Heritage Days’ preliminary schedule of events

Huntington at 175 years will be the theme of Heritage Days 2023, Wednesday, June 14 through Sunday, June 18. Coldwell Banker Real Estate Group, Bob Burnsworth, is the sponsor of this year’s festivities, and the official colors are navy blue, gold and red.

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. The rich history of our community will be celebrated during Heritage Days, which are coordinated by a Steering Committee of the Huntington County Chamber of Commerce.

The celebration begins with the opening of the midway carnival by Poor Jack Amusements Company on Cherry and the adjacent streets from Wednesday, June 14 through Sunday, June 18. The Little Miss Heritage Days and Junior Miss Heritage Days Pageant will take place on Wednesday, June 14 for girls five to 12 years old.

Thursday, June 15 brings the Heritage Days 54th Annual Chief of the Flint Springs Tribe Breakfast. Reservations are required by June 8 with the Chamber of Commerce, (260) 356-5300, or agarcia@huntington-chamber.com.

The Huntington Rotary Club Strawberry Feed will take place Thursday, June 15 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Huntington County Fair Grounds, 631 E. Taylor Street, Beacon Credit Union Heritage Hall (Note the location change). Strawberries, shortcake, ice cream with whipped cream will be served and tickets are available at local banks, from Rotary members or at the door. The “all you can eat” price is $6, with kids five and under eating for free.

Two car shows will be a part of Heritage Days. The Heritage Days Car, Truck, Tractor and Motorcycle Show in downtown Huntington, sponsored by MetroNet, will be held Friday evening, June 16 from 5 to 9 p.m. For information contact Chris or Erin Covey at (260) 418-8262. The second Car and Truck Show is organized by the Huntington County Disaster Team at Huntington North High School from 3 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 17. DJ Rick Smart of Smart Productions will provide music during the show. For information contact Max Kaylor (260) 224-3535.

The 59th Annual Heritage Days 2023 parade will be held Saturday, June 17 at 10 a.m. The parade proceeds from Huntington North High School, follows MacGahan Street to Jefferson Street, proceeds through the middle of downtown Huntington and completes at State Street prior to the railroad tracks due to construction at the Jefferson Street bridge.

The Heritage Days Kids Zone is Saturday, June 17, 5 to 8 p.m. at Huntington North High School. The Kids Zone will include many free fun activities including games by the Huntington City Township Public Library, bounce houses, Archery Tag and pony rides, sponsored by Novae. Other sponsors include Christian Life Tabernacle and Juergens Do-It Center. The Beacon Credit Union Pulling for Riley – Kiddie Tractor Pull will be a part of the Kids Zone. Truitt Law Offices will give away bicycle helmets while supplies last. The Indianapolis Colts’ Colts in Motion museum on wheels will also be open.

The Heritage Days Hot Air Balloon Festival will be Saturday, June 17 from 5 to 10 p.m. at Huntington North High School. DJ Rick Smart of Smart Productions will provide musical selections and announce the events. The Balloon Glow will take place Saturday evening at dark. The Huntington County Modelers will also have a display.

A Heritage Days “Bear Hunt” will be held at the Izaak Walton League, Hauenstein Road, Sunday, June 18 from 1 to 3 p.m. The event is for families and their children. Stuffed bears will be hidden throughout the club’s grounds. Families purchase a “hunting license” for each child “hunting bear” for $5. Lunch including a hot dog, chips and a drink are part of the cost. Each child can take the bear home that they find on the “Bear Hunt.”

Additional events may be added when the details are received by the Chamber. For more information about Heritage Days activities and the related forms, see the Chamber of Commerce website at, www.huntington-chamber.com.