What's Happening This Week?
Events taking place in Kokomo and Howard County from Nov. 12-18 and beyond
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TODAY
Howard County Farm Toy Show
The Howard County Farm Toy Show will take place on Sun., Nov. 12, at Eastern High School, 421 S. Harrison St., from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Admission is $3, and kids 10 and under are admitted free. See the latest in farm toys, NASCAR, collectibles, and much more. Food and drinks will be available. For vendor registration, call Blake Howell at 765-438-8947. There will be a Kids Pedal Pull, beginning at 1 p.m. Donations and proceeds will go to Eastern High School Library.
Artisan Christmas Market
Heritage Farm, 4175 N. CR 1200 W, invites the community to stroll the grounds to find perfect, one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts from 25 local artisans’ booths on Sun., Nov. 12, from noon until 5 p.m. All vendors will be in heated tents or barns. Activities are planned throughout the day, including: live music; food trucks; wine, beer, or a special holiday cocktail from a mobile bar; kids’ activities; making Christmas decorations; a bonfire and s’mores; Christmas photos with Santa and/or an alpaca; a tractor-drawn wagon ride; and a visit with Santa. Feed and interact with alpacas during your visit. Admission is $10 per vehicle.
Trim-A-Tree Festival
The 30th Annual We Care Trim-A-Tree Festival is underway in the Markland Mall, 1114 S. 17th St. The festival is open during mall hours. The tree auction will be Sun., Nov. 12, at 5 p.m. Trees and wreaths will be on display until the auction begins. Vote for your favorites with donations to We Care. Free admission. Visit www.wecareonline.org/trim-a-tree for more information.
John Wayne Night
Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Sun., Nov. 12, from 6-8 p.m. for a showing of 1938 release "Overland Stage Raiders," starring John Wayne and Louise Brooks. (Republic Pictures). The movie night takes place at the library’s Russiaville branch, 305 Mesa Dr.
IU Kokomo Observatory Open House
Join Indiana University Kokomo for a free open observatory house on Sun., Nov. 12. The event begins at 7 p.m. with discussion of a current topic in astronomy, followed by viewing in the observatory, 2660 S. Washington St. This month’s discussion will focus on the Euclid mission to study dark matter and the evolution of our galaxy.
MONDAY
Hunger and Homelessness Week
Coordinated Assistance Ministries will host daily events to raise awareness of those experiencing homelessness in our community during National Hunger and Homelessness Week, Nov. 13-17. The week kicks off with an event at CAM, 625 N. Union St., on Mon., Nov. 13, at 9 a.m. Mayor Tyler Moore will give a proclamation, and the CAM facility will be open for tours. Each day, a runner will complete a 5K in honor of a segment of the homelessness population: 11/13 Families; 11/14 Youth and Young Adults; 11/15 Individuals in recovery; 11/16 Children; 11/17 Veterans. Donate in support of the population of your choice. The Community Foundation of Howard County will match your gift! Also, each day at noon, join CAM at 625 N. Union St., or on the CAM Hope Facebook homepage for daily prayer at noon. CAM’s coat giveaway will be Fri., Nov. 17, from 3-6 p.m. Please bring ID for all household members over the age of 18. Anyone under 18, will not need verification. To donate, visit camhope.org, or mail your gift to: P.O. Box 523 Kokomo, IN 46903. For more information, call 765-452-8963.
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., Nov. 13, 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 Dino Camp
Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library as it presents Dino Camp! The camp will take place each Monday in November from 10-11:30 a.m. at the library’s Russiaville branch, 305 Mesa Dr. Every camp day begins with a delightful picture book followed by sensory-rich exploration and hands-on play activities to engage your preschooler's senses, develop motor skills, and learn about dinos!
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., Nov. 13, 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.
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., Nov. 13, 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 – System of Care will hold a Nurses in Recovery Support Group each Monday at the Turning Point offices, 1234 N. Courtland Ave., from 6-7 p.m. This group is approved by the Indiana Professionals Recovery Program. For additional information, call 765-860-8365.
Carver Youth Basketball
The Carver Community Center’s Youth Basketball League is taking registrations. The cost is $90 for individual players or $450 for teams. Divisions are K-2nd grade, 3rd-5th grades, 6th-8th grades, and high school. The registration deadline is Nov. 13. For information or to register, call 765-457-9318.
Taylor Schools Coat Drive
Taylor Schools is accepting new and gently used coats of all sizes for its annual Thanksgiving Dinner event. Coats will be collected until Nov. 13. Collection sites are the Taylor High School office, the Taylor Middle School office, and the Taylor Elementary School office.
TUESDAY
Mental Health Access Days
Are you an adult struggling with anxiety, depression, or another mental health challenge? Visit the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., On Tue., Nov. 14, between 9 a.m. and noon to meet with a specialist from 4C Health.
Book Buddy Book Club
Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities - regardless of reading ability - can join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Tue., Nov. 14, from 10-11:30 a.m. to read, make friends, and have fun. The club will meet at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St. Registration is required by calling 765-626-0813.
Dinovember for Tweens
Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Tue., Nov. 14 for Dinovember for Tweens – Owl Pellet Dissection. Kids ages 8-13 will dissect owl pellets to find and sort bone fragments while they learn about food webs. The event takes place at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., from 4-6 p.m. Supplies are limited to the first 30 patrons.
Taylor Thanksgiving Dinner
The Taylor Community School Corp. presents its 4th annual community Thanksgiving Dinner on Tue., Nov. 14, from 5-7 p.m. at Taylor High School, 3750 E, CR 300 S. Join the school for a free Thanksgiving dinner, a free coat drive, free family games, and free shuttle rides from Taylor Elementary. Entry tickets are given at the door. Limit one dinner and coat per person or child. Must be present to participate. Taylor is currently accepting donations of new and gently used coats of all sizes. Donations may be dropped off at the Taylor high school, middle school, or elementary school office. For questions, call 765-453-3035.
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., Nov. 15, 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., Nov. 15, 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.
Red Ribbon Christmas Boxes
The Kokomo Rescue Mission will accept applications for its Red Ribbon Christmas Box through Nov. 28. Applicants should visit Grace United Methodist Church, 219 W. Mulberry St., at the following dates and times to make their application: Wed., Nov. 15, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. and 3-5 p.m.; Mon., Nov. 27, from 3-5:30 p.m.; and Tue., Nov. 28, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Red Ribbon Christmas boxes contain gifts for every member of the household, paper products, hygiene items, and a grocery gift card. Those applying should have with them a current government-issued photo ID, Social Security cards and birth certificates or proof of birth dates for all household members, and proof of household income.
Medicare Help
Have Medicare questions? Visit the second floor at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., on Wed., Nov. 15, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. to get answers from SHIP Medicare counselors. For more info, call Samaritan Caregivers at 765-453-7611.
Family Literacy Night
Did you know that November is National Family Literacy Month? Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Wed., Nov. 15, from 4-6 p.m. to celebrate with a Family Literacy Night. The event takes place at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St.
Well-Read and Badly-Behaved Book Club
We are well-read and badly-behaved. Are you? Yeah. We see you nodding. And hear you laughing. So, you definitely need to join us at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road, on Wed., Nov. 15, from 6-7 p.m.
YMCA Canned Food Drive
The Kokomo Family YMCA is holding a canned food drive through Nov. 15. Anyone who joins the YMCA and donates five or more canned goods at registration will have their joiner fee waived. All donations will be given to a local food pantry. To learn about the benefits of YMCA membership, visit www.kokomoymca.org/membership/
THURSDAY
Preschool Playgroup
Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Thu., Nov. 16, for a Preschool Playgroup. You and your child will enjoy activities while making new friends! Kids get to practice their social skills, and adults get to connect with other adults! Drop in any time between 10 and 11:30 a.m. at the library’s Russiaville branch, 305 Mesa Dr.
Meet the Dinosaurs
Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Thu., Nov. 16, for Dinosaur Dimensions, a “Meet the Dinosaurs” adventure. This program is designed to transport children into the prehistoric world of dinosaurs through an engaging storyline and interactive activities. The event takes place at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., from 11 a.m. until noon, at the library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road, from 6-7 p.m., and at the library’s Russiaville branch, 305 Mesa Dr., on Fri., Nov. 17, from 10-11 a.m.
Rapid Access Navigator
The Kokomo Howard County Public Library welcomes Turning Point System of Care to offer resources to support those with mental health and addiction challenges on Thu., Nov. 16, from noon until 5 p.m. No appointment is necessary. If you’re overwhelmed or simply need assistance stop by for Rapid Access Navigator Assistance at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St.
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., Nov. 16, from 4-4:50 p.m.
Teen Writers Group
The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will hold a Writers Group for teen amateur fiction writers on Thu., Nov. 16, 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.
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 main branch, 220 N. Union St., on Thu., Nov. 16, from 6-6:45 p.m. for children ages 18 months to 3 years. Your child's movements stimulate the release of chemicals in the brain to support memory and learning!
FRIDAY
SOC Breakfast Club
Turning Point System of Care will hold its monthly SOC Breakfast Club on Fri., Nov. 17, from 8:30-9:30 a.m. at Turning Point, 1234 N. Courtland Ave. Light breakfast and coffee are provided. On Nov. 17, Angela Dailey from Ball State University will speak on adolescent substance abuse. Participants will gain a general understanding and overview of the rate, frequency, and types of substance use within the adolescent population in Indiana. They will learn effective approaches to screening for substance use within the adolescent population, and they will be able to identify the key components of both prevention and treatment targets at substance use amongst adolescents. This event is free and open to the entire community.
CAM Coat Giveaway
Coordinated Assistance Ministries, 625 N. Union St., will hold its annual coat giveaway on Fri., Nov. 17, from 3-6 p.m. as part of Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. There will be sizes for the entire family. Scarves, gloves, and hats also will be available. For more information, contact Rachel McClain at 765-452-8963, ext. 1, or via email at rachel@camhope.org .
SATURDAY
Jingle Mingle Market
Enjoy shopping at the variety of booths provided by the ONE Church family and craftsmen and bakers from the greater Kokomo area. ONE Church, 2734 S. Washington St., will hold its Jingle Mingle Market on Sat., Nov. 18, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Guests may shop for holiday goodies, homemade crafts, gift and home décor items, boutique clothing and accessories, and much more!
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 Sat., Nov. 18, from 10-10:45 p.m. for children ages 18 months to 3 years. Your child's movements stimulate the release of chemicals in the brain to support memory and learning!
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., and its Russiaville branch, 305 Mesa Dr., on Sat., Nov. 18, from 11 a.m. until noon.
Jacobs School of Music at IU Kokomo
Indiana University Kokomo will welcome student performers from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music on Sat., Nov. 18. This performance of Korean music, along with the work of Mendelssohn and Schubert, will begin at 4 p.m. in Havens Auditorium, 2300 S. Washington St., and is free to the public.
COMING SOON
Jazz Quintet Concert
Kokomo Community Concerts presents the Holland & Coots Jazz Quintet, performing a delightful mix of jazz, blues, stride, boogie, pop and ragtime with energy, musicality. and humor. The group creates captivating arrangements for every taste, including The Tennessee Waltz, Blue Moon, and When You’re Smiling. The concert takes place at the Kokomo High School Auditorium, 2501 S. Berkley Road, at 2:30 p.m. Single tickets are $25. Students and children attend for free. Tickets can be purchased online at www.kokomocommunityconcerts.org; For information, visit the website or call 765-210-0686.
Preschool STEAM
Enjoy fun and games related to science, technology, engineering, art, and math on Tue., Nov. 21, from 2:30-3:30 p.m. at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St. Participants will make holiday ornaments. This event is intended for children ages 3-5.
Free Thanksgiving Dinner
South Side Christian Church, 201 E Markland Ave., will host a free Thanksgiving dinner for the community on Wed., Nov. 22. Food will be served from 5-6:30 p.m. There will be no carry-outs or delivery available. There will be prizes and free books for children. Please call the church office at 765-457-9357 with any questions.
Turkey Trot 5K
Registrations are now open for the Kokomo Family YMCA’s annual Turkey Trot 5K. Join the YMCA on Thu., Nov. 23, Thanksgiving Day. Run or walk the scenic course during this timed, family-friendly race. Every participant receives a t-shirt and a medal. Proceeds from the event benefit the YMCA’s annual funding campaign. Register now by visiting https://runsignup.com/Race/IN/Kokomo/KokomoFamilyYMCATurkeyTrot5K2021?fbclid=IwAR2KtqAN35o-wPPs3K27lYRtx1XHQHaYpPYOPwek4Xoq5QmgzzKQH37d858
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. beginning Fri., Nov. 24 and 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.
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 from Fri., Nov. 24, 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 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 Nov. 24-26, Dec. 1-3, Dec. 7-10 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.
Frozen Sandlot
The Frozen Sandlot will open for the season on select days from Nov. 24 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.
Dino-mite Crafts
Grab a friend and drop in on Sat., Nov. 25, from 3-5 p.m. for an afternoon of crafts featuring dinosaurs at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road.
Seiberling Lighting Ceremony
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., on Sat., Nov. 25, from 6-8 p.m. Tickets are $10 adults and $5 for ages 18 and under. Join Santa Claus and the Howard County Historical Society as they kick off the holiday season, inviting guests to be the first to view the Seiberling Mansion, dressed in stunning holiday splendor by volunteer community groups and individuals. 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.
Rudolph Run 5K
Runners and walkers of all ages and abilities are invited to the Kokomo-Howard County Public Library’s annual Rudolph Run, a family-friendly 5K walk and run through downtown Kokomo on Sat., Dec. 2. Doors open at 7 a.m., and the race begins at 8 a.m. Trophies will be given to the fastest runners, fastest walkers, and fastest stroller. The event will include reindeer games and a costume contest, so all participants are encouraged to wear holiday garb for a chance to win a prize. Prizes will be given to the best adult, child, and dog costumes. Registration is now open and can be done online at https://runsignup.com/Race/IN/Kokomo/KHCPLRUDOLPHFAMILYFUN5KRUNWALK . The cost is $25 for adults, $15 for those 12 to 17 years old, and free for children 0 to 11 years old. Well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome. Packet pick-up will be Thursday, Nov. 30, Friday, Dec. 1, and Saturday, Dec. 2, before the event. For more information, contact Kayla Skiles at kskiles@khcpl.org.
City of Kokomo Christmas Parade
The 2023 City of Kokomo Christmas Parade will be held in downtown on Sat., Dec. 2. The courthouse area closes to traffic at 3:30 p.m. The parade route will be restricted at 4:30 p.m. The event will feature carolers, train rides, live reindeer and more from 4:30-6 p.m. A tree lighting ceremony takes place at 6 p.m., and the parade begins at 6:30 p.m. For information about parade entries, becoming a vendor, or sponsorship opportunities, visit www.cityofkokomo.org or email dtrine@cityofkokomo.org.
Kokomo Symphony Christmas Concert
Looking for a way to warm up this winter? The Kokomo Symphony Orchestra will perform its annual Christmas concert on Sun., Dec. 3, at 3 p.m. at Grace United Methodist Church, 219 W. Mulberry St. Join them for an evening of heartwarming melodies and holiday cheer, led by Maestro Jose Valencia. Tickets are $25 each. Tickets for college students are $5 with ID. Students in K-12 and young children are admitted free. For additional information, call 765-236-0251 or visit www.kokomosymphony.net .
Intro to Microsoft Office 365
Ivy Tech Community College Kokomo will host an Intro to Microsoft Office 365 virtual class on Dec. 5-6 from 8 a.m. until noon each day. Classes are $125. For more information, contact Bonnie at Bdevers3@ivytech.edu .
Battle of the Christmas Cookies
Join Kokomo Urban Outreach on Fri., Dec. 8, for the Battle of the Christmas Cookies, a cooking competition for all ages. Businesses and individuals of all ages can enter their favorite Christmas cookie in the competition for prizes and bragging rights. And Santa will make an appearance, too. The battle will take place at Northside Village Church, 2419 N. Locke St., from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. Each entry in the competition costs $10 and requires the preparation of three and a half dozen cookies, which will be available for purchase by the dozen and used for judging. Each baker can enter as many recipes as they’d like for the competition. To participate in the competition, visit https://www.kokomourbanoutreach.org/how-to-help-1 .
Habitat for Humanity Framing Day
Habitat for Humanity Kokomo invites the community to Framing Day 2023 for the newest partner family house at 1417 N. Wabash Ave. on Sat., Dec. 9, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Framing Day is the largest day in the build process, and many hands are needed on deck. Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age and wear closed toe shoes to help with manual labor. Each volunteer will be asked to sign a waiver. If you have one on file already for the 2023 year, you will not be asked to sign another. If you have your own tools that you would like to bring to volunteer, Habitat encourages you to label your items with your name. Habitat For Humanity Kokomo will provide food on Framing Day for volunteers. To volunteer or donate food for this day or any other build day in this process, please call the Habitat for Humanity at (765) 452-2185.