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‘The ‘50’s: Community Strong’ Heritage Days 2018 theme

The Heritage Days Steering Committee has named the theme for the 2018 Huntington Heritage Days festivities as “The ’50s: Community Strong.”

Festivities celebrating Huntington’s 55th Heritage Days will relate to the 1950s and be held at locations throughout the community from June 20 through 24.

The 1950s in Huntington were a family-oriented time where much of the city’s activities took place in the main business district. The principal business district extended north and south with Jefferson Street as the main thoroughfare and included the adjoining streets. All of the retail shopping, restaurants, churches and activities were found here.

Community Gym, located in the former Central Elementary School, was the location of many countywide events, including basketball tournaments, dances, sock hops, concerts and more.

The 2018 Heritage Days button depicts the former YMCA, which was located at the corner of Warren and Washington streets. The YMCA was considered the community center of the 1950s in Huntington, according to a Newcomers Guide from 1951. It was the main location for youth activities and its facilities were used by many organized civic, social and religious groups of the city and county.

The Heritage Days Parade will be held June 23 beginning at 10 a.m. The theme can be carried through on parade entries in the form of local representations of the 1950s, note Huntington County Chamber of Commerce officials. A special representation from the previous 15 township schools is planned. Those interested in this special 2018 part of the parade should contact the chamber.

Participants in this year’s parade will be assessed a fee per entry. Groups are considered as one entry. This fee along with a certificate of liability insurance must be submitted along with the parade registration form.

Activities that will be a part of this year’s Heritage Days festivities include the traditional Chief of the Flint Springs Tribe Breakfast Thursday morning, June 21, and the annual Rotary Strawberry Feed on Thursday evening. A car, truck, bike and motorcycle show will take place on Friday evening, June 22, in downtown Huntington. A Sock Hop on the Courthouse lawn may also be a part of the evening.

Saturday afternoon, June 23, following the parade will bring the Fun Zone children’s activities to downtown. A hot air balloon festival will continue through the weekend with a car show and balloon glow all on Saturday at Huntington North High School.

Tours at the Historic Forks of the Wabash and tours/exhibits at the Huntington County Historical Museum will also be a part of Saturday’s festivities. JeFFFest will take place on Sunday evening, June 24, in the center block of downtown, completing the Heritage Days festivities.

Poor Jack’s Amusements will once again be the carnival of choice for 2018. Rides and activities will be located in the Cherry Street area from June 20 through June 24. Streets involved with the carnival will close on June 18 at 5 p.m. to allow for set-up.

Heritage Days is coordinated by a steering committee of the Huntington County Chamber of Commerce.

For more information, contact the Chamber at 356-5300 or visit www.huntingtoncountychamber.com.