A laser light show each night, fireworks at the closing, history exhibits, food for purchase, live music, antique and vintage vehicles and much more will fill the planned, free Celebration on the River Aug. 13 and 14 in the parking lot of Upland Columbus Pumphouse, 148 Lindsey St.
The gathering that organizers estimate could draw several thousand people is currently the largest upcoming bash to mark the Columbus Area Bicentennial. The bicentennial also has included everything from art shows to throwback activities for families at the Henry Breeding Farm.
Celebration coordinator and history buff Debra Slone said plans are coming together smoothly. Currently there are 14 booths for organizations, clubs or companies. Booths range from Daughters of the American Revolution to Hope’s one-room schoolhouse to Viewpoint Books emphasizing selling books about the area and its history.
A 20-by-100-foot tent will accommodate diners and also offer some cover in case of rain, according to Slone. She added that the local QMIX 107.3 FM radio station will be doing live remotes with historical trivia.
“We’re still throwing out attendance numbers such as 2,000 people,” Slone said, working with local businessman and philanthropist Tony Moravec, who launched the idea in the spring. “But we really don’t know what to expect because of things like COVID. We just can’t know.”
Aug. 13 will feature an abbreviated schedule from 5 to 11 p.m. with tunes at 7 p.m. from the Indianapolis-based Bigger Is Better Band followed by a laser light show.
In keeping with the event atmosphere, the band, popular at past local events as BBQ, Blues & Brew, even plans to learn the classic Osmond Brothers’ 1972 pop hit “Down By the Lazy River.”
Aug. 14 will stretch from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. with prizes, giveaways, the unveiling of artist Bobbie K Owens’ Fishing Lure Project, dancing through the decades demonstration with the local Dancers Studio Inc., the Cummins Diversity Choir, a laser light show and fireworks.
“I always have a ton of ideas,” said Slone, with a lengthy marketing background.
Upland will have food and beer for purchase, probably from an adjusted outdoor menu, according to Slone. Plus, Upland’s indoor dining will function as normal. Local Black Jewell Popcorn will provide free bags of their product to attendees part of the day Aug. 14. Slone likes the idea that historic anniversaries seem to be converging this year, including the centennial of the Bartholomew County Historical Society and the D.A.R.
Plus, August marks the 150th anniversary of the Pumphouse building, according to Slone.
“We think that’s pretty cool,” Slone said. “It puts things into perspective.”
