Vibrant Communities

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Vibrant Communities

Vibrant Communities is a movement in Elkhart County that champions quality of place as a critical driver of economic growth. "How do we know that?

You’ve no doubt noticed the work we’ve put in over the past decade to improve our physical and natural environment. The Vibrant Communities, through a series of community conversations and planning sessions, has developed an Action Agenda of 77 projects, programs and policies. These items address the many areas which help build community pride and emotional attachment. By helping our area become a

n even greater place to live, work and play, we strengthen our own neighborhoods and communities, build connections and friendships, and position our area for economic growth by attracting residents and businesses. In 2017, the steering committee is prioritizing the Action Agenda items and organizing to move forward with each item. Here is a letter from our initiative's co-chairs for 2017, Arvis Dawson and Suzie Weirick,

"2017 is going to be fantastic year. Well, you’re reading this, for starters. Vibrant Communities launched with much hope in January 2016 and, with the voices of hundreds of you echoing in our ears throughout spring 2016, we have reached this moment when the possibilities for our future could not seem brighter. You packed meeting rooms to share what you loved about your hometown and what you wanted to see more of. From that came the Action Agenda. "Our beautiful downtowns and neighborhoods, from Nappanee to Middlebury, from Elkhart and Goshen to Bristol and Wakarusa, stand on the brink of some wonderful changes. Parks and trails are in the planning stages. Entrepreneurs are finding opportunity to do what they know best, in the location of their choosing. Neighbors are coming together to put in their sweat equity to make their town a more beautiful place. You helped make that happen. "Now it’s time to take the next step. Smart people are coming together for meetings, to plan workshops, to put creative energy into innovative and exciting projects — where do you see yourself helping out? We’d love for you to get involved. "Think of it as how we make a house our home. When we move into a house, we have the basics — rooms, heat, electricity, furniture — but it’s how we live in that space that gives it our personality. It feels comfortable and we want to invest more of our emotions and energy into it. "When you love where you live — your house, your neighborhood, your downtown — you want to make it better for everyone. That’s why we hope you’ll join us."

09/04/2024

The 23rd annual Middlebury Fall Festival, Sept. 6-7, celebrates the arrival of fall in the heart of downtown Middlebury! 🍂 🎃 🦃

Admission is FREE for this family-friendly event, featuring local artisans and crafters, homemade foods, and a pork chop dinner. Fireworks are at dusk on Friday, and a co****le tournament is one of Saturday's highlights. Don't miss out on great food and great fun!

Middlebury Fall Festival
Presented by the Middlebury Chamber of Commerce
🏞️: Memorial Park, 110 N. Main Street, Middlebury, IN 46540
🗓️: Sept. 6-7, 2024
📞: (574) 825-4300

Learn more about the Middlebury Fall Festival at https://bit.ly/4dCrzcf.

09/03/2024

The Sept. 6 Savor Summer Showcase, presented by Downtown Goshen and a host of wonderful community sponsors, is a 'sayonara to summertime' sampling of everything good about the warmer months! 🌶️ 🎤 🎈

Revelers of all ages are invited to this family-friendly First Fridays celebration. The streets of downtown Goshen will be alive with music and entertainment, activities for kids, shopping specials, and a summer-to-fall fashion show. Food trucks, dining specials, and shopping deals will be a part of the action too! 🌮 🍩 🍗

September First Fridays - Savor Summer Showcase
Presented by Downtown Goshen, Inc.
🏛️: Downtown Goshen, 111 E. Washington Street, Goshen, Indiana 46528
🗓️: Sept. 6, 2024
🕰️: 5-9 p.m.
☎️: (574) 203-2034
🎫: FREE

Learn more about this exciting First Fridays event at https://bit.ly/46MDiCt.

08/29/2024

"The Pumpkinvine Trail is more appealing now that it’s been completed and is fully-functional. We’re seeing so many people come out to use it for recreation. People are walking, running, hiking, biking, skating, roller skating, and skateboarding. It’s a lovely attraction, and it brings people together in our great outdoors. We’re seeing it become a regional draw, and that’s exciting."
-Brittany Short, director of Connect In Elkhart County

Read more about Brittany and the work of the Friends of the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail at https://bit.ly/4dwVl29.

08/28/2024

The fantastic River Bend Film Festival returns to the Goshen Theater, Aug. 30-31, and promises an exciting weekend of films and music! 🎥 🍿 🎬

Mark your calendars and get your single screening tickets, or your Full Access pass, TODAY! The festival also includes an Aug. 29 screening—on the campus of Goshen College—of films by Goshen College students. Don't miss this unique, annual film festival in the heart of Downtown Goshen!

The River Bend Film Festival
Presented by Goshen Theater
🏛️: Goshen Theater, 216 S. Main St., Goshen, IN 46526
🗓️: Aug. 30-31, 2024
☎️: (574) 312-3701
🎟️: Single Screening - $12-$14; All Access Festival Pass - $125-$127

Learn more about the River Bend Film Festival at https://bit.ly/3SQeF2a.

08/27/2024

August's Lerner on the Lawn event presents Dancing Queen: An ABBA Salute—Aug. 29—at Central Park, across the street from The Lerner Theatre. Dust off those bell-bottoms and come hear a high-energy ABBA tribute band fronted by a dynamic Agnetha and Frida duo! 🪩 🎶

Made possible by Friends of The Lerner Theatre, the Community Foundation of Elkhart County, and the City of Elkhart, Indiana - Municipal Government Redevelopment Commission, this will be an unforgettable evening of nostalgia, dancing, and endless summer vibes!

Lerner on the Lawn-August
Presented by Friends of The Lerner
🏛️: Across the street from The Lerner Theatre, 410 South Main St., Elkhart, IN 46516
🗓️: Aug. 29, 2024
⏰: 6 p.m.
🎟️: FREE

Learn more about this outstanding Elkhart County event at https://bit.ly/3yCI1di.

08/21/2024

Come to the 15th Taste of the Gardens at Wellfield Botanic Gardens, Aug. 25, and enjoy a gorgeous summer day at Michiana’s most beautiful outdoor location! Enjoy great music by the Whistle Pigs, and enjoy a sampling of some of the best food and drinks in the area! 🖼️ 🍤 🎶

Presented by the Elkhart County Convention and Visitors Bureau, and with support from the Elkhart Rotary Club and hundreds of community volunteers, this event attracts thousands of guests from our region each year. Watch the Gardens come alive with music and fun. Delicious bites await you!

Taste of the Gardens
🏞️: Wellfield Botanic Gardens, 1011 N. Main Street, Elkhart, IN 46514-0476
🗓️: Aug. 25, 2024
⌛: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Learn more about the 15th Taste of the Gardens at https://bit.ly/3yoDUBK.

08/20/2024

The Middlebury Riverfest, Aug. 24 at Riverbend Park, is an annual celebration of the Little Elkhart River—featuring free kayak rides, food trucks, info booths, arts and crafts for kids, a Regatta of Recyclables, and a free drawing for a kayak! 🚣🏼‍♂️ 🎉 🎨

Soarin' Hawk Raptor Rehab presents some of their education birds, and an electro-fishing demonstration helps folks learn about the creatures and species living in the river. A free movie in the park caps off the evening, and did we mention the food trucks?? 🍕 🌮 🍩 Don't miss out!

Middlebury Riverfest
Presented by Middlebury Parks and Recreation
🗓️: Aug. 24, 2024
🏞️: Riverbend Park, 511 E. Warren Street, Middlebury, IN 46540
🕰️: 3-7 PM
☎️: (574) 825-1499
🎫: Free

Learn more about the Middlebury Riverfest at https://bit.ly/3WHf5ZJ.

08/15/2024

Downtown Elkhart is ON THE RISE! With The Lerner Theatre and Elkhart Health & Aquatics—the fifth largest aquatic center in the country—as downtown centerpieces, Elkhart is entering a bold, new age!

Northwest Indiana Business Magazine has taken notice, and so should YOU. Read more about Downtown Elkhart's revival in this Aug. 2024 feature story: https://bit.ly/4djPU6J.

08/14/2024

Crossroads United Way, serving Elkhart, LaGrange & Noble Counties presents an unforgettable day of fun, creativity, and community spirit, as The Great Cardboard Boat Race returns Aug. 16. 🚣🏼 🏊🏼‍♂️ 🛶

The action begins at 11 a.m. at LaSalle Bristol Pond. This year's race—the official kick-off of the Crossroads United Way Campaign season—features 72 boats and promises a day full of activities for all ages, delicious food, and thrilling boat races!
🍣 🌭 🍔

The Great Cardboard Boat Race
🏛️: LaSalle Bristol Pond, 601 CR 17, Elkhart, IN
🗓️: August 16, 2024
⏰: Festivities begin at 11 a.m.

Learn more about The Great Cardboard Boat Race at https://bit.ly/3LOYZs6.

08/13/2024

Elkhart County Parks presents Yoga in the Park—Aug. 15 and Sept. 19 from 6-7 p.m.—at Cobus Creek County Park. Spend an hour of guided practice with a registered Yoga teacher in a relaxing and inspiring outdoor environment! 🏞️

The event is for participants ages 18 and up, and all skill levels are welcome. Participants are encouraged to dress for the weather, and to bring water and their own mats. Advance registration required.

Yoga in the Park
🏛️: Cobus Creek County Park, 30680 C.R. 8, Elkhart, IN 46514
🗓️: August 15, 2024 and Sept. 19, 2024
🕰️: 6-7 PM
🎫: $5/person

Learn more about this outstanding Elkhart County event at https://bit.ly/3yciRCi.

08/09/2024

The Elkhart Farmers Market, a function of Elkhart Parks & Recreation, has been nominated once again for the title of Indiana’s favorite farmers market! 👨🏼‍🌾 🌽 🍪

Congrats to the market's event staff and to manager Danielle Barber for their amazing and dedicated work! The market was nominated in 2023 and earned an impressive 4th Place finish in the state. Make sure to vote this year and help the Elkhart Farmers Market come out on top and secure an assortment of honors and awards! 🏆

Voters are allowed one vote per person, per day, through Aug. 11. Let's go, Elkhart County—help the Elkhart Farmers Market secure an award! Vote and share, NOW, at https://infmcp.org/discover-more/.

08/08/2024

The August Friday Fest, Aug. 9 from 5-9 p.m. in Downtown Nappanee, is a perfect event for the whole family to enjoy! 🎊 🎵 🍡

Groove to high-energy 50s and 60s music performed by Quentin Flagg, try your hand at a variety of games, and savor delicious offerings from local food vendors!

Explore unique, handmade crafts from local artisans, and find special treasures to take home. Support the charming shops and boutiques in the area, and add a touch of local charm to your evening!

August Friday Fest
Presented by the City of Nappanee
🏛️: Downtown Nappanee
🗓️: August 9, 2024
🕰️: 5-9 PM
🎟️: FREE

Learn more about Nappanee's August Friday Fest at https://bit.ly/4dfOeL6.

08/07/2024

Enjoy glamorous adventures at Barbie Weekend, Aug. 10-11, at the NIBCO Water and Ice Park Roller Rink. Skate to pop hits while enjoying Barbie-themed decorations and dazzling lighting. Embrace your inner Barbie by wearing your most stylish pink attire! 👸🏼 💃🏼 🎉

Roll through the rink with friends and family, soaking up the glamorous vibes. Don’t miss out on this fantastic weekend of skating and fashion fun!

Barbie Weekend
Presented by NIBCO Water and Ice Park and Elkhart Parks & Recreation
🏛️: NIBCO Water and Ice Park, 303 Nibco Pkwy, Elkhart, IN 46516
🗓️: Dates: Aug. 10-11, 2024

Learn more about this great Elkhart County event here: https://bit.ly/3Wq2GcG.

08/07/2024

Do you want to see Downtown Elkhart and the River District shine even brighter? Would you like to see the installation of multiple light features to make those areas more beautiful, welcoming, friendly, and safe?

A crowdfunding campaign called Downtown After Dark—led by Elkhart Festivals Inc. and underway through Sept. 28—seeks to raise $50,000. If it can raise that amount, the campaign receives a matching grant as part of the Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority's CreatINg Places program.

Funds from this campaign, if successful, will be used to install four permanent lighting displays: a lighting exhibit on Civic Plaza, lighting for the Centennial Bridge to Island Park, a 15-foot tall lighted elk sculpture downtown, and projection mapping features for some of the city’s most prominent buildings.

Be a part of this community campaign to beautify and improve Elkhart! Contribute what you can, TODAY, and play a part in a project that will charm residents and visitors for years to come.

Contribute to Downtown After Dark, and learn more about the campaign, here: https://www.patronicity.com/project/downtown_after_dark #!/.

08/06/2024

Goshen's Float Fest, Aug. 10, is a spectacular moving music festival—held on the Goshen Millrace—with live music being played from backyards, a bridge, and a floating stage! 🎵 🎊 🎸

Watch an amazing lineup of bands from your kayak, canoe, or rowboat, or park at Reith Interpretive or Shanklin and walk to each stop on the festival tour!

Float Fest, presented by The City of Goshen, Indiana
🛶: Millrace Canal Trail, 410 W. Plymouth Ave., Goshen, IN 46526
🗓️: August 10, 2024
🎟️: FREE

Find more information about Float Fest at https://bit.ly/3WcXKaZ.

08/05/2024

The Elkhart Farmers Market, a function of Elkhart Parks & Recreation, has been nominated once again for the title of Indiana’s favorite farmers market! 👨🏼‍🌾 🌽 🍪

Congrats to the market's event staff and to manager Danielle Barber for their amazing and dedicated work! The market was nominated in 2023 and earned an impressive 4th Place finish in the state. Make sure to vote this year and help the Elkhart Farmers Market come out on top and secure an assortment of honors and awards! 🏆

Voters are allowed one vote per person, per day. Help the Elkhart Farmers Market secure an award—vote and share, NOW, at https://infmcp.org/discover-more/.

08/02/2024

Elkhart County, let's vote for the the Elkhart Farmers Market! 👨🏼‍🌾 🌽 🍪

The Elkhart Farmers Market, a function of Elkhart Parks & Recreation, has been nominated once again for the title of Indiana’s favorite farmers market. The market was nominated in 2023 and earned an impressive 4th Place finish in the state. Make sure to vote this year and help the Elkhart Farmers Market come out on top and secure an assortment of honors and awards! No matter how it shakes out, congrats to the market's event staff—and market manager Danielle Barber—for doing such amazing work! 🏆

Voters are allowed one vote per person, per day. Help the Elkhart Farmers Market secure an award by voting TODAY! Vote and share at https://infmcp.org/discover-more/.

08/01/2024

The Barns at Nappanee presents The Barns Summer Market, August 2-3, featuring artisans, food trucks, community engagement projects, and a slew of fun and festive activities for all. 🎨 🎉 👨🏼‍🎨

Admission is free to the public!

The Barns Summer Market
🏛️: 1600 W. Market St, Nappanee, IN 46550
🗓️: Aug. 2-3, 2024
⏰: 10 AM - 4 PM
☎️: (574) 773-4188
🎫: FREE

Learn more about this outstanding Elkhart County event here: https://bit.ly/3LpFndF.

07/31/2024

Downtown Goshen presents a celebration of summertime and all things pickled! 🥒

The First Fridays Picklefest, this Friday from 5-9 p.m., features a variety of pickle-based specialties, a thrilling pickleball tournament on Main Street, a mechanical bull, shopping deals and promotions, fun activities for kids, and live entertainment headlined by South Bend rapper Heyzeus! 🏓 🍔 🎵

Find out what Goshen First Fridays is all about!

Picklefest: Presented by Downtown Goshen Inc.
🏛️: Downtown Goshen
🗓️: August 2, 2024
⌚: 5-9 p.m.
🎟️: FREE

Learn more about the First Fridays Picklefest here: https://bit.ly/4f3paZj.

07/31/2024

The Elkhart Farmers Market, a function of Elkhart Parks & Recreation, has been nominated once again for the title of Indiana’s favorite farmers market! 👨🏼‍🌾 🌽 🍪

Congrats to the market's event staff and to manager Danielle Barber for their amazing and dedicated work! The market was nominated in 2023 and earned an impressive 4th Place finish in the state. Make sure to vote this year and help the Elkhart Farmers Market come out on top and secure an assortment of honors and awards! 🏆

Voters are allowed one vote per person, per day. Help the Elkhart Farmers Market secure an award by voting TODAY! Vote and share at https://infmcp.org/discover-more/.

07/30/2024

“It’s been a thrill to see the Art Path grow, become an attraction, and become an entire plan for making Nappanee an arts-friendly community. Everyone, including myself, was pleasantly surprised at how this all took off...Nappanee is somewhat unique in how it supports the arts, and I’m proud to have played a role in it.”
- Jeff Stillson, Founder - Nappanee Art Path

Read more about Jeff Stillson and the Nappanee Art Path, here: https://bit.ly/3WF91C6.

07/30/2024

Big news is coming your way, downtown Elkhart!

Soon, we'll share news about a project to make Downtown Elkhart brighter, bolder, and even better. Best of all, you can help make it happen. Look for more information soon!

07/24/2024

There is still time to make great memories at the one and only Elkhart County 4-H Fair! 🎠 🎪 🎆

The Elkhart County 4-H Fair runs through July 27. Bring the whole family, and experience one of the nation's biggest and best county fairs! 🎢 🎡 🍔

2024 Elkhart County 4-H Fair
🏛️: Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds, 17746 D CR 34, Goshen, IN 46526
☎️: (574) 533-3247

Learn more, and purchase your tickets, at https://bit.ly/45LNuuI.

07/23/2024

Friends of The Lerner, a group that works to support Elkhart's The Lerner Theatre, presents Lerner on the Lawn, July 25 at 6 p.m., featuring the award-winning stage show, Nashville Crush! 🤠 🎻 🎹

Circle the date, and make sure to get out to Elkhart's Central Park for this outstanding Elkhart County musical event!

Lerner on the Lawn-Nashville Crush
Presented by Friends of The Lerner
🏛️: Central Park, 300 South Main St., Elkhart, IN 46516
🗓️: July 25, 2024
🕰️: 6 p.m.
🎫: FREE

Learn more about Lerner on the Lawn here: https://bit.ly/3L8FElb.

07/22/2024

Don't miss the Elkhart County 4-H Fair Tractor Pull, July 24-25, presented by Grand Design RV! 🚜 🚜 🚜

The Elkhart County 4-H Fair, in collaboration with the Pro Pulling League, offers three sessions of pulling action over the course of two days. Bring the whole family, and don't miss this exciting 4-H Fair tradition!

Elkhart County 4-H Fair Tractor Pull
🏛️: Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds, 17558 County Road 34, Goshen, IN 46526
🗓️: July 24-25, 2024
📞: (574) 533-3247
🎟️: General Admission $10

Read more about the Elkhart County 4-H Fair Tractor Pull at https://bit.ly/3xJN6jE.

07/18/2024

The one and only Elkhart County 4-H Fair begins tomorrow and runs through July 27. Experience nine days of fun at one of the nation's biggest and best county fairs! 🎢 🎡

Highlights include a grandstand concert series, famous food row, carnival rides, rodeo, demolition derby, PPL tractor pulls, and more. Bring the whole family to the 2024 Elkhart County 4-H Fair! 🎠 🎪 🎆

2024 Elkhart County 4-H Fair
🏛️: Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds, 17746 D CR 34, Goshen, IN 46526
🗓️: July 19-27, 2024
☎️: (574) 533-3247

Learn more, and purchase your tickets, at https://bit.ly/45LNuuI.

07/17/2024

On July 19, from 7-9 p.m., the Goshen Theater presents Free Movie Night in the Miller Auditorium! 🍿 🍭

Disney's "Strange World" (PG) is the evening's feature. Doors open at 6:15, and the bar and concession stand will be open. This event is sponsored by the Community Foundation of Elkhart County, the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County, the Indiana Arts Commission, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Goshen Theatre Presents Free Movie Night — Strange World
🏛️: Goshen Theater, 216 South Main Street, Goshen, IN 46528
🗓️: July 19, 2024
⏰: 7-9 p.m.
🎫: Admission is FREE, but donations are encouraged at the door

Learn more about Goshen Theater's Free Movie Night here https://bit.ly/4eS71xE.

07/16/2024

Premier Arts, Inc. presents Rodgers and Hammerstein’s OKLAHOMA!, July 19-21, at The Lerner Theatre. Don't miss this outstanding Elkhart County production!

Oklahoma!
Presented by Premier Arts, Inc.
🏛️: The Lerner Theatre, 410 South Main St., Elkhart, IN 46516
🗓️: July 19-21, 2024
⏰: Times vary depending on date
☎️: (574) 293-4469
🎟️: $27 (Adult), $23 (Senior), $23 (Student), $14 (Under 12)

Learn more here https://bit.ly/4cBkisk.

07/11/2024

Edit: The Hydro Hustle Adventure Race has been moved to September 21, 2024. We apologize for any confusion.

Elkhart County Parks presents the Hydro Hustle Adventure Race, September from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at River Preserve County Park! 🌞 🛶 🌼

Take in the beauty and history of the park during this biathlon-style race as you paddle, run, and compete to prove your speed on both land and water! 🏃🏼‍♀️ 🏃🏼‍♂️

Hydro Hustle Adventure Race
Presented by Elkhart County Parks
🏞️: Benton Spillway Paddle Launch, 17477 C.R. 46, New Paris, IN
🕰️: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
🎟️: $30

Learn more about this exciting and unique adventure race here https://bit.ly/4chGvf8.

07/10/2024

America's Freedom Fest, July 13 at the Goshen Municipal Airport, presents an air show, fireworks, food vendors, displays, and a morning 5K run!

Don't miss out on this exciting, family-friendly celebration! ✈️ 🍕 🏃🏼‍♂️

2024 America's Freedom Fest
🏛️: Goshen Municipal Airport, 17217 County Road 42, Goshen, IN
🗓️: July 13, 2024
🕰️: Noon-10:45 p.m.

Learn more about this outstanding Elkhart County event here https://bit.ly/4blU38m.

Address

Elkhart, IN
46514

Website

http://www.vibrantelkhartcounty.org/

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Videos

Strong Towns in Elkhart County

Thousands of people across North America are working to make their cities safe, livable, and financially resilient. Learn about the Strong Towns movement and how you can get involved in building a stronger Elkhart. Be sure to join us for a free, open-to-the-public event welcoming Strong Towns founder, Chuck Marohn, on Tuesday, March 19th @ 6:30pm at the Crystal Ballroom in downtown Elkhart. 📲REGISTER FOR FREE: https://tally.so/r/mRPy8Q

Robert Taylor_

Thank you, Robert, for your lifelong dedication to community service and volunteering. 😊 Read his entire Year of The Volunteer blog at https://vibrantelkhartcounty.org/year-of-the-volunteer-robert-taylor/.

Dwight Fish - Vibrant Communities

Elkhart Airshow volunteer, Dwight Fish, is this week's featured video volunteer! Thank you for your volunteerism, Dwight! ✈️ ❤️ Read his entire story with the link here vibrantelkhartcounty.org/dwight-fish/.

Rose Goyette - Vibrant Communities

Thank you, Rose, for enriching Elkhart County through your work as a volunteer for River Bend Film Festival, Downtown Goshen, and more! ❤️ 📽️ Read her entire feature on our website at https://vibrantelkhartcounty.org/year-of-the-volunteer.../.

Bufford Skipper - Vibrant Communities

Thank you, Bufford, for your selfless dedication to making our community a stronger and more vibrant place through your volunteer work at The Lerner Theatre and beyond! Read his entire feature here VibrantElkhartCounty.org/Year-of-the-Volunteer-Bufford-Skipper/.