Metamora Indiana Happenings

Inaugural Towpath 10K Dash and Fun Run

noreply@blogger.com (Jonna Asher) — Tue, 17 May 2011 01:22:00 +0000

Come one, come all to the inaugural Towpath 10k Dash and Fun Run. Metamora, IN is hosting this annual run to aid the Whitewater Canal Trail, Inc. Money collected from this event will assist in building and maintaining the trail and the Whitewater Canal Historic Site.

You can sign up online to enter.

The path is flat! You will start in the heart of Metamora, run past buildings that are on the historic registry, dash past the working grist mill, and the only working wooden aquaduct in the US.

Platted in 1838, Metamora is a step back in time. The town oozes history in every building, street, and the area surrounding it. Take a ride on the Ben Franklin, pulled by 2 Belgian horses as you are taken through the aquaduct, which built in 1848 is listed as a Civil Engineering Historic site. It is also one of the original working locks of the canal. a world-famous 1848 aqueduct which is a listed Civil Engineering Historic Site, and an original working lock on the canal.

Along the trail there are several informational stops. You can view another lock along the canal. This one is not restored. The trail goes through the woods, over the meadows and ends at the Towpath Park, next to the Grist Mill.

Whether you are running/walking or dashing on the Towpath, you will be surrounded by nature and history.

After the run, tour the town. Take in some shopping at our stores, and relax. Spend the day, but take your time in the afternoon to enjoy it all!

Metamora Indiana Music Festival 2009 Part I

noreply@blogger.com (Jonna Asher) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 00:43:00 +0000

the 2009 Metamora, Indiana Music Festival is now history. But, we still have our memories of a great, great bluegrass festival. It is hard to believe that this festival, the brain child of Metamora resident Jim Wendell, was only started 11 years ago, and draws a lot of great, bluegrass talent. There were several great bands and vocalists.

These sets included home-grown musicians like Sam and the Metamorons. They had some rousing covers of bluegrass classics. G.I. Ball's brother, Sam, came in for a surprise visit just for the festival, to the delight of all who attended.

The festival wasn't limited to just bluegrass. The audience also heard from the Shawnee Valley Dulcimer Society who had quite a few Appalachian and old-time songs in its repetoir. The band was not limited to just dulicimers, but also had fiddles, guitars and an accordion player to round out its full, rich sound. Old Carter family tunes, laced through traditional hymns, rounded the band's set.

The festival had its share of younger, extremely talented performers. Rebecca and James Elridge, a brother and sister act, gave a mix of bluegrass and show tunes. This picture was snapped during their warm-up. Even while practicing they sounded great. You would never have known by their stage presence that they were still in their teens.

One of the more eclectic acts was Brian Wallen, who entertained the crowd by playing both parts of "Dueling Banjos" on both the banjo and guitar! He continued to wow the audience by performin on banjo, guitar and fiddle. Also a songwriter, the crowd was treated to a couple of original tunes. Brian, who is 17 years old, has several CDs and is hoping to land a job in Branson, MO., after graduation.

If only the train would have passed by the festival at the appropriate times, like during "Orange Blossom Special" or "Rolling in My Sweet Baby's Arms" This list is only a partial of all the performances just on Saturday. The Metamora Music Festival is jammed packed!

Flagg Coal Co. #75 comes to Metamora, IN Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Jonna Asher) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 00:21:00 +0000

When the Flagg Coal Co. #75 comes to Metamora, IN, it is a big deal. The Flagg Coal Co. #75 is a real steam engine and is a magnificent site to see. When the steam is going full and billowing in the air, it is almost a magical transport back into time for the viewer. Couple this with a historic town like Metamora, IN and there are some magic moments.

Durig the train's visit here over the next 2 weekends, there are some special rides that any train enthusiast, history buff, or just someone who wants to take an extra special trip should take. Check the following link for times and dates. You won't be sorry!

Schedule

One of the rides will have the Circle D Rangers, which consist of marshalls, bandits, fancy ladies, and not so fancy ladies. Here is a photo of a previous trip to Metamora.

Don't forget the music festival. There will be a lot of great, home grown, toe tappin' music. This is one of the favorite festivals around. Lots of workshops, great fun, and food.

And... as always, we want to express thanks to the folks who own Flagg Coal Co. #75 for bringing the engine in, not only for another visit, but for an extra weekend!!

If you can't make it to town over the next 2 weekends, don't forget about Canal Days the first full weekend of October 2-4 and our wonderful Christmas Walk!

See you there!

Flagg Coal Co. #75 visit to Metamora, Indiana

noreply@blogger.com (Jonna Asher) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 17:00:00 +0000

From a recent visitor to Metamora, Indiana

Flagg Coal Co. # 75 comes for 3 weekends to Metamora, In.!

noreply@blogger.com (Jonna Asher) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 02:02:00 +0000

The Whitewater Valley Railroad runs several special excursions to Metamora, Indiana, during the year, as well as the normal schedule (which runs May - October). The trip from Connersville to Metamora, by rail, is noted as Indiana's most scenic 19 miles of railroad.

Regular riders know of the Wild West Train, Thomas the Tank Engine, Polar Express, and as steam engine enthusiasts know, the Railroad has also brought the Flagg Coal Steam Engine into Metamora for the past few years. This time, the Flagg Coal Steam Engine #75 returns for an extended engagement of 3 weekends!

There are several special routes for the Flagg Coal Engine #75 this year including:

Wild West Train to Dinner (Dinner will be in Laurel, IN)
Ride the Rails with Mr. Lincoln (Yep, Good Ole Abe will be along for the ride)
The Steam Engine and the Metamora Music Festival (see last blog post)
Civil War Steam Train (Really step back in time for this trip!!)

For ticket information, please visit the Whitewater Valley Railroad site.

Everyone is excited about the steam engine coming for a visit to Metamora, IN. It adds even more charm to this historic town. Come stroll through the shops in town, eat at the various restaurants, watch the mill grind corn, take a ride on the Ben Franklin III, or take a tour with the horse carriage. Close your eyes and you can step back in time.

For more detailed information regarding the Flagg Coal Co. #75, please click here.

Don't forget about Canal Days the first full weekend of October 2-4 and our wonderful Christmas Walk!

Visit our website here for more information or to contact us!

2009 Music Festival in historic Metamora Indiana

noreply@blogger.com (Jonna Asher) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 23:12:00 +0000

Summer may be coming to a close, but the fun is still going strong in Metamora, Indiana! Labor Day Weekend is a must for everyone who ever thought about coming to Metamora!

We are kicking off September with the 11th annual Labor Day Music Festival. There will be a ton of great bluegrass bands, musical instruments, fun things to do for the kids, all the while y ou can shop among the antique shops, craft stores, and tourist boutiques.

The festival is set along the Whitewater Canal, next the only working aqueduct in the United States. You can travel down the canal in the Ben Franklin III pulled by the horse team, while listening to some down home bluegrass music.

For more information, go to the official website.

The Festival’s schedule.

The Flagg Coal Steam Engine train returns to Metamora for the third year in a row. Come ride on the steam engine down the historic, beautiful railway. It’s a chance of a lifetime, one not to be missed. The train runs from Metamora, Indiana on this trip. Take a scenic mile tour aboard a real steam engine!

Don’t forget to make plans for Canal Days, the first FULL weekend of October. And, the infamous Christmas Walk starting Thanksgiving weekend and continuing every weekend through Christmas).

The Tillers Live in Metamora, Indiana. This Saturday only.

noreply@blogger.com (Jonna Asher) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 03:44:00 +0000

This Saturday, get ready for a great show. The Tillers will put on a free show at the Grist Mill in Metamora, Indiana, on Saturday, August 15. The show will start at noon with the Soggy Bottom Boys, Metamora's own bluegrass band. The Tillers will take the stage at 1 PM.

The Tillers play both traditional and progressive. They resurrect songs of America's past, touching on themes both historical and timeless. This is going to be a great show. Don't miss it!!! This is a great warm up for the Annual Labor Day Music Festival.

August Happenings in Metamora, Indiana

noreply@blogger.com (Jonna Asher) — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 19:34:00 +0000

Metamora, Indiana is gearing up for a busy, busy August.

On August 8th, is the annual Teddy Bear Tea Party. There will be games, face painting, story time, crafts, dog agility, and the kids can win prizes. They can also have a tea party!

There will be a raffle of a book bag stuffed with school supplies and goodies. Just in time for the start of school! Raffle tickets are $1 for 1 or $5 for 6. Pick up an itinerary and map at Jayne and Friends or at Cranberry Junction.

August 15th, there will be bluegrass music at the Grist Mill. The Baggy Bottom Boys (Metamora's own bluegrass band) will open the show for the tillers. Show starts around 12:00.

Also on August 15th, the cowboys return to town for a shootout along the canal. The shootout starts around 2:30. Everyone is welcome to watch and take photos.

Rounding up a fun-filled day (August 15th), there is Family Fun Night. There will be a movie shown an a big screen in front of the Banes House at 9:00PM. There will be popcorn, pop, and hotdogs. All proceeds go in a fund for this event.

August 22ne - There will be a benefit at the Firehouse for Joe Powell. They will have a silent auctions and plenty of food. It starts at 2 and the festivities will last until 8:00PM. There will be a raffle, door prizes, and baked goods. Also, there will be live music. This is a free will donation.

August 28th - Friday night fun and music. There will be open mic night down Lovers Lane at Jim Wendall's Barn. Registration starts at 6:30Pm and the music begins aroud 7:00 PM.

The STEAM ENGINE returns to town on August 28TH!!!! This year, the engine will be in town for 3 weekends. There is also a Wild West Steam Train to Dinner on the 28th only.

What a busy August. We hope you can attend at least one of these events.

Spring has sprung in Metamora

noreply@blogger.com (Jonna Asher) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 00:43:00 +0000

Spring has come to Metamora and all the colors are bright and cheery for the official 2009 season! We are getting all decked out for everyone who wants to take a short drive to Metamora.

The canal is full and the canal boat and train will start their runs this weekend.

Come on over to Metamora to see all the beautiful flowers!

We will be expecting you.

Stop by and say hi!!

Technical difficulties

noreply@blogger.com (Jonna Asher) — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 03:38:00 +0000

Due to technical difficulties, our previous blog layout, some content, map information, contact information, etc., has vanished.

If you need any information prior to when we get this all straightened out, please leave a comment on the blog.

Christmas Walk 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Metamora Town Crier) — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 03:19:00 +0000

As 2008 comes to an end, we are going into the last weekend for the Christmas Walk. Below are a few photos from scenes around town.

Safe Halloween night in Metamora

noreply@blogger.com (Jonna Asher) — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 00:22:00 +0000

The last weekend of October brings the Safe Halloween Trick or Treat evening.

The following ghouls were seen around town. They come in all shapes and sizes! An approximate count of tricksters waas some where over 700!

This weekend!

noreply@blogger.com (Metamora Town Crier) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 03:51:00 +0000

This weekend brings the last canal boat ride of the year. The canal boat will be put up for the winter. So, come on down to Metamora! You can also take a ride on the haunted canal boat available this Friday and Saturday.

We have some stores all decorated for Halloween. Saturday is Metamora's safe Halloween for all kids to come and trick or treat. The hours are 5-7PM.

But, if you come down.... watch your step. You never know where you will end up!

Fall in Metamora

noreply@blogger.com (Metamora Town Crier) — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 23:39:00 +0000

Fall is a great time to visit Metamora, Indiana. The leaves are changing and there is the old familiar nip in the air on these Autumn mornings.

Why not take a day trip and come to Metamora, hike the new trail or wander through the shops.
IF you haven't been to Metamora in a while, now is the perfect time.

Are you an activity director, organizational leader, tour group facilitator, or were just elected by 30 people to plan an outing to Metamora? If so, contact us and we will help you coordinate arrangements. This consultation is free, however, there may be a cost for carriage rides, train rides, or canal boat rides (all seasonal). With advanced notice, we can even provide a walking tour of the town, free of charge.

We want your trip to Metamora to be a great, fun-filled day. Come on over to Metamora. It's only a short drive away!

Let go of your stress and come on back where life is slower. Through October, the canal boat is still operating tours through the Aquaduct.

We would love to see you!

1838 Days and Strawberry Days

noreply@blogger.com (Metamora Town Crier) — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 14:56:00 +0000

elebrate 1838! in Metamora, Indiana, this weekend.

Saturday, June 7

Enjoy the Banjo of Papa Joe on the Ben Franklin III, leaving the Metamora dock each hour starting at 11 AM. Savor the fruits of the season at the Merchant's Association Strawberry Shortcake tent in the yard of the Bane's house on Main Street. Visit with James Whitcomb Riley and hear his Hoosier rhymes as he strolls around town. Learn from artisans in the Mill Park about the skills of another era.

At 2 PM Forget-Me-Not Historic Dancers will take to the floor of the Gazebo in the Mill Park to show and teach the dances that were popular during the mid-1800's. This unique troupe has performed at events such as TallStacks, and toured Europe. Their performance is sponsored by FCN Bank.

Sunday, June 8
Once again there is the opportunity to enjoy the Banjo of Papa Joe on the Ben Franklin III, leaving the Metamora dock each hour starting at 11 AM. Savor the fruits of the season at the Merchant's Association Strawberry Shortcake tent in the yard of the Bane's house on Main Street. Visit with James Whitcomb Riley and hear his Hoosier rhymes as he strolls around town. Learn from artisans in the Mill Park about the skills of another era.

Here's another chance for everyone to wear their Bicentennial duds, and enjoy an afternoon along the Whitewater Canal. The Gristmill, Ben Franklin III canal boat, and Whitewater Valley Railroad will all be operating on their usual schedule.

Spring in Metamora

noreply@blogger.com (Metamora Town Crier) — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 18:06:00 +0000

Spring is here in Metamora. The birds are chirping, and the colors are starting to bloom.

Take a nice drive to Metamora today and join in on a Spring celebration!

2008 Metamora Events

noreply@blogger.com (Metamora Town Crier) — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 22:01:00 +0000

Metamora has several events planned for this coming year. More are added throughout
the year, as well. Here is the current listing:

March

On March 22nd, bring the kiddies to meet the Easter Bunny. Between 12:00PM and 1:00PM (EDT) at the Gazebo, have a photo of taken with the Easter Bunny for only $5.00! Stay around because at 1:00 PM (EDT) there will be an egg hunt (separate hunts per age group).

After the egg hunt, work off those calories walking and purchasing new items from the local merchants. You can also take a spring hike on the Whitwater Trail. The trailhead starts a the Aquaduct.

May

Througout the year, the Whitewater Valley Railroad runs special trips to Metamora from Connersville. In May, the train runs every Thursday and Friday. The train leaves Connersville at 10:00AM EDT You can make reservations here.

May 11, 2008 Mothers Day Train -

Enjoy a relaxing train ride though the scenic Whitewater Valley, on your way to the historic town of Metamora. Enjoy a two hour layover before your return trip to Connersville. Train departs Connersville at 12:01 PM. Mothers ride for half fare when accompanied by a child or spouse traveling at full fare. You can make reservations here.

May 17 - Take a step back to the OLD West. Join the Delaware Rangers as they protect the Metamora-bound train every third Saturday (May through October, but excluding June). See the Marshals, Robbers, Fancy and Not-so-fancy women as you roll through the scenic countryside. Trains depart Connersville at 12:01 PM. The round trip fares for this train are $20 for adult and $10 for kids, one way fares are $15 for adults and $8 for kids. May's run will be on May 17th. You can make reservations here.

May 25, 2 p.m Walking Bridge - Come join us at a ceremony that has been held annually since the Civil War. Held on the car bridge and Whitewater Canal, this special ceremony includes flowers tossed into the canal, along with singing to honor and remember the past and present soldiers.

May 26, 2008 Memorial Day Train -

Enjoy a relaxing train ride though the scenic Whitewater Valley, on your way to the historic town of Metamora. Enjoy a two hour layover before your return trip to Connersville. Train departs Connersville at 12:01 PM. You can make reservations here.

June 2008

June 7-8 22nd Annual Strawberry Daze This annual event sponsored by the Metamora Merchants Association features our famous homemade Strawberry Shortcake! Each piece of shortcake is topped with mounds of fresh strawberries and topped with a mountain of whipped cream or ice cream. The best dessert for miles around!

June 7 and 8 Celebrate 1838 Step back in time and view how life was in 1838's Metamora. Many merchants dress in period clothing and are demonstrating time honored crafts such as candlemaking, soapmaking, woodworking, potterymaking, etc.

June 14 Metamora's 2nd Annual Red Hat Society Day. Everyone had such a great time last year, that we're doing it again. Look here for last year's recap.

Spring is coming soon to Metamora.

noreply@blogger.com (Metamora Town Crier) — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 15:07:00 +0000

The horses are spiffing up their shoes and the canal boat is getting cleaned....

The train (not this one) is all set to start running shortly.

The aquaduct is waiting for visitors.

The trailhead starts near the aquaduct. Come and get fit on the trail!

Time is slipping by - Come to Metamora SOON.

noreply@blogger.com (Metamora Town Crier) — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 20:16:00 +0000

To take in the lights and atmosphere of an 1838 Metamora Christmas, you should plan a trip in the next two weekends. Many stores will still be open this coming weekend, December 14-16. The following weekend, some stores will remain open.

Hurry to Metamora to find those one-of-a-kind gifts, or to give Santa those last few instructions!

December is here!

noreply@blogger.com (Metamora Town Crier) — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 17:06:00 +0000

Christmas Walk 2007 is well underway. The walk will continue for the next three weekends. Come down to Metamora, Indiana and enjoy an Old fashioned 1838 canal town Christmas.

The Christmas Walk has ushered in a new business, The Martindale Hotel. This new store is filled with antiques and handcrafted items. Although, we have not yet welcomed this new business or perused its offerings, rumors are that it is filled with wonderful and unique items.

Christmas Walk 2007

noreply@blogger.com (Metamora Town Crier) — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 16:04:00 +0000

The 25th Annual Christmas Walk starts November 23 and every weekend through December 16. Many shops will remain open (at least on the weekends) through the first of the year.

Santa and Mrs. Claus visit Metamora to take any last minute changes to good boys' and girls' Christmas lists. Traveling carolers wander in and out of the shops spreading Christmas cheer by singing carols.

The canal is traditionally lined with luminaries that just sparkle at night. The town is transformed into a Christmas village with millions of lights, Christmas decorations and loads of Christmas Cheer.

Step back in time and have a good, old fashioned Christmas experience this year. Travel to Metamora, IN!

Whitewater State Park Bids for Mobile Vietnam Memorial

noreply@blogger.com (Metamora Town Crier) — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 02:55:00 +0000

Whitewater bids to host Vietnam Memorial in September

If a formal request by Whitewater Memorial State Park to host the Vietnam Memorial Moving Wall is approved, the half-scale replica of the memorial that stands in our nation's capital will find a temporary home at the park in September of next year (2008).

This is the first time a state park in Indiana has offered to provide a place to display the Moving Wall, according to Bob Felix, property manager of the park and Brookville Reservoir.

Whitewater Memorial is an especially appropriate stopping point for the traveling exhibit because of its military heritage. The park, which was dedicated in 1977, was created with funds from Union, Franklin, Wayne and Fayette counties to provide a honor World War II veterans.

Because volunteers will be needed to support the effort, Felix has asked that interested organizations start planning to participate now.

"Having veterans and other volunteers lend a hand and provide financial support is key to the success of this event," Felix said.

The Moving Wall will announce the 2008 schedule this December.

All Visitors Welcome

noreply@blogger.com (Metamora Town Crier) — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 19:26:00 +0000

Everyone should come to visit Metamora! Last summer, we had a Red Hat Lady convention in town. They had a great time visiting the shops and enjoying V.I.P. treatment. Metamora welcomes all bus tours, conventions, family gatherings. What a better way to spend the weekend, or afternoon?! For information, just Email us!".

Below are a few photos of the Red Hat Day.

A nice greeting for our special friends

There were even some prizes for special events.

A good time was had by all.

November Events

noreply@blogger.com (Metamora Town Crier) — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 17:18:00 +0000

Hi everyone, come join the Merchants Association of Metamora in the first annual Chili Cookoff on November 10, 2007. Tourists and residents can sample five chili receipes for $2.00. Come hungry!

The lighting of the trees will be November 17 at the Gazebo at 6:30 PM.

The 25th Annual Christmas Walk starts November 23 and every weekend through December 16. Many shops will remain open (at least on the weekends) through the first of the year. Step back in time and have a good, old fashioned Christmas experience this year. Travel to Metamora, IN!

Hello and Welcome

noreply@blogger.com (Metamora Town Crier) — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 22:55:00 +0000

Hello, and Welcome to Metamora.info's new blog. Metamora, Indiana is a place where you can kick back and leave the worries of modern life behind. During busier months, you can take a ride on a canal boat through the only active aquaduct in the United States. You can step back in time and watch the Grist Mill grind corn into meal.