Vigo County celebrates bicentennial torch arrival at park

Hartzburg

Turning 200-years-old is no small affair, as Hoosier celebrations are underway well ahead of the official day of Indiana statehood --- Dec.11. 

One local bicentennial event has wrapped up this evening at Fairbanks Park in Terre Haute, just after Sullivan County relayed the bicentennial torch to Vigo County on its journey through all 92 counties. The Bicentennial Torch Relay began in Harrison County on Sept. 9 and will make its final stop at the state capitol in Marion County on Oct. 15.

Many people gathered early at the park this evening and said they were glad to be part of the event and eager to show Indiana pride. 

Matt Hartzburg, of Indianapolis,  greeted guests outside the Bicentennial Experience  mobile museum he manages, which is packed full  -- two centuries worth, in fact -- of Indiana history and information unique to the state.  The museum is featured at many stops along the route of the Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay, making stops in many of the counties during the relay.

Hartzburg said the journey across the state is enjoyable, adding that organizers were expecting The Vigo County event to draw a large crowd. 

"There's already a lot of activity in the park this afternoon, " he said just before 5 p.m.,, as lines of visitors boarded  the museum and signed a large poster commemorating the event. There were many vendors set up around the park located on the banks of the Wabash River. Food, music, fireworks and other entertainment for all ages was available.
 
Vigo County torch bearers will relay the torch to Vermillion County representatives tomorrow morning at 9 a.m.  

According to the Terre Haute Bicentennial website, torchbearers tonight included: Mayor Duke Bennett; Pat Board; Cheri Bradley; Daniel Bradley; Clarence Crecelius* (Jennie Prewett) ; Carole Dreher; Dale Griffin* (Blake Griffin); Mother Theodora Guerin* (Sister Ann Casper) ; Janice Hawkins; Robin Heng; Patrick Martin; James Moles; Cheryl Moles; Michael Roe; Dorothy Ross; Joe Slaby; Susan Smith Roads; Daniel Tanoos; Jesse Walker; Stephen Williams; Bill Wolfe; Kim Smith ( * Denotes posthumous selection. The names in parenthesis will represent the selected torchbearers.)

For more information on the Indiana Bicentennial Celebration 2016, see: 
http://www.in.gov/ibc/
http://www.in.gov/ibc/?attachment_id=2530

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