What's Happening This Week?
Events in the Kokomo and Howard County area taking place April 16-22 and beyond
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TODAY
The Marvelous Wonderettes
Kokomo Civic Theatre presents “The Marvelous Wonderettes” on Sunday, April 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.” Showtime is 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are available online at www.kokomocivictheatre.org/tickets
World Art Day
Celebrate World Art Day with the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Sun., April 16, at 2 p.m. Local artist Jamie Lyon will share his artistic insights as participants create their own beautiful forest painting. This event takes place at the library’s Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr. Be sure to register for this event: https://khcpl.libnet.info/event/7766521
IUK Observatory Open House
Join Indiana University Kokomo for a free Observatory Open House on Sun., April 16, from 8-10 p.m. Talk about and view stars and planets through IUK’s telescope at this event. For more information, visit www.iuk.edu.
MONDAY
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 Very Early Childhood Education Center on Mon., Feb. 6, from 10-10:45 a.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!
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 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 17, 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.
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 17, 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.
Money Smarts
Get smart about money while you're still young! Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Mon., April 17, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. to explore the history of money, make spending plans, and create your own piggy bank to get started on saving! This event will take place at the library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road. Register by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking on Events.
YoungLife Kokomo
Kokomo YoungLife has just two sessions left: April 17 and May 15. Visit the Kokomo Family YMCA, 114 N. Union St., at 7:07 p.m. to take part. YoungLife is all about creating a fun, safe, and enjoyable environment for teens to experience the love of Jesus. This program is open to all Kokomo area high school students. For additional information, call Cole Brown at 765-461-4900 or e-mail him at colebraun.younglife@gmail.com.
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 18, from 9 a.m. until noon at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St.
YMCA Blood Drive
The Kokomo Family YMCA and the American Red Cross will hold a blood drive on Tue., Apr. 18, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the YMCA, 114 N. Union St. Schedule a time to donate by registering at redcrossblood.org.
Alzheimer’s Community Forum
Join the Greater Kokomo Chamber of Commerce and the Alzheimer’s Association for a listening session on Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and memory loss on Tue., April 18, at 3:30 p.m. in the Inventrek Technology Park building, 700 E. Firmin St. Share your experiences with the disease and discuss how the association can best serve the community. Register for this event by visiting www.alz.org/indiana/programs .
STEAM Mania – Kitchen Chemistry
Enjoy fun and games related to science, technology, engineering, art, and math on Tue., April 18, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St. This event is intended for children ages 6-13.
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.
Unicorn Magic
Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library as it provides a little unicorn magic on Tue., April 18. Visit the library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road, from 6:30-7:15 p.m. to make a unicorn out of Legos. This event is designed for children ages 6-13.
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 Tue., April 18, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Cross America, 840 Daniel 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., on Wed., April 19, from 9 a.m. until noon. No appointment needed.
STEAM Mania – Rube Goldberg
Children ages 8-13 will read a story inspired by Rube Goldberg and learn about the six simple machines that make life easier on Wed., April 19, from 5-6 p.m. at the Kokomo Howard County Public 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., April 19, from 6-7 p.m.
Music Trivia Night
Join the Kokomo Symphony Orchestra on Wed., April 19, for a Music Trivia Night at Sun King Kokomo, 500 N. Buckeye St. The fundraising event begins at 6:30 p.m. and will include music trivia and a live version of Name That Tune.
THURSDAY
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.
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 20, 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.
STEAM Mania
Enjoy fun and games related to science, technology, engineering, art, and math on Thu., April 20, 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 6-13.
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 20, 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 20, 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.
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
Starting a Vegetable Garden
What do you need for a vegetable garden? Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Thu., April 20, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. to learn the what, when, and where of planting vegetables from agriculture and natural resources educator Mathias Ingle. The vent takes place at the library’s Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr.
Kokomo Bobkats Basketball
The Kokomo Bobkats will play a home game against the Newfoundland Rogues on Thu., April 20, Kokomo Memorial Gymnasium, 200 N. Apperson Way. Game time is 7:05 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 $250 for lower bowl and $120 for upper bowl. Buy season tickets and merchandise anytime at 2989 S. Webster St. or by visiting www.kokomobobkats.com.
FRIDAY
Friends of the Library Book Sale
Discover new treasures at the Friends of the Library book sale. From recent bestselling novels and how-to nonfiction to DVDs and picture books, shop from a wide array of items at affordable prices. The sale is open to Friends members on Fri., April 21, from noon until 5 p.m. at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St. The public is welcome to participate on Sat., April 22, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Kokomo Grand Prix
The Kokomo Speedway, 2455 N. Davis Road, will host the Kokomo Grand Prix USAC National Midgets and Sprint Cars event on Fri., April 21, and Sat. April 22. Gates open at 3 p.m. Hot laps start at 6 p.m., and racing begins at 7:30 p.m. each evening. General admission is $12. Pit passes are $35. Children ages 12 and under are admitted free.
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.
SATURDAY
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.
Drug Take-Back Event
Community Howard Regional Health and the Kokomo Police Department will hold a Drug Take-Back Event on Sat., April 22, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Community Surgery Center, 3503 S. Reed Road. Drive through at the main entrance and drop off prescriptions, over the counter pills, liquid medications, vitamins, and pet medicines. The drop-off cannot accept mercury, chemotherapy drugs, radioactive substances, oxygen containers, pressurized containers or inhalers, or illicit drugs. The National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day addresses a crucial public safety and health issue. According to the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 8.7 million people misused prescription pain relievers in the past year. The study showed that a majority of abused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet. The DEA’s Take-Back Day events provide an opportunity for Americans to prevent drug addiction and overdose deaths. Proper disposal of unused drugs saves lives and protects the environment. Additionally, citizens may drop-off medications any time at the Kokomo Police Department in their prescription drop box. If you have a large quantity of medications, call 765-456-7224 to schedule an appointment.
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.
Earth Day
Get in touch with nature and celebrate Earth Day! Explore the environment by learning about climate change, calculating your carbon footprint, and creating starter plants for your pollinator garden. This event for children ages 6-11 will take place on Sat., April 22, from 11 a.m. until noon at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St.
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.
Death Cafe
Come together with fellow mortals to talk about death. Gather to eat cake, drink tea, and discuss death. Topics are wide and can vary depending on the participants involved. The Death Café will take place on Sat., April 22, from 2-5 p.m. at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road.
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.
Cream and Crimson Drag Show
Indiana University Kokomo’s LGBTQ+ Center and Kokomo Pride will host the Cream and Crimson Drag Show on Sat., April 22, from 7-9 p.m. in IU Kokomo’s Havens Auditorium, 2300 S. Washington St. This event is for patrons ages 18 and up.
Kokomo Bobkats Basketball
The Kokomo Bobkats will play a home game against the KW Titans on Sat., April 22, at Kokomo Memorial Gymnasium, 200 N. Apperson Way. Game time is 7:05 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 $250 for lower bowl and $120 for upper bowl. Buy season tickets and merchandise anytime at 2989 S. Webster St. or by visiting www.kokomobobkats.com.
COMING SOON
Hurst Piano Recital
Hurst Music Studio will hold a student piano recital on Sun., April 23, at 2:30 p.m. at Greentown Wesleyan Church, 120 N. Maple St. The recital is open to the public.
Kokomo Bobkats Basketball
The Kokomo Bobkats will play a home game against the KW Titans on Sat., April 22, at Kokomo Memorial Gymnasium, 200 N. Apperson Way. Game time is 7:05 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 $250 for lower bowl and $120 for upper bowl. Buy season tickets and merchandise anytime at 2989 S. Webster St. or by visiting www.kokomobobkats.com.
Health Resources and Immunization Fair
The Howard County Health Department will hold a Health Resources and Immunization Fair on Tue., April 25, from 4-7 p.m. at Eastern High School in the Auxiliary Gym. Enter through Door 8. Free school supplies will be given to attendees, courtesy of MDWise. Bona Vista will be on hand to share information on its Early Childhood, Early Head Start, and Keys for Kids programs. CKF Indiana will be available to review family insurance coverage. Dr. Tavel Family Eye Care will conduct free kid vision screenings. Howard County Tobacco Free will talk to parents about resources for quitting tobacco and vaping. The health department will provide vaccinations. Other participants include 4C Health, Community Howard Regional Health, Community Fairbanks Behavioral Health Howard, Indiana Health Center, Meadows Medical Center, and WIC. Enter to win a prize basket. There will be vendor givewaways, a bounce house, and free food provided by The Middle of Nowhere Food Truck. Pre-register for Parent Talks: Vaping Awareness at https://bit.ly/42KlXb7 (not required). Pre-register for vaccines: https://bit.ly/3Zgds4z (preferred, not required).
Cleaning Supplies Giveaway
South Side Christian Church, 201 E. Markland Ave., will host a Giveaway on Wed., April 26, starting at 1 p.m. Laundry baskets filled with hygiene items and cleaning supplies will be given while the quantities last. Please use the Union Street door.
Kokomo CEO Trade Show
Experience the unstoppable spirit of young adult entrepreneurs as they showcase their remarkable ventures on Wed., April 26, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Northview Church, 3409 S, 200 W, in Kokomo. Join Kokomo CEO at their trade show to witness the creativity and passion that has driven them to success. This free event is open to the public.
Western HS Color Guard Auditions
The Western Panthers Band and Guard will hold color guard auditions on Fri., April 27, from 5-7:30 p.m. in thew middle school gymnasium. Color guard is open to any students in grades 6-11. No experience is necessary. Color guard clinics also will be held on May 9, 11, 18, 23, and 25 from 5-7:30 p.m. To register, visit https://bit.ly/2023WesternColorGuard .
Eastern HS Senior Art Exhibit
The Kokomo Art Association is hosting an exhibition of art from Eastern High School senior art students now through April 28. Visit the Artworks Gallery, 210 N. Main St, during regular operating hours to view the work on display.
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.
Serving Natives, Educating Communities
Join the Kokomo Native Initiative on Sat., April 29, at 2 p.m. when it “Serving Natives, Educating Communities” at Indiana University Kokomo’s Kresge Auditorium, 2300 S. Washington St. This two-hour information session and panel discussion will cover topics, resources, and information important to Native people in Indiana. The event will also offer details about current laws and legislation. A reception will follow the event.
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.
National Day of Prayer
The National Day of Prayer will be observed locally on Thu., May 4, from noon until 1 p.m. in downtown Kokomo on the east side of the Howard County Courthouse. In the event of inclement weather, the observance will be relocated to Cross America, 840 Daniel Dr., and on Facebook Live at facebook.com/ndpkokomo.
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.
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. Proceeds will benefit Turning Point’s Reach Youth program. Register as a participant, sponsor, or vendor by visiting www.turningpointsoc.org/events .
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., May 11, 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.
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
Solidarity Blood Drive
Solidarity Community Federal Credit Union will host an American Red Cross blood drive on Fri., May 19. The event will take place at Solidarity’s 201 E. Southway Blvd. location from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. To register, visit Schedule a Blood, Platelet or Plasma Donation | American Red Cross (redcrossblood.org)
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 began 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
Humane Society Shoe Drive
Get started on your spring cleaning by gathering your gently worn, used, and new shoes. Every pair you donate will help the Kokomo Humane Society raise funds for its Pet Assistance Program. This shoe drive will run through June 15. Additional information, such as drop-off locations, will be announced soon. This program helps provide community pets with vaccines, flea prevention, id tags, microchips, and more. All donated shoes will be redistributed to microenterprise partners through Funds2Orgs, a for-profit social enterprise, and used in developing nations for impoverished people to start their own businesses.