What's Happening This Week?
Events taking place in Kokomo and Howard County from Dec. 10-16 and beyond
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TODAY
Sounds of the Season
Indiana University Kokomo’s Cougar Choir will present Sounds of the Season on Fri., Dec. 8, at 7 p.m. and Sun., Dec. 10, at 3 p.m. in Havens Auditorium, 2300 S. Washington St. Come and enjoy a festive blend of modern holiday hits and traditional carols from the Victorian Era. These events are free and open to the public.
A Night in Bethlehem
Main Street United Methodist Church, 830 S. Main St., is hosting A Night in Bethlehem on Sun., Dec. 10, from 5-6 p.m. Come to Bethlehem and register for the census! You may pay your taxes (with a free-will canned food donation if you are able, to help supply their modern-day food pantry) and then explore the city with interactive experiences while learning about Jesus! You will meet animals at the stable when talking to Mary and Joseph, learn about the magi's gifts for the newborn king, visit a scribe, paint, weave, sample food common for that time, and make a special treat at the bakery among other unique activities.
Christmas Lights of Greentown
The Christmas Lights of Greentown annual lights display will take place at the Howard County Fairgrounds, 610 E. Payton St. Drive through the Christmas Lights of Greentown to see large light displays and archways. The display is open Dec. 10 and Dec. 14-25, beginning at 6 p.m. each evening. Enjoy a Christmas Village and hot chocolate in the Round Barn. Santa will be there on select nights.
IUK Observatory Open House
Learn about recent discoveries from the James Webb space telescope at the last Indiana University Kokomo Observatory free open house of 2023. Patrick Motl, professor of physics, will begin the open house at 7 p.m. Sun., Dec. 10, with a presentation about recent findings from the James Webb space telescope that inform our picture of how planets in other solar systems form. After the presentation, stargazers can utilize the observatory’s telescopes to see Saturn and Jupiter, weather permitting. The Observatory is located at 2660 S. Washington St. Free parking is available on campus.
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 Mon., Dec. 11, 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.
Holiday Magic: Gingerbread Fun
Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Mon., Dec. 11, from 10-10:30 a.m. for Gingerbread Fun at the library’s Russiaville branch, 305 Mesa Dr. This special story time includes songs and a gingerbread house craft! Designed for children ages 2 and up. All ages are welcome.
Recovery Café
Turning Point System of Care holds get-togethers at the Recovery Café, 1234 N. Courtland Ave., every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 11:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. Recovery Café is a safe, inclusive, and caring recovery community connecting people through love and purpose. Learn more and get connected by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3VRfRRL
Growing Readers: Tiny Tykes
Introduce your little one to quality literature and the library in a fun, inviting way with age-appropriate activities on Mon., Dec. 11, from 2-2:30 p.m. at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St. This event is designed for children ages 3-5.
Nurses in Recovery Support Group
Turning Point A System of Care will hold a Nurses in Recovery Support Group each Monday at the Turning Point offices, 1234 N. Courtland Ave., from 7:15-8 p.m. This group is approved by the Indiana Professionals Recovery Program. For additional information, call 765-860-8365.
TUESDAY
Holiday Restorative Yoga
Come celebrate the spirit of the season, open your heart, and take some time for self-care during the busy holidays. The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will present Holiday Restorative Yoga on Tue., Dec. 12, from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Jeff Stout Community Center, 650 N. West St., Russiaville.
‘The Missing Heirloom’ Auditions
Kokomo Civic Theatre will hold auditions for “The Missing Heirloom,” an original play by Kokomo author Othello Bach, on Tue., Dec. 12, and Wed., Dec. 13, at 6:30 p.m. at the KCT warehouse, 722 N. McCann St. The show dates will be Feb. 23-25, 2024. Set in 1955 Kansas, 70-year-old Maggie Henderson receives a letter from the Smithsonian Institute, looking for a gold watch that was given to her grandfather by Theodore Roosevelt. Meanwhile, following a tragic accident, Maggie allows Sophie, a black woman who cleans houses, to stay with her. Maggie’s friend, town busy-body, Betty, can’t help but share all this news with the town, which results in attempt to steal the watch, to take advantage of Maggie’s new-found fortune, and reveals previously unspoken prejudice and disapproval of Maggie and Sophie. "The Missing Heirloom" is a touching story told with humor about prejudice and racism in the 1950s with a positive message. Kokomo Civic Theatre is proud to present this world premiere production. Roles include: Maggie Henderson - age 50-70; Sophie DeWitt - about 35 - a black woman; Betty - 50-60, Maggie’s busy body friend; Dewayne Dewitt, Sophie’s husband, 30 - 50 - a black man; Frank Cummins, a charming opportunist who was Maggie’s former beau; Rev. Parker, a local preacher, not above taking advantage of other’s good fortune; Doyle, a likeable ne’er-do-well; Other roles: three teenage (or older) boys (one speaking) who dig out a collapsed cellar, friends of Sophie and Dewayne who attend a funeral - non speaking but sing “Amazing Grace.” Some of the roles may include singing. "The Missing Heirloom" is directed by Steve Hughes and Tonita Price. A script is on reserve at the downtown branch of the Kokomo Howard County Public Library for those wishing to review it prior to auditions.
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 on Wed., Dec. 6. No appointment needed.
Girls Who Code Book Club
Kids in third through fifth grades will read "Learn to Code and Change the World" by Reshma Saujanai and complete fun coding activities on Wed., Dec. 13, from 5-6:30 p.m. at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St. For more information call the facilitator at 765-626-0830.
Cookies with Santa
Center Township of Howard County will present Cookies with Santa on Wed., Dec. 13, from 5-7:30 p.m. Enjoy hot cocoa and cookies and get a photo with Santa himself at the Center Township community room, 213 E. Jefferson St.
AMVETS Meeting
American Veterans Post 27 will hold its monthly meeting on Wed., Dec. 13, beginning at 6 p.m. with a potluck carry-in and meet and greet. The official meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Russiaville, 260 W. Main St. All veterans with an honorable discharge, and their families, are welcome to attend. No combat required.
Manga and Anime Club
Interested in manga and anime? Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Wed., Dec. 13, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. as you watch “Spy x Family,” season one! The event takes place at the library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road. Register by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking on Events.
THURSDAY
My Five Christmas Senses
Listen to, taste, touch, and see the holiday season using your senses with stories, songs, and a craft at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s Russiaville branch, 305 Mesa Dr., on Thu., Dec. 14, from 10-10:30 a.m. This event is designed for children ages 2 and up.
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., Dec. 14, 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., Dec. 14, from 5:05-6 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.
Pajama Storytime
Dress the kids in their PJs and come celebrate the holidays with stories, singing, and a craft! Visit the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s, main branch, 220 N. Union St., on Thu., Dec. 14, from 6-7 p.m. No registration is required, however, supplies are limited to the first 50 participants.
FRIDAY
Winterfest
The Town of Greentown will hold its first Winterfest on Fri., Dec. 15, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. The event will include a Santa Trail and the lighting of Greentown’s Giving Tree. Kids can meet Santa and receive goodies. They can write Santa a letter and mail it at the special North Pole mailbox. The tree lighting takes place at 6:45 p.m. Ornaments for the tree are $5 each and can be placed in honor of a family or in memory of loved ones. Proceeds from the ornaments will be given to Eastern Schools to help local families at Christmas. Maps for the Santa Trail will be available soon.
SATURDAY
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., Dec. 16, from 11 a.m. until noon.
David's Legacy Dualcity Launch
David’s Legacy Foundation, a grassroots nonprofit organization advocating for abundant, affordable, accessible mental health care services for all individuals, will hold a Dualcity Launch Party on Sat., Dec. 16, at 5 p.m., at the Howard County Democratic Party Headquarters, 325 N. Main St., 3rd floor. Through their work, David's Legacy promotes making access to mental health care easier, addresses the lack of facilities, and provides financial support to those who face socioeconomic barriers preventing them from accessing those vital resources. Visit David's Legacy Foundation on Facebook for additional information.
Finding Nemo Jr. Auditions
Curtain Call Theatre for Children will hold auditions for its winter play, Disney-Pixar’s Finding Nemo Jr., on Sat., Dec. 16, at the Curtain Call Studio, 2114 N. Armstrong St. Auditions will be open to children ages 8-18. Sign-ups and what/how to prepare for auditions will be released at a later date. Performance dates are March 15-16, 2024, at Havens Auditorium. For additional information, visit www.kcctc.org.
COMING SOON
Holiday Hope Adoption Event
The Kokomo Humane Society is partnering with BISSELL Pet Foundation for an Empty the Shelter Holiday Hope Adoption Event, which runs through Dec. 17. Adoption fees are reduced to $50 for dogs and $20 for cats during the event. To view adoptable dogs, visit https://kokomohumane.org/adopt-a-dog/. To view adoptable cats, visit https://kokomohumane.org/adopt-a-cat/. To schedule an adoption appointment, fill out our adoption application here: https://form.jotform.com/211295814242048. Once it is approved, you will be contacted to set up an appointment. For additional information, email adoption@kokomohumane.org.
Blue Christmas Service
South Side Christian Church, 201 E Markland Ave, will have a "Blue Christmas" service on Sunday, Dec. 17, at 4 p.m. It you are struggling with grief, sadness, loneliness or are just weary of trying to be "Merry" when you are not, come worship with them as they gather together to share grief, losses and weariness with God. Come to receive comfort, light candles and receive hope around the Lord's Table. All are welcome. Please direct any questions to the church office at 765-457-9357.
Holiday Magic Romping Reindeer
Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Mon., Dec. 18, from 10-10:30 a.m., to romp like reindeer and enjoy stories, songs, and a craft. The event takes place at the library’s Russiaville branch, 305 Mesa Dr., and is designed for children ages 2 and up.
Board Game Party
The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will hold a Board Game Party on Tue., Dec. 19, from 10 a.m. until noon, at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St. Snacks and board games will be provided. This event is designed for teens and adults.
Bona Vista Winter Celebration
Bona Vista’s Early Childhood Program will hold a Winter Celebration on Tue., Dec. 19, from 6-7:30 p.m. at 1220 E. Laguna St. This free event includes cookies, cocoa, and a craft for those in attendance, along with snowball fights, reindeer games, pictures with Santa, and chances to win a giveaway prize. The community is invited to attend.
Camp Tycony Winter Camp
The Kokomo Family YMCA Winter Camp at Camp Tycony starts Dec. 20. Embark on the ultimate adventure! Register today for an unforgettable time filled with thrilling activities, new friends, and memories that will last a lifetime. This year the YMCA Winter Camp provides a range of activities, both indoor and outdoor, for everyone to enjoy. Outdoor activities include archery, hiking, sports, visiting Sandy Beach, and exploring Deadman's Hill. Indoor activities are packed with fun activities such as Christmas crafts, board games, and many more. The camp runs Dec. 20-29 (no camp on Dec. 25) from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. The cost is $30 per day for YMCA members and $35 per day for non-members. Don't miss out! Register here: https://operations.daxko.com/Online/5014/ProgramsV2/Search.mvc?category_ids=CAT27
Icelandic Holiday Adventure
Immerse yourself in the cozy, book-filled atmosphere of Jolabokaflod (Christmas Book Flood) with the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Thu., Dec. 21. Visit any KHCPL location to pick up a take-and-make craft, a felt book ornament and decorative bookmark; perfect for your snowed-in reading days. This event is designed for children ages 5-13.
Winter Solstice and Caroling
The winter solstice is a significant natural event that has influenced culture for centuries. Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Fri., Dec. 22, from 6-8 p.m., for a bonfire, live music, crafts, and caroling as they celebrate the winter solstice. This event takes place at the library’s Russiaville branch, 305 Mesa Dr., and is open to all ages.
Lights in the Airpark
The Grissom Air Museum, 1000 W. Hoosier Blvd., Peru, will host its Lights in the Airpark Christmas lights display each Thursday-Sunday from 4:30-9 p.m. continuing through Dec. 31. The park will be closed on Dec. 24-25. Admission is $9 for adults and children ages 12 and up. Children ages 6-11 are admitted for $8. Kids 5 and under attend for free. Visit indoor museum and lights display in the airpark for one price. There will be a free take-home craft for kids. Visit www.grissomairmuseum.com for additional information.
Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
Here's Hope Church, 725 E. Center Road, will host “The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols” on Sun., Dec. 24, from 5-6 p.m. Nine short Bible readings, paired with the singing of Christmas carols is a beautiful and memorable way to celebrate the Christmas holiday. Join the church for this special event. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. with cookies and hot cocoa available. Free admission. The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols started in 1880 England, and shares the story of Jesus’ birth through the broader setting of God’s plan of redemption. Here's Hope Church's version features new adaptations of hymns, carols, and songs, while the Scripture readings and prayers remain unchanged.
City of Lights Christmas Lights Display
The City of Kokomo’s Parks and Recreation Department and the Y’s Men will host the annual City of Lights Christmas light display through Dec. 31 in Highland Park. Walk or drive through the lights display, which opens nightly at dusk. Santa Claus will visit each evening at the end of the drive from 6-10 p.m. through Dec. 24. Admission to the lights display is free, but donations to the YMCA are accepted at the end of the drive.
Christmas at the Seiberling
The Howard County Historical Society will hold its Christmas at the Seiberling Opening Night Lighting Ceremony at the Seiberling Mansion and Howard County Museum, 1200 W. Sycamore St. Regular visitation hours will take place Tuesday through Sunday from 1-4 p.m. as well as on select evenings through the end of the year. Closed on Dec. 24-25. Visit www.howardcountymuseum.org for more information.
Library Game Night
Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Tue., Dec. 26, from 4-6 p.m., for an evening of laughter, strategy, and friendship at its Library Game Night at the main branch, 220 N. Union St. Bring your family and friends for a fantastic time, filled with exciting board games and endless fun! This event is designed for children ages 8-13.
Dough-tastic Creations
Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Wed., Dec. 27, from 4-6 p.m., for a hands-on adventure in play dough crafting, where you can mold, shape, and explore endless possibilities. Let your artistic talents shine in a fun and colorful environment at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St. This event is designed for children ages 3-13.
Bricktopia: Adventures in Legoland
Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Thu., Dec. 28, from 4-6 p.m. for a world of colorful bricks as they embark on exciting adventures in LEGO Land. Unleash your inner architect, and let your imagination run wild in this fun-filled, hands-on experience at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St. This event is designed for children ages 3-13.
New Year’s Wishes
Get ready to ring in the new year with the Kokomo Howard County Public Library. Make confetti poppers to ring in the New Year with a burst of joy. Create personalized boxes of wishes, filled with dreams and resolutions. Then, let your creativity soar with wand streamer crafts. This holiday craft event for children ages 6-11 will take place at the library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road, on Thu., Dec. 28, from 6-7 p.m., and at the main branch, 220 N. Union St., on Sun., Dec. 31, from 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Rhine Hall NYE
Rhine Hall, Kokomo's newest event venue, will host a New Year's Eve dinner and concert, featuring Duke Tumatoe and the Power Trio and Mike Milligan and Steam Shovel. Located at 507 N. Union St., the event begins at 7 p.m., with dinner at 7:30 p.m., and comedian Dan West will perform. At 8:30 p.m., Mike Milligan and Steam Shovel takes the stage, followed by Duke Tumatoe at 10 p.m. Tickets are $80 each and include concert admission, a barbeque dinner, party favors and snacks at the tables, and a toast at midnight. Cash bar. Must be 21 or older to attend. A party bus is available for travel to and from the event. For tickets, call 765-860-3758.
The Party: A New Year’s Eve 2023 Gala
The Party: A New Year’s Eve 2023 Gala benefiting the Gilead House will take place on Sun., Dec. 31, at The Hobson, 110 N. Washington St. This Black Tie Formal Event is presented by Fortune Companies and Sun King Brewery. The evening begins at 7 p.m. with a four-course dinner, drinks, music, dancing, and a silent auction. For tickets, call 765-459-7646 or contact Anne at hello@thehobsonkokomo.com.
Frozen Sandlot
The Frozen Sandlot will open for the season on select days through Jan. 7, 2024. This outdoor ice-skating rink will take place at Kokomo Municipal Stadium. The Frozen Sandlot is operated by Bridges Outreach, and proceeds from ticket sales benefit its programming for area students. For a full schedule of open skating times, prices, and information, visit www.frozensandlot.com.
Greentown Softball 2024
The Greentown Girls Softball League will start its Spring 2024 season with registration opening on Jan. 7, 2024, for girls seeking to join 6U, 8U, 10U, 12U, and middle school teams. Registration will close Feb. 3, 2024. To register, visit www.greentownsoftball.com . Open gyms for middle school softball players begin on Jan. 6, 2024, and on Jan. 13, 2024, for 6U-12U players. The auxiliary gym and indoor batting cages will be available each Saturday through March 2, 2024, with times to be announced.