What's Happening This Week?
Events taking place in Kokomo and Howard County from June 4-10 and beyond
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TODAY
An Artist’s Retrospective
The Kokomo Art Association hosts “An Artist’s Retrospective,” by Deb Edwards during the month of June. Visit the Kokomo Art Center in Highland Park. 525 W. Ricketts St., and be inspired by the variety and beauty of Deb’s art, including works in acrylic, airbrush art, pastel, oil and watercolor, as well as woven and ribbon art. A lifetime of her artistic talents are on display! The exhibit will run June 1-30. Hours are Thursdays through Saturdays from 1-4 p.m. Join the Association on Sunday, June 4, at 2 p.m. for an afternoon with the artist and chat with Deb about her art.
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.
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, on Sun., June 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.
MONDAY
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.
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., June 5, 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.
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.
TUESDAY
Walking Readers Club
Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Tue., June 6, as we make our minds and bodies healthier. The Walking Readers Club will meet from 8-9 a.m. at the library’s Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr., and will walk around the branch’s neighborhood.
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., June 6, from 9 a.m. until noon at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St.
Bookmobile Craft and Storytime
Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s Bookmobile at Jackson Morrow Park on Tue., June 6, from 9:30-11 a.m. for crafts and storytime. Participants can sign up for the summer reading program and check out items.
Board Game Party
The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will hold a Board Game Party at its Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr., on Tue., June 6, from 10 a.m. until noon. Snacks and board games will be offered for participants of all ages.
Drums Alive!
Build a sense of community while doing cardio at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s Drums Alive! session on Tue., June 6, from 10-10:30 a.m. The event will take place at the library’s Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr. Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Register by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking Events or by calling any KHCPL location.
Kokomo Jackrabbits
The Kokomo Jackrabbits will play a home game vs. the Lakeshore Chinooks on Tue., June 6, at Kokomo Municipal Stadium. Game time is 7:05 p.m.; For tickets, call 457-5000 or visit www.kokomojackrabbits.com.
WEDNESDAY
Community CareMobile
Community Howard Regional Health offers a Community CareMobile Walk-In Clinic Wed., June 7, 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. Standard primary care billing rates apply. Financial assistance is available for those without insurance.
Caravan of Growing Readers
Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library for a weekly adventure of friendship, kindness, and community with the Caravan of Growing Readers. Each session will feature activities involving music, STEM, and art. The next session is Wed., June 7, from 12:30-1:30 p.m. at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St.
Water Spray
The City of Kokomo’s Parks and Recreation Department and Fire Department will put on a Water Spray Day on Wed., June 7, from 1-3 p.m. at Mohr Park, 2303 Saratoga Ave. This free event is for people of all ages. Call 456-7275 for more information.
Kokomo Jackrabbits
The Kokomo Jackrabbits will play a home game vs. the Lakeshore Chinooks on Wed., June 7, 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.
Plein Air Art at IUK Gallery
Nature offers many views made for art! Stop by the IU Kokomo Art Gallery, 2300 S. Washington St., and explore the practice of plein air painting! The exhibition runs through June 22. An opening celebration will be held Wed., June 7. Visit iuk.edu for more information.
THURSDAY
Bubble Blast
Build a better bubble blower. Paint with bubble wrap, and discover bubbles in every area of the Nature Explore Outdoor Classroom at the Russiaville branch of the Kokomo Howard County Public Library, 315 Mesa Dr. This event, designed for children ages 2 and up, takes place on Thu., June 8, from 10-11 a.m.
Bi-Lingual Storytime
Introduce your child to bilingual literature at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., on Thu., June 8, from 4-5 p.m. This storytime will feature English and French. A second session will be held on Thu., June 22, and will feature English and Spanish. The experience will be interactive and high-energy and will include a snack. The event is designed for children ages 6-11.
Higher Ground in Concert
Bring a chair or blanket to the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road, on Thu., June 8, as Higher Ground performs from 6-7:30 p.m. Higher Ground plays popular music from the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s, as well as bluegrass. This event is free for all ages.
Kokomo Jackrabbits
The Kokomo Jackrabbits will play a home game vs. the Kenosha Kingfish on Thu., June 8, at Kokomo Municipal Stadium. Game time is 7:05 p.m.; For tickets, call 457-5000 or visit www.kokomojackrabbits.com.
FRIDAY
Chalk the Block
Everyone is invited to visit the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., on Fri., June 9, from 3-5 p.m. for a chalk extravaganza. Cover the parking lot and sidewalks with chalk art and let your creativity soar.
Digital Den Crafts: Custom Koozies
Keep your drinks cool all summer long with a koozie that you made yourself at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s Digital Den, 220 N. Union St. Learn how to use the Cricut Design Space to make incredible designs. This event takes place on Fri., June 9, from 4-5 p.m. and is designed for teens and adults. Register for this event by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking on Events.
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.
Purple and Gold Dinner Dance
The members of Nu Mu Nu Chapter, an Unincorporated Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., will host the Purple and Gold Seersucker Fundraiser and Spring Event on Fri., June 9, from 6-11 p.m. at The Hobson, 110 N. Washington St. This is a dinner/dance event with a live band and a DJ. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Nu Mu Nu Chapter scholarship program and the Kokomo Rescue Mission. A few tickets are still available at $65 per person or $100 for two. Additional sponsorships are available. For further information, call 765-271-6955 or email lwashi5551@aol.com.
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
Kokomo Jackrabbits
The Kokomo Jackrabbits will play a home game vs. the Kenosha Kingfish on Fri., June 9, at Kokomo Municipal Stadium. Game time is 7:05 p.m.; For tickets, call 457-5000 or visit www.kokomojackrabbits.com.
SATURDAY
Basic Genealogy for Beginners
Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Sat., June 10, from 9 a.m. until noon to receive basic genealogy instruction for those beginning their family history journey. The event will take place at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., and is designed for teens and adults. To register for this class, visit www.khcpl.org and click on Events.
Downtown Farmers Market
The Kokomo Downtown Farmers Market is located at the corner of Mulberry and Washington streets and is open Sat., June 10, from 9 a.m. to noon. Find local produce, handmade artisan items, home-baked goods and much more.
Bike Safety Rodeo
Grab your bike and helmet, or borrow one from the Kokomo Public Library, and join them as the Russiaville Police Department teaches bicycle safety on Sat., June 10, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the library’s Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr.
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. 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.
Craft Corner: Hello, Summer!
Get excited for summer by making a fun, wooden, three-tiered sign with the Kokomo Howard County Public Library. This activity takes place at the library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road, on Sat., June 10, from 1-3 p.m. To register for this event, visit https://khcpl.libnet.info/event/8309954
Dungeons and Dragons at the Library
Calling all adventurers! Escape the land of Strahd in this cooperative Dungeons & Dragons event. The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will host an evening of role-playing on Sat., June 10, from 4-10 p.m. at its main branch, 220 N. Union St. Be sure to register for this event online: https://khcpl.libnet.info/event/8557281
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.
COMING SOON
Free Mammograms
If you are uninsured or experiencing financial hardship, Advanced Medical Imaging is providing free mammograms to local women in need. Call 765-454-9729 to request an appointment. The service will continue as long as funding lasts. Also, save the date on Fri., Sept. 22, for AMI’s 2023 Breast in Show fundraising event, which underwrites the free mammograms.
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.
Creation Care Electric Vehicles 101
With the present and future growth of the electric vehicle (EV) industries in the area, many have questions and concerns about EVs. The Kokomo Area Interfaith Creation Care has invited Richard Steiner, a well-recognized expert on EVs in the central Indianapolis area, to speak on Mon., June 12, at 7 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church, 3401 S. Dixon Road. All interested individuals are welcome to come to the meeting. Kokomo Area Creation Care meetings explore the various ways we can be better stewards of the Earth. Fellowship and refreshments are available at 6:45 p.m.
Community First Free Shred Day
Community First Bank of Indiana (CFB) will host a Free Shred Day open to the community on Wed., June 14, at its Hoffer Street branch, 1308 E. Hoffer St. All are welcome to drive through the branch parking lot between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to drop off boxes of documents to be securely shredded with PROSHRED® Security. There is a limit of five boxes to be shredded per vehicle, and the event will end once the shred truck is full. Three-ring binders cannot be shredded. Donations will be welcome to support Bridges Outreach. Find the event details at CFBindiana.com/shred.
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.
Widows’ Purse Worship Celebration
Widows’ Purse, a non-profit providing support to widows in the community, celebrates its first anniversary with e worship celebration and fundraising event on Sat., June 24, in Foster Park, beginning at 2 p.m. Celebrate with Woodlands Church, Impact Life Church, and Great Faith Christian Center. There will be a silent auction and fundraiser items for a girls’ night out, families, and date night. For additional information, contact Sunah Flores-Guillaume at 765-271-4911 or by emailing widowspurse1@gmail.com.