and snacks will be available all evening, from 5 p.m. until midnight. Use the computers at the main branch or bring your own. There is a $15 fee for this event, which must be paid by April 21 in the Genealogy and Local History Department to reserve your spot.
Kokomo Beach Lifeguard Tryouts
The City of Kokomo will hold lifeguard tryouts for the 2023 season at Kokomo Beach. Two tryout sessions will be held at Kokomo High School, 2501 S. Berkley Road, on Sat., April 22, at 8 a.m. and Sat., May 6, at noon. Certification in lifeguarding, first aid, and CPR-PR/AED training are required before first day of employment. For additional information, call 765-456-7275.
Kokomo-Con Part 1
Kokomo-Con, a comic and pop culture convention, will take place on Sat., April 22, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Sat., April 22, at the Baymont Inn Hotel, 1709 E. Lincoln Road. Admission is $5. Visit www.kokomocon.com for additional information.
Troupe Vertigo
Kokomo Community Concerts presents Troupe Vertigo, an eclectic and innovative mix of circus, dance, and theater creating a spellbinding performance. The event takes place at the Kokomo High School Auditorium, 2501 S. Berkley Road, on Sat., April 22, at 7 p.m.; For tickets, call 765-210-0686 or visit www.kokomocommunityconcerts.org.
KAA Spring Art Show
The Kokomo Art Association will host its 95th annual Spring Art Show from May 4-27 at the Kokomo Art Center, 525 W. Ricketts St. An artists’ reception will take place on Sat., May 6, at 2 p.m. Artists seeking to participate in the show can download an entry form and review the show’s prospectus at www.kaaonline.org . Accepted artwork may be dropped off on April 29 from 1-4 p.m.
Symphony Strings Shred Classic Rock
The Kokomo Symphony Orchestra’s Acoustic Strings has rescheduled its classic rock concert for Sun., April 30, at 3 p.m. at Grace United Methodist Church, 219 W. Mulberry St. Listen as the orchestra shreds tunes from Led Zeppelin, Queen, the Beatles, and more. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for college students. Students in K-12 and younger children are admitted free. To purchase tickets, visit www.kokomosymphony.net or call 765-236-0251.
First Friday Art Competition
Come to downtown Kokomo on Fri., May 5, for a plein air paint-out competition. The event will coincide with Kokomo’s First Friday event. The plein air paint-out will be an opportunity for artists to depict downtown Kokomo between 4-7 p.m. and compete for $450 in prizes. Awards will be announced at 7:30 p.m. Pre-registration is not required. To participate in this free event, artists must sign in at the Kokomo Art Association booth in front of Beckley’s Office Equipment, 112 S. Main St. Supplies will be provided on a first come, first serve basis. The event includes an instructional demonstration by Aaron Pickens. For any questions about the event, please contact Pickens at: ajpicken@iu.edu . Funding for the event comes from the Indiana Arts Commission. Additional support for the event by Indiana University Kokomo, the Kokomo Art Association, and the Greater Kokomo Downtown Association.
Leadership Kokomo Graduation
Leadership Kokomo’s 41st cohort will graduate from the program on Tue., May 16, during a ceremony at Ivy Tech Community College’s Hingst Hall, 1815 E. Morgan St., from 10-11:30 a.m. the keynote speaker will be Sherry Rahl, Executive Director of Kokomo Urban Outreach and Chair of the Leadership Kokomo Advisory Council. Doors open at 9:45 a.m. for networking with coffee and pastries served. Tickets are free, but limited. Register in advance of the event to secure a seat by visiting Leadership Kokomo Graduation Tickets, Tue, May 16, 2023 at 10:30 AM | Eventbrite
Wagons and Wheels Car Show
The Wagons and Wheels Car Show will be held on Sat., May 20, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Bona Vista Programs, 1220 E. Laguna St. Enjoy food, music, a car show, and a wagon parade at this event, which is free and open to everyone. Pre-registration for the show begins April 1. Registration on the day of the event will take place form 9-10 a.m., and the event opens to the public at 10 a.m. Awards will be given to the top 10 participants based on the people’s choice. All funds raised during this event will benefit Bona Vista’s Early Childhood Program.
Rise and Grind Breakfast
Recovery Café, 1234 N. Courtland Ave., will host its first Rise and Grind breakfast fundraiser on Tue., May 23, from 7:30-9 a.m. To register for or sponsor this event, visit https://rb.gy/tugair.
YMCA Summer Camp
Registration for Summer Camp 2023 is now open. Make plans to keep your child active and engaged this summer by enrolling your child today for the Kokomo Family YMCA’s Summer Camp at Camp Tycony. Your child will have the opportunity to have fun exploring nature on 52 beautiful acres with hiking trails, ponds, wooded areas, and more. They also will find new talents, try new activities, gain independence, and make lasting friendships and memories. Summer Camp at the Y provides a perfect, safe environment for weeks of laughing, playing, and learning. Summer Camp will start on May 30. Spots will fill up quickly, so register online today by visiting https://operations.daxko.com/Online/5014/ProgramsV2/Home.mvc
Artsapalooza Art Competition
Come to downtown Kokomo on June 2 for a plein air paint-out competition. The event will coincide with Kokomo’s annual Strawberry Festival and Artsapalooza Art Market. The plein air paint-out will be an opportunity for artists to depict downtown Kokomo between 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. and compete for $1,400 in prizes. The competition will be juried by Cincinnati artist Brad Davis. Awards will be announced at 6:30 p.m., and participating artists will have an opportunity to exhibit their paintings at the IU Kokomo Campus Gallery until the end of June. Pre-registration is not required. To participate in this free event, artists must sign in at the Kokomo Art Association Artworks Gallery, 210 N. Main St., between 7:30 – 9:30 a.m. and have their substrates (canvas, panel, etc.) stamped. A valid stamp will be required if artists want to be considered for the available awards. As a note, if an artist would like to exhibit their work at the IUK campus gallery, they will need to fill out some information about their work, along with their contact info, and have a ready-to-hang frame available. For any questions about the event, please contact Aaron Pickens at: ajpicken@iu.edu . Funding for the event comes from the Indiana Arts Commission. Additional support for the event by Indiana University Kokomo, the Kokomo Art Association, and the Greater Kokomo Downtown Association.
Sunday in the Park Car Show
The Kokomo Automotive Museum will hold its annual Sunday in the Park Car Show on Father’s Day, Sun., June 18, in Highland Park. Dash plaques will be given to the first 100 entries. The event will include music, door prizes, food vendors, plenty of shade, and open parking. Details to follow soon.
KAA 2023 Photo Show
The Kokomo Art Association will feature its 2023 Photo Show from July 1-29. Drop-off for works to be considered for the show is June 24. The show will take place at the Artworks Gallery, 210 N. Main St. For more information, email kokomoartassociation2014@gmail.com.