By Tim Arnett
WABASH,Indiana – A special Indiana Bicentennial event is being organized at Paradise Spring Park on September 24th called “A Walk Through Time: 1816 – 2016.” The event, sponsored by the City of Wabash and the Paradise Spring Park Board and being put on with the cooperation of the Wabash County History Museum, hopes to be both fun and informational as to the 200 year history of the county.
The organizer is Deanna Unger who is on the Bicentennial Torch Committee. The torch is coming through the county on Wednesday, September, 28th, from 4 to 7 pm, and a closing ceremony will take place on that day starting around 7 at Paradise Spring Park. At first, the thought was to have the “Walk Through Time” event before that Wednesday’s closing ceremony but this planned celebration has grown too large to simply hold it on a weekday. Thus, the “Walk Through Time” event will happen the previous Saturday, September 24th.
All throughout the upper level of Paradise Spring’s walkway, cedar shingles will point out the history of the county in chronological order starting with 1816. Re-enactors in costumes will be performing important historical figures and interacting with attendees. Members of Suzie Jones’ play “Light Up The Town!” will perform and be representing 1880. County Historian Ron Woodward will speak and Pastor Dave Philips will conduct an old-fashioned Quaker meeting with men and one side and women on the other of the Council House.
But Unger said that the “Walk Through Time” event will go right up to the present day and beyond. She also said that it’s not just a Wabash thing, as well. Residents from Lagro, Roann, Richvalley, North Manchester, LaFontaine, Urbana and Lincolnville. During the leisurely stroll through history, attendees can refuel on pulled pork, fry bread, kettle corn and hot dogs that will be sold by local vendors. Deanna Unger on what people can expect at the “Walk Through Time” event.
The next organizational meeting for the event will be held on Tuesday, June 21st at 5:30 pm in Paradise Spring Park at the upper pavilion. If groups are interested in volunteering for the event, they should call Deanna Unger at (260) 571-2879.