HOPE — One year after the COVID-19 pandemic shut down virtually all events, the town of Hope is preparing to host both new and well-established events that celebrate everything from Halloween to Christmas.
While the following activities received final approval from the Hope Town Council on Oct. 19, some will have restrictions to help prevent the virus from spreading.
Goodies, Ghosts and Goblins (Friday, Oct. 29 from 5 to 8 p.m.)
Sponsored by the Hope branch of the Bartholomew County Library, this annual Halloween event has grown so much in popularity that more than 500 kids are expected to attend. Notices for this year’s event confirm that ‘Goodies, Ghosts and Goblins’ will features ghost stories, truck or treat goodies, pumpkin painting and games.
The town will be closing Jackson Street on the north side of the town square, so the kids can safely cross going between Willow Leaves and the park.
Willow Leaves will be providing the youngsters both caramel corn and hot chocolate during the event, co-owner Vicki Tedder said.
G.L.O.W. like Sarah 5K Run (Saturday, Nov. 6 from 8 to 10 p.m.)
For over year, the Hope FFA chapter has wanted to sponsor an activity for member Sarah Taylor, who was only 15 when she died of osteosarcoma on Sept. 5, 2020. FFA has teamed up with a nonprofit created by Sarah’s parents, Chad and Kim Taylor, to sponsor the nighttime 5K run or walk. The nonprofit is called “G.L.O.W. Like Sarah.” In this case, G.L.O.W. serves as an acronym for Growth, Love, Optimism and Worship.
Participants will begin at Hauser Jr.-Sr. High School, move north into Hope, and head east toward the Moravian Cemetery. Participants should be be prepared to be sprayed with glow in the dark glitter near the cemetery before they make their way east back into the middle of the town before heading back to the finish line at Hauser. An after-event party will be held after the run and walk is completed.
Police will control traffic at the two locations along State Road 9 where the participants will cross, town marshal Matt Tallent said. In other areas of the town, 30 volunteers will be stationed to control traffic in an effort to protect the runners and walkers.
Registration will be held that evening from 5 until 7:30 p.m. inside Door 20 at Hauser. Participants are urge to wear white and carry glow stick during the event.
Christmas of Yesteryear (Friday, Nov. 19 from 5 to 8 p.m.)
Always held the Friday before Thanksgiving, Christmas of Yesteryear has traditionally become the first community event of the holiday season.
Traditional favorites include 6-foot tall Christmas cards, strolling carolers, light and music displays, a live Nativity scene and a visit from St. Nicholas.
Although the 17th annual “Christmas of Yesteryear” is returning after a one-year absence, COVID-19 is still causing a few concerns. The carriages or hay wagons that have traditionally be used to give patrons a ride back through time won’t be used this year, according to Jessica Brown of the Yellow Trail Museum, one of the event’s co-sponsors.
Instead, the character actors who portray historic figures from Hope’s past will perform their roles at the bandstand on the east side of the town square.
But organizers received a consensus from the organizers to have a Christmas tree lighting ceremony, as well as install new pre-lit garland around the bandstand.
Moravian Church Turkey Supper (Saturday, Nov. 20 from 1 to 8 p.m.)
In the past, the annual Moravian Church Turkey Supper at 202 Main St., Hope gave their patrons a choice to either dine-in or carry-out. Although last year’s event was cancelled, the event usually averages about 800 dinners.
But since COVID-19 remains a concern, the church’s Thanksgiving meal will only be available on a carry-out basis, church elder Mike Ketron said.
The church has received permission to have Locust St., which runs next to the church, closed from Main St. to Race St. from 1 p.m. until 8 p.m. to handle the anticipated traffic, Ketron said. Patrons will be routed to approach the church from the west side, so if it appears traffic is about to be backed up on State Road 9, drivers will be asked to drive through the Moravian Cemetery to keep waiting cars and trucks off the highway, he said.
After last year’s event was cancelled by the pandemic, Ketron said he believes the church will sell more meals than in recent years, due largely to the convenience factor of just picking it the meals and taking them home.
