Labor Day is one signal that summer is over, but for me the end of the Columbus farmers markets is the true close of summer. Catch the last markets of the summer season Sept. 17. The Columbus City Farmers Market, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m, is located in the in the FairOaks Mall parking lot facing 25th Street. It features locally grown produce, flowers, plants, baked goods, coffee and tea, artisan breads, pulled pork sandwiches, unique crafts and more. Information: 812-378-0539. The Columbus Farmers Market, also 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., is conducted in the Cummins parking lot, Fifth and Brown streets, and features more than 90 vendors of produce, plants, flowers, homemade crafts, baked goods, popcorn, desserts, soaps, dog treats, chicken, eggs, wine, coffee and more.
I missed out on our nation’s bicentennial celebrations because, well, I hadn’t been born. I’m excited for the Hoosier State’s Bicentennial Torch Celebration, 5 to 8 p.m. Sept. 18 at the Bartholomew County Public Library, 536 Fifth St. Free event starts at 2 p.m.: Steps Through Time history exhibit, Bart the Bicentennial Bison, family centered booths on Fifth Street, food booths in library parking lot. Indiana’s Bicentennial Experience (mobile visitors center) at 4 p.m.; Columbus City Band at 4:15 p.m.; Tim Grimm Family Band at 6 p.m.; general celebration program at 7 p.m., including introduction of Bartholomew County’s Torchbearers, a children’s choir performance, cupcakes and balloons. Information: 812-379-1266 and mybcpl.org
