What's Happening This Week?
Events taking place in Kokomo and Howard County from May 28-June 3 and beyond
This article is brought to you by the Coca-Cola Bottling Co. of Kokomo. Discover Real Magic with Coca-Cola.
TODAY
Kokomo Beach Opening Weekend
The Kokomo Beach Family Aquatic Center is open daily for the season starting Memorial Day weekend. Times are noon until 7 p.m. Visit https://www.cityofkokomo.org/departments/kokomo_beach.php for additional information.
Kokomo Speedway Racing
The Kokomo Speedway, 2455 N. Davis Road, will host BC’s Indiana Double, involving non-wing 410 sprint cars, modifieds, and thunder car racing, on Sun., May 28. General admission is $20. HARF members receive a $5 discount with a valid membership. Kids ages 12 and under are admitted free. Pit passes are $30. The pit gate opens at 3 p.m. Grandstands open at 4 p.m. Hot laps take place at 6:30 p.m. Racing begins at 7:30 p.m. For additional information, call 765-459-3877 or visit www.kokomospeedway.net.
TUESDAY
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 Tue., May 30. Spots will fill up quickly, so register online today by visiting https://operations.daxko.com/Online/5014/ProgramsV2/Home.mvc
WEDNESDAY
Lifeguard Training Course
Looking to get certified as a lifeguard? Join the Kokomo Family YMCA, 114 N. Union St., for a 3-day lifeguard course, starting on Wed., May 31. Sessions will be held from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Kokomo Family YMCA. For more information, contact Madison Foye at: madison.foye@kokomoymca.org. Register online here: https://operations.daxko.com/Online/5014/ProgramsV2/Home.mvc
Community CareMobile
Community Howard Regional Health offers a Community CareMobile Walk-In Clinic Wed., May 31, from 9 a.m. until noon and 12:30-4 p.m. at Walgreens, 2349 E. Markland Ave. No appointment needed. Services offered include adult and pediatric sick visits, annual wellness exams for adults, COVID, flu, and strep testing, disease management for adults, flu shots for adults, and specialty care referrals. The Community CareMobile Clinic is a full-service primary care office on wheels, complete with a private exam room and standard testing and lab equipment. Patients are seen by a nurse practitioner and registered nurse. Patient records are securely documented in Epic, and results are available via MyChart. Standard primary care billing rates apply. Financial assistance is available for those without insurance.
Summer Reading Sneak Peek
Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library for a sneak peek at this year’s Summer reading program on Wed., May 31, from 1-3 p.m. as part of Make a Difference Day. Welcome guests from the Children's Museum of Indianapolis for an interactive afternoon of family learning and discovery about The Power of Children! This event is open to all ages and will take place at the library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road.
Bobby Hayden speaks in Logansport
Cardboard Box Ministries features Bobby Hayden Jr., a former rock star whose heroin addiction dragged him into homelessness, will appear in Logansport on Wed., May 31, to share his story of redemption and recovery. The event will take place at The Cross at Crossroads Church, 1700 E. Main St., Logansport, at 7 p.m. This is a free event. All are welcome to attend.
Final ‘Silent Sky’ Performance
You will have one final opportunity to see the Kokomo Civic Theatre’s award-winning production of “Silent Sky” before the show heads to the National AACTFest in Louisville in June. The final performance will take place on Wed., May 31 at 7:30 pm at Havens Auditorium, 2300 S. Washington St. This will be the one-hour competition version of the show, and it will allow you to see our 10-minute stage set-up before the performance and 10-minute strike after the performance. Tickets are just $10 and are general admission. Purchase online at kokomocivictheatre.org/tickets (There is no online service charge for this performance.) Help KCT raise the remaining funds needed to travel to Nationals.
Kokomo Jackrabbits
The Kokomo Jackrabbits will play a home game vs. the Traverse City Pit Spitters on Wed., May 31, at Kokomo Municipal Stadium. Game time is 7:05 p.m.; For tickets, call 457-5000 or visit www.kokomojackrabbits.com.
THURSDAY
Art Camp
Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library for Art Camp on Thu., June 1, from 10-11 a.m. at the library’s Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr. Art Camp offers artistic adventures and celebrations of creativity, friendship, and fun! Camp will take place in the Nature Explore Outdoor Classroom. Additional camp dates are June 15, July 11, and July 18.
Discovery Center: Video 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 Thu., June 1, have fun with video games at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., from 4-6 p.m. This event is designed for children ages 8-13.
Pride Night at Kokomo Municipal Stadium
Join the Kokomo Jackrabbits and Kokomo Pride in celebrating Pride Month by attending Pride Night at Kokomo Municipal Stadium on Thu, June 1. The game begins at 7 p.m. Limited Jackrabbits/Pride t-shirts will be available for purchase during the game.
Artists Alley Call for Artists
The Kokomo Art Association is accepting applications from artists wanting to be featured in Artists Alley, 210 N. Main St. To apply, visit www.kaaonline.org or contact Cheryl at kokomoartassociation2014@gmail.com. The deadline for applications is June 1.
FRIDAY
Strawberry Festival
The First Friday Strawberry Festival takes place on Fri., June 2, from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. Admission is free, but tickets for strawberry shortcake are $6 each. Tickets are available on the day of the event, but they also may be purchased in advance right now. To get tickets, visit any First Farmers Bank and Trust location, any branch of the Kokomo Howard County Public Library, or the Greater Kokomo Downtown Association office at Inventrek Technology Park, 700 E. Firmin St. There will be food trucks vendors at the festival as well, including: The Coterie; Dippin’ Dots Ice Cream; Georgia’s Kitchen; Hawg Heaven; Home Team Ice Cream; Kona Ice; Papa Floyd’s Polar Ice; Sun King Kokomo; Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck; and Ubuntu Foodbus by Bind Cafe. Live music will be provided by Rhum Academy of Music. Performers scheduled include: 11 a.m.-2:20 p.m. — Nick Johnson, Jen Bird, The Rhum Family, Hailey Gillem and Ione Wallsmith; 3:20-9 p.m. —Asia Newby, Sami Lightsey, Erin Soutar, Bekah Cripe and Kokomo Park Band; 6 p.m. — Owen, Sam, Zion; Gavin, Viola; Shayden Smith; Jewel Jasay; 7:25 p.m. — Hudson, Kadin, Levi, Arden; 8-9 p.m. — Barrelhouse. The Kokomo Strawberry Festival is sponsored by First Farmers Bank and Trust.
KHCPL Summer Reading Program Kick-Off
The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will kick off its annual Summer Reading Program with a party on Fri., June 2, from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St. This year’s theme is “All Together Now.” Earn prizes for keeping up your reading streaks, plus earn a ticket to the end-of-summer Splish Splash Final Bash at Kokomo Beach, sponsored by Solidarity Community Federal Credit Union! A sneak peek at this year's Summer Reading Program can be found at https://libraryaware.com/1556/Posts/View/6ac9a67d-87d8-444c-a132-bb92c51ef87c?fbclid=IwAR0mbqGjDv5tE3hIRes_vGgT97xCIazK8dOe9x2sHOLI0ynGm8b8mn8EARM
Artsapalooza Art Competition
Come to downtown Kokomo on Fri., 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.
Bike Trail Tours
The Kokomo Parks and Recreation Department staff will lead community bike rides that explore mapped sections of the different trails that Kokomo has to offer. This event takes place on Fri., June 2, at 6 p.m. at the Koko-Go Bike Share Station, 307 S. Main St. For additional information, call 765-456-7275.
Leadership Kokomo 2023-24
Leadership Kokomo is accepting applications now for its 2023-24 cohort. Review of applications will begin Fri., June 2, and will be accepted on a rolling basis until the cohort is full. The 42nd cohort will begin their 9-month journey in August and be part of a network of more than 900 alumni. This is a transformative leadership and community engagement program. Leadership Kokomo is facilitated by Ivy Tech Community College Kokomo Region with partners City of Kokomo - City Hall, Kokomo Thriving Center, Indiana Wesleyan University, and Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance. Access the application by visiting: https://forms.gle/cx5SGE31UqzevS4SA
Leg It for Literacy Virtual 5K
Run or walk in this virtual 5K to raise funds for the Literacy Coalition of Howard County. Seek out individual donors or get sponsored by a business. Register and return results at m2behnke@gmail.com. Utilize a free fitness app, such as Strava, to record your 5K all-in-one activity, from June 2-4. A plaque will be given to the individual with the highest donations and for the fastest runner. Donations can be made online at: https://www.literacycoalition.com/donate or can be mailed or brought to: 901 S. Courtland, Kokomo, IN, 46901.
SATURDAY
Downtown Farmers Market
The Kokomo Downtown Farmers Market is located at the corner of Mulberry and Washington streets and is open Sat., June 3, from 9 a.m. to noon. Find local produce, handmade artisan items, home-baked goods and much more.
Reading with Pet Partners
Kids can practice their reading skills by reading to trained therapy animals at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., on Sat., June 3, from 11 a.m. until noon.
A-Glaze-ing Art
During a special paint party, the Kokomo Howard County Public Library will help you celebrate fathers and father figures! Donuts and art make the perfect pair as two canvases will come together to make one design. This event will take place at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., from noon until 1 p.m. on Sat., June 3. Space is limited to the first 30 participants.
COMING SOON
Kokomo Jackrabbits
The Kokomo Jackrabbits will play a home game vs. the Traverse City Pit Spitters on Sun., June 4, at Kokomo Municipal Stadium. Game time is 5:05 p.m.; For tickets, call 457-5000 or visit www.kokomojackrabbits.com.
Family Movie Night
Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library for a free movie on Sun., June 4, from 8:45-10 p.m. Bring a chair or blanket to sit on and enjoy a fun-filled family time at the library’s Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr. For more details visit the program listing under "Events" at KHCPL.org.
Junior Hoops Summer Camp
The Indiana Pacers and Indiana Fever Jr Hoops Basketball Camp will take place June 5-9 at the Kokomo Family YMCA, 114 N. Union St. The camp runs each day from 9 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. The camp is a week-long session of concentrated basketball training, involving individual skill development; but for competitive aspects, campers are grouped by age and skill level whenever possible. Camp leaders will break the game down while enhancing specific skills in all areas needed to be an effective basketball player and have fun. This camp is for boys and girls ages 7-15. The cost is $225 and includes: fun, motivational, and expert instruction provided by The National Basketball Academy; stations, drills, skills contests, and live games; a giveaway package featuring a camp t-shirt and Pacers "swag;" an end-of-camp awards ceremony; a player evaluation filled out by your child's coach; and a ticket to a Pacers home game during the 2023-24 season. All skill levels welcome. For more information, contact Rosemary Skripsky at rskripsky@thebasketballacademy.com or by calling 317-452-0349.
Addiction Recovery Coach Certification
Earn training to become a certified Addiction Peer Recovery Coach through Turning Point System of Care. Classes will be held June 5-9 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. each day at Turning Point, 1234 N. Courtland Ave. The cost of classes is $500. The CCAR Recovery Coach Academy educates participants on how to promote recovery for people seeking recovery from substance use or other mental health struggles and how to help remove obstacles and barriers to recovery. It is a five-day, 30-hour interactive knowledge and skill development training. Participants are expected to attend all five days of training. A prerequisite for the course is personal, lived experience in recovery from addiction, mental illness, or co-occurring substance and mental disorders. A minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent is also required. For additional information, contact Molly Marburger at mollym@turningpointsoc.org or call 765-480-4438.
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., June 5. Caregivers with a baby ages birth to 12 months are welcome to participate. Older siblngs are welcome to join also. There will be no meeting on June 19.
Carnival Games
Step right up for an afternoon of games and the sweet treat of cotton candy and its salty partner, popcorn, on Mon., June 5, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St. No entry fee; all free at the greatest library of all time.
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, beginning on Mon., June 5. 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.
Taco Garden Care
Help the Kokomo Howard County Public Library care for the plants growing in the Nature Explore Outdoor Classroom at the library’s Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr., to use as taco toppings, and earn an invite to library’s end of summer Taco Celebration! This event takes place on Mon., June 5, from 5-8 p.m.
Intro to Crochet
Have you always wanted to learn how to crochet? Get hooked with this introductory class for teens and adults. The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will offer an Intro to Crochet class on Mon., June 5, from 6-8 p.m. at its main branch, 220 N. Union St. Register for this event online: https://khcpl.libnet.info/event/8311365
Escape to Margaritaville Auditions
Kokomo Civic Theatre will hold auditions for its summer musical, “Escape to Margaritaville,” on Mon., June 5, and Tuesday, June 6, at 6:30 p.m. each evening. Auditions will take place at the KCT Warehouse, 722 N. McCann St. Show dates are Aug. 25-27. There are three principle male roles, two supporting male roles, and three principle female roles. A large ensemble plays island guests, resort workers, wedding guests, and even tap-dancing insurance salesmen. A script is on reserve at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St.
Kokomo Jackrabbits
The Kokomo Jackrabbits will play a home game vs. the Traverse City Pit Spitters on Mon., June 5, 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 kicks off its Summer Concert season on Wed., June 7, at 7:30 p.m. in Highland Park. Conducted by Jay Gephardt the June 7 performance is themed “Summer Breezes,” and is sponsored by Caron & Jones Dental Care. The band performs each Wednesday in the summer.
Mr. Kingston’s Historic Car Show
Join the Howard County Historical Society for Mr. Kingston’s Historic Car Show on June 9-10. Held on the lawn of the Seiberling Mansion, 1200 W. Sycamore St., the car show features historic cars, derby races, prizes, and refreshments. Admission is free. The show runs from 4-8 p.m. on Fri., June 9, and from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Sat., June 10.
All Valley Cornhole Tournament
The Kokomo Family YMCA will host the All Valley Cornhole Tournament and block party on Fri., June 9, at 6 p.m. This one-day tourney where the winning team takes home $250 will be an outdoor block party in front of the YMCA, 114 N. Union St. Enjoy a party atmosphere with food trucks, a beer and wine garden provided by the Coterie, live music and more. Register your team to play in this competitive cornhole tournament. Team up with a friend, family member or co-worker. Hurry before the slots fill up! Register online at: https://operations.daxko.com/Online/5014/ProgramsV2/Home.mvc
Solidarity Car, Truck, and Bike Show
Join the Solidarity Community Federal Credit Union on Sat., June 10, for its 13th annual Car, Truck and Bike Show. The event will take place in the Solidarity parking lot, 201 Southway Blvd., from 11 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Awards will be announced at 3 p.m. More than 90 awards will be given out for best paint, best engine, best interior, best in show, and more. The first 50 people registered will receive an American-Made Solidarity Car Show t-shirt. Registration is $10 in advance and $15 on the day of the show. For more information, please call 765-453-4020 ext. 1315, or visit bit.ly/3VbgIh3.
Summer Concert Series Kick-Off
The Kokomo Summer Concert Series Summer Kick Off, featuring Myron Elkins Band with opener Revolver Band, takes place on Sat., June 10, at the Kokomo Arts Pavilion in Foster Park. Myron Elkins’ debut album reflects the gritty mix of classic rock, country, and blues, infusing his music with rich personal experience. The concert starts at 6:00 p.m. Free admission. Visit www.kokomosummerseries.com for additional information.
Community Expo and Mobile Food Pantry
Center Township of Howard County will hold a community expo and food pantry on Thu., June 15, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. At the township office, 213 E. Jefferson St. Visit with community service providers beginning at 11 a.m. Bring a laundry basket or box to carry food home with you starting at noon. This will be a walk-up distribution.
Whiskey, Wheels and Watches
The first Whiskey, Wheels, and Watches Event arrives in downtown Kokomo on Sat., June 17. Hosted by Palmer’s Jewelry, this one-of-a-kind Father’s Day celebration will take place along Main and Sycamore streets from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Enjoy a cruise-in and car show throughout the day. Have a cocktail from Travelers Point inside Palmer's Jewelry, 101 E. Sycamore St., or visit the beer garden hosted by Sun King Brewery. Feast on the offerings from local food trucks, and then find that new watch that makes a perfect gift for that special father in your life.
Jeff Stout Memorial Golf Outing
Turning Point – System of Care will hold the third annual Jeff Stout Memorial Golf Outing on Thu., June 22. Register for this event by visiting turningpointsoc.org/events. Sponsors and volunteers are also needed. To volunteer, visit: https://shorturl.at/aepxL.
Solidarity Scholarship Golf
Mark your calendars for Sat., Sept. 23, as Solidarity Community Federal Credit Union holds its annual scholarship golf outing. There will be an 8 a.m. shotgun start. The cost is $100 per golfer, which includes cart, prizes, two drinks, and lunch. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Additional information to follow.