Heritage Days: Huntington at 175 years

Huntington at 175 years will be the theme of Heritage Days 2023. Known as the “demisemiseptcentennial,” Huntington’s incorporation as a town took place February 16, 1848, 175 years ago, and Huntington received city status September 17, 1873, 150 years ago. For city status to be achieved in those years, the town was required to have 3,000 residents.

Heritage Days 2023 will be celebrated Wednesday, June 14 through Sunday, June 18. Heritage Days are coordinated by a Steering Committee of the Huntington County Chamber of Commerce. A corporate sponsor is needed for Heritage Days 2023. This sponsor receives recognition on all materials related to Heritage Days including news releases, badges, yard signs, social media and more. Those interested in sponsorship can contact the Huntington County Chamber of Commerce at (260) 356-5300 or email: skimmel@huntington-chamber.com.

The rich history of our community will be shown through Heritage Days along with a variety of other events throughout the year. These events are soon to be announced and have been organized by a committee directed by the City of Huntington.

The City of Huntington was named by Elias Murray for his Uncle Samuel Huntington, a congressman from Connecticut and signer of the Declaration of Independence. Murray served in the War of 1812 in Tennessee. After the war he moved his family north to the Dallas Township (Andrews, Indiana) area. Murray took an active part in local political affairs and laid out the county seat.

Huntington presided over the Continental Congress and was believed to be the first de-facto president of the United States in Congress Assembled when the original Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union were ratified. The thirteen original colonies formed an alliance in 1781 when this document was signed. Many historians believe it was this event that created our country and established the American presidency. The U.S. Constitution was signed July 4, 1776 and George Washington became president in 1789.

Heritage Days activities include the annual parade that will take place Saturday, June 17 beginning at 10 a.m. Huntington’s 175 year history can be carried through on parade entries in the form of representations of the events that took place or individuals who have contributed to the success of Huntington over the years. Float building is encouraged to bring our heritage to life!

Activities that will also be a part of this year’s Heritage Days festivities include the traditional Chief of the Flint Springs Tribe breakfast Thursday morning and the annual Rotary Strawberry Feed on Thursday evening. A car, truck, bike and motorcycle show will take place on Friday evening in downtown Huntington. A new event planned for this year’s celebration is a Gus Macker 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament.

Saturday afternoon following the parade will bring the Fun Zone, full of children’s activities, which will include bounce houses, free pony rides and a petting zoo, games provided by the library and more. A car show and hot air balloon festival at Huntington North High School will begin mid-day on Saturday and a balloon glow will take place on Saturday evening.

JeFFFest will take place on Sunday evening, June 18, on Franklin Street across from the Courthouse completing the Heritage Days festivities.

Poor Jack Amusements will provide the midway and carnival rides for 2023. Rides and activities will be located in the Cherry Street area from Wednesday, June 14 through Sunday, June 18. Streets involved with the carnival will close on Monday, June 12 at 3 p.m. to allow for set-up.