A free-admission, blowout bicentennial outdoor celebration with food, live music and fireworks is planned Aug. 13-14 in and around the parking lot of Upland Columbus Pump House at 148 Lindsey St. along the East Fork of White River.
Organizers say the location at the 1871 structure is both ideal and historic, just a literal, short distance from where Bartholomew County officially was established.
Upland is sponsoring the event, “Celebration on the River,” conceived and funded by Moravec Realty. Community leader Tony Moravec, who owns the Upland building, said he recently began wondering if the Columbus Area Bicentennial organizers had a chance to schedule any event meant to serve as a festive party. He said he understood leaders have been hamstrung by the COVID-19 pandemic to nail down specific events at a time when so many crowd limitations still exist.
“But, by August, we’re hoping that the coronavirus will be gone and most everyone will have their (vaccination) shots,” Moravec said.
The local businessman and philanthropist knows very well how to merge history with a community party. When he unveiled his restoration of the 1900s-era Zaharakos confectionary and restaurant on June 6, 2008, on Washington Street, thousands showed up to digest both sweet memories and food.
He said he expects several thousand people for this event, too.
Moravec lightheartedly mentioned that his planned 70th birthday celebration was tabled in October because of the virus. So he chuckled and said this would give him even added reason to celebrate. He was asked if people should prepare to sing a belated “Happy Birthday” to him in August.
“Much more important than that, they can be singing ‘Happy Birthday’ to Columbus and Bartholomew County,” he said.
Debra Slone, a longtime assistant to Moravec, is the event coordinator, already making arrangements and guided by a 48-tab binder she has assembled. Moravec praised Slone’s organizational skills.
“And Debra also has a real flair for history,” he said of the woman who leads tours of the upstairs of Zaharakos.
The first day of the event tentatively will begin in the evening with music from the local pop-rock Bigger Is Better Band. The following day’s live music so far will feature local musician Andy Day’s band, Stone Carnival. Plus, other music act probably will be added to the mix, according to Slone.
Columbus resident David Maschino, known for his splashy presentations for QMIX Musical Fireworks, will handle fireworks on the evening of Aug. 14. Plans call for several tents to be set up on the Upland property in case of rain.
Slone also wants organizations, especially those willing to highlight their history, to contact her about hosting an informational booth at the celebration.
“This has been a rough year for everybody,” Moravec said. “So to have a celebration pf our history for the community late in the year is a good way to nearly end the year — and to hope that the coronavirus is finally behind us.”
Slone mentioned that she wants Columbus and Bartholomew County history to be the centerpiece.
“We don’t want this to be a party just for a party’s sake,” she said.
Ideally, she would like to include an antique car club or two amid the festivities. Upland will provide food and drinks for purchase at the event.
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"Celebration on the River" organizer Debra Slone is seeking clubs, organizations and the like with considerable histories in Bartholomew County to consider manning free information booths and highlighting their history while at the celebration Aug. 13-14 at the Upland Columbus Pump House.
Groups may contact Slone at [email protected]
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