food heritage
TRANSCRIPT
Fe s t iva l s
Activities
HeritageFUN
FO
OD
Events/Festivals/Activities
I N D I A N A
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PERU/MIAMI COUNTY
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Welcome to Peru/Miami County, Indiana, rich with history,breathtaking scenery and endless opportunities that will create memories tolast a lifetime. Where else could you ride an elephant, sit in the cockpit of ahistorical aircraft, see a breathtaking circus performance, play a round ofgolf, enjoy wine tasting, take in history of the Miami Indians, Cole Porterand other historic sites all in one day. Miami County is “Where the funbegins”!
The Mississinewa, Eel and Wabash rivers wind their way through MiamiCounty and offer great fishing and canoeing opportunities. These rivers aresome of the few places in Indiana where bald eagles and river otters are stilla common site.
Start your day with a stroll along our beautiful Riverwalk located on thebanks of the Wabash River in downtown Peru. If biking is more your style,take a ride on the Nickel Plate Trail, a paved scenic trail that highlightssome of Miami County’s picture perfect country side or check out the historicbike trails.
If that’s not enough, the Mississinewa Reservoir offers great hiking andhorseback riding trails as well as fishing, boating, swimming and camping.See the beautiful natural Seven Pillars and walk through history on theFrances Slocum Trail.
What better way to spend a day than on one of our four golf courses. RockHollow, Leaning Tree, Peru Municipal and Indiana Oaks are each achallenge in their own right and you won’t want to leave without a chanceto play them all. Now if it is disc golf you enjoy, we have Honey Bear Hollow,Maconaquah Park and Mississinewa Park.
People from all over the country venture to Miami County to experienceour unique festivals. Events like the Cole Porter Festival, July 4thCelebration and Soap Box Derby, Bunker Hill Festival, Hoosier Festival,Amboy Fall Fest, Converse Homecoming Days, Macy Fall Fest, Miami County4H Fair, Mexico Community Garage Sale, Oktoberfest, Chili Cookoff and ourDowntown Christmas Open House provide enjoyment for all seasons.
The Circus City Festival is a tribute to our circus heritage. For nine daysbeginning the third week of July, the children of Miami County perform featsin a three ring circus that will leave you on the edge of your seat. There arefood vendors, crafts, games and rides throughout downtown to enjoy duringCircus City week. The last day of the festival features the largest circusparade in the country.
If you are a real circus fan, you will want to visit the International CircusHall of Fame, located at the old Hagenbeck-Wallace Winter Quarters. TheHall of Fame features a circus museum full of memorabilia from many ofthe old American circuses. In the month of July, they feature a big top circuswith acts from around the world.
From May to September, we have our Farmer’s Market which offers localproduce, herbs, honey, local crafts and homemade baked goods.
Stand nose to nose with 24 legendary American aircrafts at the Grissom AirMuseum. Sit in the cockpits and learn the basics of flight and navigation.Climb the five story alert tower for a bird’s eye view of the historic planes.
If you like to get your heart racing, from April to October, come see racingat Miami County Speedway and Bunker Hill Dragstrip. In August, the SCCArace will be at Grissom.
The Miami County Museum is one of the largest in the state featuringartifacts and memories from Miami County’s beginning to our recent past.See a stage coach from movie star Tom Mix, Cole Porter’s 1955 Cadillac, aunique Miami Indian collection and much, much more. Visit Cole Porter’sbirthplace and burial site not far from the museum.
The dining and shopping opportunities in Miami County are unique.Enjoy your dinner in a vintage railroad car or a special lunch in one of ourmany family owned restaurants. Visit our apple orchards where you willfind along with row after row of apple trees, a petting zoo, gift shop andChristmas shop. In the fall, enjoy a hay ride and a bonfire with localentertainment. See how wine is made and enjoy sampling the local wines ofour region at Oak Hill Winery and also try the hard cider and wine atMcClure’s Orchard.
Enjoy a play with local talent at our Ole Olsen Theatre at the Depot. Theywill make you laugh or make you cry, but most definitely will allow you tospend the next couple of hours being entertained. Enjoy bowling at RiversideFun Center, play Bingo at the Miami Indian Headquarters or go see a movieat a new five screen state-of-the-art Roxy Movie Theater.
You can also see our PCS Fine Art gallery filled with paintings, pottery andsculptures from local artists. We have many talented artists that will amazeyou with their paintings, drawings, jewelry, pottery and so much more.
Listen to our local talent from jazz to pizzazz with our String Orchestra,the Swampwater Stompers and Tuxedo Junction or if you like somethingwith a little bit of pop or rock listen to Mark and Troy, No Identity, HollisterSkipdog and Triphammer. Now if blues is your style, then Jerome MillsBlues Band is the group for you!
Plan your next get away to Peru/Miami County, Indiana where you willfind plenty of events, activities and smiling faces and you will see why webelieve “Miami County is Where the fun begins”.
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ARTS & MUSIC
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GOLF COURSESIndiana Oaks (9) Country Club Rd., Peru . . . . . . . . . . . . 765-473-7312Leaning Tree (9) Grissom Aeroplex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 765-689-9705Peru Municipal (18) Maconaquah Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . 765-473-6806Rock Hollow (18) CR 250 West, Peru . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 765-473-6100
DISC GOLF COURSESHoney Bear Hollow Campgrounds (18)4252 W 200 N., Peru . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 765-473-4342
Maconaquah Park (18) Peru . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 765-985-3187Mississinewa State Park (24)4673 S. 635E. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 765-473-6528
PARKS/WALKWAYS/SPORTSRiver Walkway/MiamisFort West Canal at S. Fremont, PeruNickel Plate Trail Trailhead at Wallick Road, Peru
www.nickelplatetrail.orgMaconaquah Park Strawtown Pike, PeruThrush Tennis Courts corner of Benton and 3rd St.Weather permittingContact: Stanley Hall at 765-473-3081
YMCA Community CenterJanuary- December Contact: Mark Demchak at 765-472-1979www.mcymca.org
Miami Indians BINGOJanuary – DecemberContact: John Dunnagan at 765-473-9631www.miamiindians.org
Riverside Fun CenterBowling, billiards and game room765-472-3098
Skate ParkOn West Canal, East of Holman St.
Ole Olsen Memorial TheatreJanuary to DecemberThe Depot in PeruPlays, DramaContact: Sunny Holtzlander at 765-244-1347www.oleolsen.org Ballet Arts of PeruSeptember to JuneBallet Arts of PeruBallet, Tap, Jazz, Pointe, Hip HopContact: Debbie Alwine at 765-469-1711www.balletartsofperu.comPCS Fine Art GalleryJanuary to DecemberWednesdays and Fridays 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.Paintings, Pottery & SculpturesContact: Connie Cutler at 765-475-2421Peru Community OrchestraJanuary to DecemberString orchestrahttp://sites.google.com/site/perucommunityorchestra/ Roxy Movie Theater– 5 screens765-460-5322www.roxyperu.com
OrchardsDoud Orchards in Denver8971 N. State Rd. 19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 765-985-3937Open Daily from Monday – Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.Freshly picked apple varieties, pears, peaches, cider, honey, fruit butters,homemade noodles, hard candies, kettle corn, caramel apples and eventsin the fall.Hainlen Orchard* in Converse1250 E. 5588 N . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 765-395-3274Open August 1st – January 1st 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Saturday;12 noon to 5 p.m. on SundayApples, peaches, pears, apple butter and jamsWine TastingJanuary to DecemberOak Hill Winery in Converse & Bunker HillWine sampling and eventsContact: Rick Moulton at 765-395-3632Wine/Hard Cider SamplingJanuary to DecemberMcClure’s Orchard in PeruApple Blossom Festival in April/Fall Harvest in October. Wine and HardCider sampling available, petting zoo, gift shop, Christmas RoomContact: Jerry McClure at 765-985-9000
EVENTS AND FESTIVALS
RECREATION & PARKS
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NICKEL PLATE TRAIL
MIAMI COUNTYINDIANA
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Park at Walnut St.
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Miami County, Indiana
Named for the Miami Indians and organized in 1834.
County Seat: Peru
Largest City: Peru
Square Miles: 375.6
Population (2012): 36,486
Population per sq. mile: 96.4
C
Cities and Townsin Miami County
% of Population County
Amboy 381 1.0%
Bunker Hill 880 2.4%
Converse 983 2.7%
Denver 478 1.3%
Macy 206 0.6%
Peru 11,320 31.0%
Mexico 851 2.3%
Points of Interest
1 Stockdale Mill
2 McClure’s Orchard & Winery
3 Hainlen Orchard
4 Doud’s Orchard
5 Nickel Plate Trail
6 4-H Fairground
7 Int’l Circus Hall of Fame & Museum
8 Miami County YMCA
9 Peru Public Library
10 Seven Pillars
11 Cole Porter Birthplace
12 Depot/Ole Olsen Theatre
13 Miami County Museum
14 Circus City Festival/Museum
15 Miami Nation of Indians
16 Toll House
17 Mississinewa Reservoir
18 Grissom Air Museum
19 Bunker Hill Dragstrip
20 Oak Hill Winery–2 locations
21 Miller’s Cool Running Canoe
22 Peoria Fishing Site (Spillway)
23 Miami County Speedway
24 Converse Fairground
25 Cole Porter Gravesite
26 PCS Fine Art Gallery
26 Farmers Market – Seasonal
Lodging/Camping
1 Cole Porter Inn
2 Knights Inn
3 Best Western Circus City Inn
4 Skyview Motel
5 Mississinewa Reservoir
6 Honey Bear Hollow Campground
7 Woody’s Camp & Bait
8 Budget Inn
Parks/Recreation
1 Maconaquah Park
2 Noel Davis Park
3 West City Park
4 Eck Park
5 Thrush Courts
6 MiamisFort
7 River Walkway
8 Indiana Oaks Golf Club
9 Peru Municipal Golf Course
10 Rock Hollow Golf Club
11 Leaning Tree Golf Course
12 Roxy Movie Theater
13 Riverside Fun Center
14 Skate Park
Schools
1 Peru Junior High School
2 Peru High School
3 Blair Pointe School
4 South Peru School
5 Elmwood School
6 Maconaquah School
7 North Miami School
8 IvyTech Community College
9 Pipe Creek Elementary
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Miami County 4H Pancake and Whole Hog Sausage Day Last Saturday in FebruaryFrom 7 am to 7 pm at the Miami County 4H Fairgrounds.For more information, call 765-472-1921.Miami County SpeedwayApril to OctoberMiami County Fairgrounds in PeruMicro Sprint RacingContact: Norm and Julie Bailey at 765-475-9705www.miamicountyspeedway.com Bunker Hill DragstripApril to OctoberBunker Hill Dragstrip in Bunker HillDrag RacingContact: 765-689-8248www.bunkerhillrace.com Miami County Farmer’s MarketMay to SeptemberOld Firehouse at corner of Main and North Miami streetsHerbs, organic produce and plants, honey, goat soap, baked goods andlocal craftsContact: Bob Radel at 765-469-5222Grissom Air MuseumMedia Day-March 1stOpen House-April 4thOpen April-Octoberwww.grissomairmuseum.comArmed Forces DayGrissom Air MuseumMay 16thFree admission for military and their familieswww.grissomairmuseum.comMemorial DayPeru Courthouse – outside11 am – Guest SpeakersContact: 765-472-3901Grissom Air Museum-May 23-24Circus City MetricCentury Bicycle Ride1st Weekend in JuneRide distances 17, 32, 50, 65from Peru to CassvilleContact: Steve Wagner at 765-472-1289Cole Porter Festival1st or 2nd Weekend in JuneDowntown PeruMusic, Theatre, Tours, Food, Car ShowContact: 765-473-9183www.coleporterfestival.org
Converse Fair1st or 2nd weekend in JuneHarness Racing, Entertainment, Food, Truck Pull, Lawn Mower Race765-395-3256GUS Fly Inat Montgomery Aviation-PeruJune 20thPancake Breakfast 8:00-11:00Free Shuttles to Grissom Air MuseumSupport Down Syndrome of Indianawww.grissomairmuseum.comMiami County 4H Fair3rd or 4th Full Week in JuneMiami County Fairgrounds, PeruExhibits, Food, Entertainment, Tractor ShowContact: 765-472-1921www.ag.purdue.edu/counties/miamiBunker Hill Festival4th Weekend in JuneDowntown Bunker HillFood, Music, BoothsContact: 765-461-3135Relay for LifeMay or JunePeru RiverwalkJuly 4th CelebrationMaconaquah Park in PeruKid’s games, food, music, Soap Box Derby and fireworks at duskContact: 765-472-2400www.cityofperu.orgMexico Community Garage Sales1st Saturday in JulyUptown MexicoGames, food, community garage salesContact: Lester Walten at 765-985-2628Circus City Festival3rd Full Week in JulyDowntown PeruTen performances of the finest youthcircus in an air-conditioned, three-ringarena, Parade, Rides, Foodwww.perucircus.comContact: 765-472-3918E.W.C.C. Woodcarving Festival3rd Weekend in JulyBorderman Gym in ConverseWood carvers demonstrationswww.ewcc.worldpress.comContact: 765-395-3943
EVENTS AND FESTIVALS
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Amboy Fall Fest3rd Weekend in SeptemberDowntown AmboyGames, Face Painting, Bake Sale, Car Show, Parade, KaraokeContact: 765-395-7242
Cole Porter Classic5K, 15K Run and a 5K Walk1st Weekend in OctoberStart at Circus City Building, run along Nickel Plate TrailContact: Jim Yates at 765-469-5066
Oktoberfest1st Weekend in OctoberRiverwalk in PeruEntertainment, Chili Cook-off, Beer/Wine Tent,Food, kid’s activitiesContact: 765-472-1923
Veteran’s DayPeru High School11 am – Guest SpeakersContact: 765-472-3901
Grissom Air Museum Veteran’s DayNovember 7thwww.grissomairmuseum.com
Quigley Jazz Fest2nd Full Weekend in NovemberPeru High School AuditoriumSwing Choir, Vocalists, Big Band, Jazz Band, Jam SessionContact: Tom Gustin at 765-469-0905
Downtown Christmas Open House2nd or 3rd Wednesday in NovemberDowntown PeruParade, Shopping, Prizes, Food,Entertainment, Santa HouseContact: 765-472-1923
Christmas in Converse1st Thursday in DecemberConverse at Jefferson Street, 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.Converse Business Alliance – Find us on FacebookContact: Lindsay Baker at 765-517-1902
EVENTS AND FESTIVALS
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International Circus Hall of Fame3rd full week in JulyState Road 124 in PeruProfessional circus, Big Top entertainment, performing circus animals, Elephant rides, museum full of circus memorabilia www.circushalloffame.comContact: 800-771-0241Sports Car Club of America1st Weekend in AugustGrissom Aeroplex in PeruClub RacingContact: 800-770-2055“Warbird Cruise In” Car ShowGrissom Air Museum’s Air ParkAugust 1stClassic Cars and Classic Planeswww.grissomairmuseum.comConverse Town Rummage & Garage Sales1st Weekend in AugustUptown ConverseContact: 765-395-3448Denver Days FestivalThurs-Sun 2nd Weekend in AugustDowntown DenverParade, Food, Car Show, EntertainmentContact: 765-985-2341Hoosier Heritage Festival3rd Weekend in AugustMiami County Fairgrounds in PeruAn interactive event celebrating our agricultural heritage with antique tractors, engines and equipmentContact: 765-438-3835www.hoosierheritagefest.comMiami Nation of Indians: Daysat the Pillars4th Weekend in August at 7 PillarsDisplays & living history, drum/dance/songsflint knapping, crafts, food, Miami language,finger weaving, and beading.Mississinewa Triathlon2nd Weekend in SeptemberMississinewa Park in PeruSwim, Bike, Run TriathlonContact: Larry Brown at 765-473-6528Labor Day at Grissom Air MuseumSeptember 5thwww.grissomairmuseum.com
* All events and festivals are subject to change or cancellationwithout notice due to inclement weather or other unforeseencircumstances.
Photos by Peru Tribune PhotographersRob Edwards, Elaine Moore and other contributors
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