What's Happening This Week?
Events in the Kokomo and Howard County area taking place April 23-30 and beyond
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TODAY
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 West Virginia Grinders on Sun., April 23, 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.
MONDAY
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 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.
Homeschool Book Club
Homeschoolers can join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library as they read and discuss books from a variety of genres, from fiction to graphic novels. The Spring edition of the club will meet on Mon., April 24, from 10-11 a.m. at the main branch, 220 N. Union St. Call 765-626-0827 for the current booklist.
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 24, 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 24, 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.
KPRD Tennis Lessons
The Kokomo Parks and Recreation Department will hold tennis lessons in June and July for players ages 7 to adults. Registration opens on Mon., April 24. The lessons are given in two-week sessions, Monday through Thursday, and the cost is $25 per session. Session No. 1 runs June 5-8 and 12-15. Session No. 2 runs June 19-22 and 26-29. Session No. 3 runs July 3-6 and 10-13. Class times are 9-10 a.m. for ages 7-9 (beginner); 10-11 a.m. for ages 10-18 (beginner); 11 a.m. until noon for ages 10-18 (intermediate); and 5-6 p.m. for ages 18 and up (beginner/intermediate). Registrations must be turned at the KPRD office, 1402 W. Defenbaugh St. For additional information, call 765-456-7275.
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 25, from 9 a.m. until noon at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St.
Next Chapter Book Club
The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will hold a meeting of the Next Chapter Book Club on Tue., April 25, from 10 a.m. until noon at the Main branch, 220 N. Union St. Join the library for a relaxed, small group setting of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to read, learn, and make friends. Register by contacting Marsha at 765-626-0813.
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).
Unicorn Magic: Resist Painting
Use the mystical method of resist painting to create a unicorn masterpiece at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road, on Tue., April 25, from 6:30-7:15 p.m. Register by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking on Events or by visiting any KHCPL branch.
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 26, from 9 a.m until noon. No appointment needed.
PAL Spring Soccer
Online registration is now open for the Police Athletic League Spring Soccer season. The registration deadline is April 30. Sign up by visiting www.kokomopalsports.com. Registration fee is $65 and must be paid during registration. In-person registration may be completed at the PAL office, 3520 W. Boulevard, on Wed., April 26, from 10 a.m. until noon. The season begins in May and runs until the end of June. All games and practices will take place at the PAL field. Coaches are needed. Please indicate your willingness to coach when registering for the league. Three age groups will be offered: 4-5, 6-9, and 10-12, depending on numbers of registered players. A 13 and up league will be offered if enough interest is shown. Participants must be at least 4 years old by May 1. For additional information, email palsports3520@yahoo.com or by calling 765-455-2440.
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., April 26, 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.
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.
Silent Sky at The Coterie
Kokomo Civic Theatre will conduct a benefit performance of “Silent Sky,” Indiana’s entry in the five-state, Region III AACTFest, on Wed., April 26, at The Coterie, 107 W. Sycamore St. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for food and beverage purchases, and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $10, and tickets must be purchased in advance by visiting kokomocivictheatre.org/tickets or by calling 765-454-8800.
THURSDAY
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 27, 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.
Growing Readers: Little Learners
Introduce your little one to quality literature and the library in a fun, inviting way with age-appropriate activities on Thu., April 27, from 11-11:45 a.m. at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St.. This event is designed for children ages 3-5.
Growing Readers: Tiny Tykes
Introduce your little one to quality literature and the library in a fun, inviting way with age-appropriate activities on Thu., April 27, from 2-2:30 p.m. at the Very Early Childhood Education Center, 210 W. Walnut St. This event is designed for children ages 3-5.
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 27, 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 27, 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.
Western HS Color Guard Auditions
The Western Panthers Band and Guard will hold color guard auditions on Thu., 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 .
FRIDAY
Growing Readers: Tiny Tykes
Introduce your little one to quality literature and the library in a fun, inviting way with age-appropriate activities on Fri., April 28, 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.
Digital Den: Organizing Files
Learn how to organize files on your computer during the next Digital Den Tech Class on Fri., April 28, from 1-2 p.m. The Digital Den is located at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St. Feel free to bring your own device. Difficulty level: Intermediate. Register for this class by visiting https://forms.gle/cx5Shttps://khcpl.libnet.info/event/7766496GE31UqzevS4SA
IUK Baseball
Cheer on the Indiana University Kokomo Cougars baseball team as they take on the University of Rio Grande on Fri., April 28, at 3 p.m. at Kokomo Municipal Stadium. They follow up with a double-header on Sat., April 29, at noon and 3 p.m. For additional information, visit www.iuk.edu.
Egg Candling
Purdue Extension Howard County Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator Mathias Ingle will demonstrate egg candling -- using a bright light source behind the egg to show details through the shell – at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., from 4-5 p.m. on Fri., April 28.
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. Registration for this event is now closed.
Arbor Day Tree Giveaway
Stop by the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr., to pick up a free tree while supplies last on Fri., April 28, from 6-7 p.m. The branch’s seed library also will be open so you can select seeds to plant.
IUK Spring Spectacular
The Indiana University Kokomo Cougar Choir will perform its Spring Spectacular concert in Havens Auditorium, 2300 S. Washington St., on Friday, April 28, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, April 30, at 3 p.m. Free admission. This concert is family friendly and open to the public. Visit www.iuk.edu for additional information.
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.
SATURDAY
Seed and Indoor/Outdoor Plant Swap
Are you ready to get outside and plant your garden? How about planting beautiful flowers? The Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr., has an awesome Seed Library that has many types of seeds for you to choose from! Visit the library between 10 a.m. and noon on Sat., April 29, to pick up seeds and plants.
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., April 29, from 10-10:30 a.m. for children ages 18 months to 5 years. Your child's movements stimulate the release of chemicals in the brain to support memory and learning!
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 Sat., 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 presents “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.
COMING SOON
Support the Troops Ride
Region 3 ABATE of Indiana will hold a Support the Troops Ride on Sun., April 30, at We Care of Kokomo, 1700 E. Sycamore St. Sign-in starts at 11 a.m., and the ride departs at 1:30 p.m. This event is free for members and non-members alike and is open to the public. Show support for those currently serving in the military and our veterans. Put a flag on your bike or wear red, white, and blue to show your support. The route goes from We Care on Ind. 931 south to U.S. 31, U.S. 31 south to Ind. 28, Ind. 28 east through Tipton and Elwood to Ind. 37, Ind. 37 north to Ind. 22/35, Ind. 22/35 west through Greentown to Ind. 931, and Ind. 931 to We Care. For additional information, contact Scott Bowman at 260-403-2379, Brett Anderson at 765-631-7636, or Justin Kennedy at 765-438-7241.
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.
Solidarity Member Scholarship Program
Solidarity Community Federal Credit Union is accepting applications for its Member Scholarship Program until midnight on Sun., April 30. Scholarship awards will include current college students, high school graduating seniors, and individuals enrolled/enrolling into a skilled trade program or vocational training school. Recipients must be a member of Solidarity at the time the application is submitted. Solidarity will award 13, $1,000 scholarships. Click here bit.ly/3UCN1p4 to see the criteria and apply.
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 .
Russiaville VFD Open House
The Russiaville Volunteer Fire Department will hold an open house on Sat., May 6, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tour the station. See the fire trucks. Meet the local firefighters. Free popcorn, lemonade, and bottled water will be provided.
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., 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.
Veterans Appreciation Dinner
AMVETS Post 27 will hold a Veterans Appreciation Dinner on Sat., May 13, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Russiaville Main Street Christian Church, 220 Main St. Hamburgers and hot dogs will be served. All proceeds will go toward helping local veterans in Howard and surrounding counties.
Grace UMC Scholarships
Grace United Methodist Church has multiple scholarships available to Howard County residents. The Widner/Voorhis Music Education Scholarship is available to residents studying music or a related field. The Walter Mayer Ministerial Scholarship is available to residents studying in the ministry field. Applications are available at the Grace UMC office, 212 W. Walnut St., and the deadline to apply is Mon., May 15. Contact the church office at 765-457-5329 with any questions.
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 Tue., May 30. Spots will fill up quickly, so register online today by visiting https://operations.daxko.com/Online/5014/ProgramsV2/Home.mvc
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.
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
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.
Sunday in the Park Car Show
The Kokomo Automotive Museum will hold its annual Sunday in the Park Car Show on Father’s Day, Sun., June 18, in Highland Park. Dash plaques will be given to the first 100 entries. The event will include music, door prizes, food vendors, plenty of shade, and open parking. Details to follow soon.
Kokomo Pride Festival
The Kokomo Pride Festival will take place on Sat., June 24, in the 500 block of N. Buckeye St. from 2-8 p.m. Vendor spots are still available for this event. For information e-mail swilson@kokomopride.lgbt.
KAA 2023 Photo Show
The Kokomo Art Association will feature its 2023 Photo Show from July 1-29. Drop-off for works to be considered for the show is June 24. The show will take place at the Artworks Gallery, 210 N. Main St. For more information, email kokomoartassociation2014@gmail.com.
Firefighters Local 396 Charity Golf Outing
The Professional Firefighters of Kokomo Local 396 will hold its 2023 Charity Golf Outing on Sun., July 16, at the American Legion Post 6 golf course. Entry fee is $50 per player and includes food, beer, and a t-shirt. Entries are made in teams of four. The deadline for entries is July 1. Registration begins at 8 a.m. on the day of the event, which features a shotgun start at 9 a.m. Due to limited space, a team’s place is not secured until the entry fee is paid. A portion of the proceeds from this event will go to the Marty Myers Scholarship Foundation. Completed entry forms and payments may be dropped off in the office at Fire Station No. 1. For additional information, contact C.J. Guerre at 765-437-2085 or Jeremy Hillis at 765-860-8646.