New Year's Celebrations: Indianapolis Indy 500 Car Drop and More Festivities

Our celebration of New Year’s continue's by sharing traditions from around the globe. And, right here in Indiana we ring in the New Year on Georgia Street with family and friends!

In the spirit of racing, Indianapolis invites race fans from around the world to join them on Georgia Street for a countdown to the New Year with a unique twist; Indy 500 Car Drop.

Before the countdown to midnight you’ll have plenty of activities to enjoy at the interactive sports zone in Entry Pavilion at Bankers Life Fieldhouse with the Pacers, Fever, Colts, Indians, Fever, Indy Eleven and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. As for music, there are plenty of parties where you can hit the dance floor or just enjoy great music and welcome in the New Year.

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis host popular New Year's events. This is a chance to end the year with a bang with a family-friendly, alcohol-free celebration in the Governor Frank and Judy O'Bannon Great Hall.  There will be face painting, stilt walkers, clowns and music throughout the evening. A balloon drop takes place at 8 p.m. which is ideal for letting the little ones to celebrate the New Year in style. 

Everyone can celebrate the New Year at parties to join in and around Downtown Indy. These are among some of the festivities to enjoy:

• The Family New Year’s Eve, Indiana State Museum
• New Year’s Eve at the Indianapolis Museum of Art
• New Year’s Eve at the Slippery Noodle Inn

What is your favorite way to ring in the New Year?

Plan Your New Year's Activities:

These are just a sample of the exciting festivities to enjoy. There are many attractions, sites, and tasty treats at local restaurants to enjoy on your visit to Indy so visit the Indianapolis Convention and Visitor's Bureau website to plan your trip.

Also visit Indianapolis Downtown Inc. at www.indydt.com for more events and news for your trip.

Photo Credits: Visit Indy

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Indianapolis Symphonic Choir Presents A Festival of Carols

The Indianapolis Symphonic Choir are preparing for the annual tradition presentation of a Festival of Carols. Tickets for the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir’s annual holiday performances are on sale now, with performances beginning this weekend.

The upcoming performances of Festival of Carols feature the 200-voice Indianapolis Symphonic Choir, which is among the largest and oldest choruses in the nation, and will be joined by the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra. This year, Festival of Carols also features two Spotlight Choirs: Center Grove High School, performing at the Schrott Center, and Avon High School performing at the Palladium. The Spotlight Choir series works to benefit high school choral music programs and achieve a balanced, complete education for young people.

Although the Symphonic Choir is best known for performing classical music, Festival of Carols features a selection of fan-favorite and traditional holiday music performed by chorus and orchestra. Tony Award-winner Alice Ripley will join the 2017 lineup at all five performances as a special guest soloist. Ripley is no stranger to Indiana; she attended DePauw University in Greencastle, Ind., and performed professionally for the first time at the Red Barn Summer Theatre in Frankfort, Ind. 

“Words barely capture the excitement I have with a star-studded cast like this for our 2017 Festival of Carols performances,” shares Artistic Director Eric Stark. “With a Tony Award-winning singer like Alice, combined plus full chorus and orchestra, the magic of the holiday season leaps off of the stage and into our audience’s hearts and memories.”

“The Symphonic Choir’s Christmas concerts have grown significantly, especially in the past 5 years,” states Executive Director Michael Pettry. “Part of the concert series’ growth stems from our strategy of using radio and television broadcasts, CDs, iTunes and other media to expand our audience reach. At the same time, it really comes down to the beauty and joy of holiday music that draws audiences to the performance. There’s nothing else like it!”

Order your Tickets To The Festival of Carols

The Indianapolis Symphonic Choir is honored to be one of the nation’s established and dynamic musical institutions. The Choir reaches in excess of 25,000 people each season with more than 25 performances and a comprehensive educational outreach program. For news about the Symphonic Choir and to order your tickets for upcoming performances visit the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir website.

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Holiday Fun At The Mooresville Victorian Christmas Celebration

Looking ahead to upcoming festivals to join in Indiana we suggest the annual Mooresville Victorian Christmas Celebration. This festive event takes place on Dec 2nd, and you'll discover a variety of handcrafted and artfully designed items for sale. Plus, there will be fun activities and refreshments to enjoy throughout the day!

Admission is free to this annual event that will includes a trolley to take you on an 8 stop tour of Downtown Mooresville shops, events, and historic buildings. Enjoy a carriage ride, sparkling white lights, music and choirs, puppet shows, food, and shopping open houses, filled with unique items and special events as well.

There will be Gingerbread House Contest and displays, along with magic shows, and entertaining games for children to enjoy. Mooresville Public Library will be the place to visit to catch the Silly Safaris with Reindeer, Christmas crafts, Indiana Dulcimer Society performance. While over at Monrovia Mudworks there will be a "Orphans & Misfits" sale, and children can paint their own clay ornament to take home.

Follow the festive events on the VictorianChristmas FaceBook Page.

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George Rogers Clark National Historical Park Honored By U.S. Mint

The United States Mint will hold its official launch ceremony for the George Rogers Clark National Historical Park quarter on Tuesday, Nov. 14 at 10:00 a.m. at the Riverfront Pavilion at 102 N 2nd St. in Vincennes, IN.   Event highlights include performances by the George Rogers Clark Fife and Drum Corps and Vogel Elementary School Choir.

The United States Mint America the Beautiful Quarters Program, a 12-year initiative that honors 56 national parks and other national sites authorized by Public Law 110-456.  Each year, the public will see five new national sites depicted on the reverses (tails sides) of the America the Beautiful Quarters.  The United States Mint is issuing these quarters in the order in which the national sites were officially established.

Before the ceremony, the United States Mint will host a coin forum on Monday, November 13, 2017, at 6:00 p.m. (ET) at the George Rogers Clark National Historical Park Visitor Center, 401 S. 2nd St., Vincennes, IN 47591.  The coin forum is an opportunity for the public to learn about upcoming coin programs and initiatives, and express their views about future coinage.

Atteding The Festivities Will Be:

Dave Motl, Acting Deputy Director, United States Mint
Suzanne Crouch, Lieutenant Governor, Indiana
Tony Goben, Regional Director, for U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly
Brenda Goff, District Director, for U.S. Senator Todd Young
Carol Jones, District Director, for U.S. Congressman Larry Bucshon
Patricia Trap, Midwest Regional Deputy Director, National Park Service
Frank Doughman, Superintendent, George Rogers Clark National Historical Park
Dan Ravellette, City Council Member, Vincennes, Indiana

United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program artist Frank Morris, designer of the George Rogers Clark National Historical Park quarter, will also attend. $10 rolls of newly-minted George Rogers Clark National Historical Park quarters will be available for exchange following the event.

Learn More About The Ceremony At The George Rogers Clark National Historical Park

For news on the United States Mint, America the Beautiful Quarters Program, and George Rogers Clark National Historical Park follow these links.

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Red Bull Air Race World Championship Heats up With Extreme Athletes

The Red Bull Air Race World Championship returns to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the season finale next weekend  - Oct. 14-15th. It's going to be a weekend filled with excitement because Red Bull athletes will be performing adrenaline-filled demonstrations throughout the event. 

Demonstrations will include such varied disciplines as motorcycle trials riding with Geoff Aaron, motorcycle street freestyle riding featuring Aaron Colton, BMX flatland riding withTerry Adams, Scott O'Brien, tricking with Bailey Payne, Adam Devenport and slacklining by Alex Mason. Keep an eye out soon for an announcement about the aerial-based athletes performing over IMS.

Most of the Red Bull athletes will perform their demonstrations in the IMS Fan Midway located behind the Northwest Vista. Performances will take place during breaks in Red Bull Air Race World Championship action.

"Everything Red Bull creates features a unique blend of energy and creativity, and this year's Red Bull Air Race weekend will be no different," IMS President J. Douglas Boles said. "These are some of the best athletes on the globe in each of their disciplines, and they're going to be performing for our fans for two straight action-packed days."

Don't Miss The Red Bull Air Race World Championship

Visit www.IMS.com to buy tickets or for more information on the Red Bull Air Race World Championship.

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Spooky Fun For Families At The Children’s Museum Guild’s Haunted House

For some fall fun in Indianapolis you must visit the Children’s Museum Guild’s Haunted House - Wicked Woods. They've been cooking up some chilling fun for families for 54 years, and it kicks off again on Oct. 7th.

This is not your typical hike in the woods. The museum’s head witches have plenty of tricks of their sleeves, and invite you to hike through the foreboding forest as you encounter campfires and caves, creatures and cabins, terrible tales and haunted trails. Grab your packs and get your gear ready!

They do have not so scary hours or IPL’s Lights-On Hours that are designed for children who scare easily. Then, there are the AAA's Frightening Hours for children and adults who dare to be scared. So, you'll have several options to celebrate the season with some spooky fun and more at the Children’s Museum!

Use this link to learn some creepy make tips.

Plan your Visit To The Children's Museum Guild's Haunted House:

Tickets are $8 at the door. All tickets are available at The Children’s Museum Box Office. Check their website for local discounts and times.

For ticket information and hours for the Children's Museum Guild's Haunted House visit https://www.childrensmuseum.org/exhibits/haunted-house.

To discover the amazing exhibits and other events to enjoy at the Children's Museum visit www.childrensmuseum.org.

Learn about the history of the Children's Museum Guild's Haunted House.

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