miami county events guide

MIAMI COUNTYEVENTS GUIDE

Parade ... Festivals ... Circus ... Activities ... Food ... Spirits

290855_Tour Events_aug 2017_1 8/9/18 2:56 PM

PERU/MIAMI COUNTYWelcome to Peru/Miami County, Indiana, rich

with history, breathtaking scenery and endlessopportunities that will create memories to last a

lifetime. Where else could you sit in the cockpit of ahistorical aircraft, see a breathtaking circus performance,

play a round of golf, enjoy wine tasting, take in history ofthe Miami Indians, Cole Porter and other historic sites all in

one day. Miami County is “Where the fun begins”!The Mississinewa, Eel and Wabash rivers wind their way

through Miami County and offer great fishing and canoeingopportunities. These rivers are some of the few places in Indiana

where bald eagles and river otters are still a common site.Start your day with a stroll along our beautiful Riverwalk located on

the banks of the Wabash River in downtown Peru. Along the Riverwalk,kids can enjoy the Miamisfort and our Skate Park. If biking is more your

style, take a ride on the Nickel Plate Trail, a paved scenic trail thathighlights some of Miami County’s picture perfect country side or checkout the historic bike trails.If that’s not enough, the Mississinewa Reservoir offers great hiking and

horseback riding trails as well as fishing, boating, swimming and camping.See the beautiful natural Seven Pillars and walk through history on theFrances Slocum Trail.

If camping is your style, check out the 4H Fairgrounds, Woody's SpillwayCamp & Bait, Honey Bear Hollow and Hidden Creek Campground.

What better way to spend a day than on one of our four golf courses. RockHollow, Leaning Tree, Peru Municipal and Indiana Oaks are each a challengein their own right and you won’t want to leave without a chance to play themall. Now if it is disc golf you enjoy, we have Honey Bear Hollow, MaconaquahPark and Mississinewa Park.

People from all over the country venture to Miami County to experience ourunique festivals. Events like the Cole Porter Festival, July 4th Celebration,Bunker Hill Festival, Hoosier Festival, Converse Harness Racing, ConverseChristmas Event, Macy Day, Miami County 4H Fair, Mexico Community GarageSale, Denver Days, Living History Day, Easter Egg Hunt. Oktoberfest/Chili Cook-off and our Downtown Christmas Open House provide enjoyment for allseasons. During our Downtown Christmas Open House, check out our storesthat are open late, listen to great music, enjoy refreshments, parade, see Santaand a chance to win gift certificates.

The Circus City Festival is a tribute to our circus heritage. For nine daysbeginning the third week of July, the children of Miami County perform featsin a three ring circus that will leave you on the edge of your seat. There arefood vendors, crafts, games and rides throughout downtown to enjoy duringCircus City week. The last day of the festival features the largest circusparade in the country.

If you are a real circus fan, you will want to visit the InternationalCircus Hall of Fame, located at the old Hagenbeck-Wallace WinterQuarters. The Hall of Fame features a circus museum full ofmemorabilia from many of the old American circuses.

From May to September, we have our Farmer’s Market whichoffers local produce, eggs, herbs, honey, local crafts andhomemade baked goods.

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Stand nose to nose with 24 legendary American aircrafts at theGrissom Air Museum. Sit in the cockpits and learn the basics offlight and navigation. Climb the five story alert tower for a bird’seye view of the historic planes.

If you like to get your heart racing, from April to October, come seeracing at Circus City Speedway and Bunker Hill Dragstrip. In August,the SCCA race will be at Grissom.

The Miami County Museum is one of the largest in the state featuringartifacts and memories from Miami County’s beginning to our recentpast. See a stage coach from movie star Tom Mix, Cole Porter’s 1955Cadillac, a unique Miami Indian collection and much, much more. VisitCole Porter’s birthplace and burial site not far from the museum.

The dining and shopping opportunities in Miami County are unique.Enjoy dining in one of our many family-owned restaurants. Visit our appleorchards where you will find along with row after row of apple trees, apetting zoo, gift shop and Christmas shop. In the fall, our orchards holdweekend events where you can enjoy a hayride and a bonfire with localentertainment and food. See how wine is made and enjoy sampling thelocal wines of our region at Oak Hill Winery and also try the hard cider andwine at McClure’s Orchard.

Enjoy a play with local talent at our Ole Olsen Theatre at the Depot. Theywill make you laugh or make you cry, but most definitely will allow you tospend the next couple of hours being entertained. Play Bingo at the MiamiIndian Headquarters or go see a movie at the new five screen state-of-the-artRoxy Movie Theater.

Visit our two alpaca farms; Circus City Alpacas and Gentleman Jack’sAlpaca Ranch. Pet an alpaca and purchase alpaca products.

You can also see our PCS Fine Art gallery filled with paintings, pottery andsculptures from local artists. The Miami County Artisan Gallery is anotherlocation where local artists display their artwork and also have them forpurchase. We have many talented artists that will amaze you with theirpaintings, drawings, jewelry, pottery and so much more.

Listen to our local talent from jazz to pizzazz with our String Orchestra,the Swampwater Stompers and Tuxedo Junction or if you like somethingwith a little bit of pop or rock listen to Time Travelers, Sparrow 5, NoIdentity, Hollister Skipdog and Triphammer. Now if blues is your style,then Jerome Mills Blues Band is the group for you! Enjoy our newoutdoor amphitheater with great entertainment.

Plan your next get away to Peru/Miami County, Indiana whereyou will find plenty of events, activities and smiling faces and youwill see why we believe “Miami County is Where the fun begins”.


RECREATION & PARKS

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GOLF COURSESIndiana Oaks (9) Country Club Rd., Peru. . . . . . . . . 765-473-7312Leaning Tree (9) Grissom Aeroplex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 765-689-9705Peru Municipal (18) Maconaquah Park. . . . . . . . . . 765-473-6806Rock Hollow (18) CR 250 West, Peru . . . . . . . . . . . . 765-473-6100

DISC GOLF COURSESHoney Bear Hollow Campgrounds (18)

4252 W. 200 N., Peru. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 765-473-4342Maconaquah Park (18) Peru. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 765-985-3187Mississinewa State Park (24)

4673 S. 635E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 765-473-6528

PARKS/WALKWAYS/SPORTSRiver Walkway/MiamisFort West Canal at S. Fremont, PeruNickel Plate Trail Trailhead at Wallick Road, Peruwww.nickelplatetrail.orgMaconaquah Park Strawtown Pike, PeruDavis Park East Main Street, PeruThrush Tennis Courts corner of Benton and 3rd St.Weather permittingContact: Stanley Hall at 765-473-3081YMCA Community CenterJanuary- DecemberContact: Mark Demchak at 765-472-1979www.mcymca.orgMiami Indians BINGOJanuary – DecemberContact: John Dunnagan at 765-473-9631www.miamiindians.orgSkate ParkOn West Canal, East of Holman St.First Farmers Bank & Trust AmphitheaterContact: Josh Sigler at 765-472-2400City Hall

MUSEUMSMiami County Museum51 N. Broadway, PeruExhibits about pioneer living in the area, Cole Porter and the town of Peru during 1910 era.765-473-9183www.miamicountyhistory.orgGrissom Air MuseumMarch to November1000 W. Hoosier Blvd., PeruLearn about our historic aircraft, climb the Observation Tower, view exciting exhibits and enjoy a modern hands-on facility.765-689-8011www.grissomairmuseum.comCircus Hall of Fame Museum3076 Peru Circus Ln., PeruThe “Circus Greats” enshrined along with colorful posters, wagons, models and exhibits.765-472-7553www.circushalloffame.comCircus City Festival Museum154 N. Broadway, PeruExperience a walk through Peru’s Circus history.765-472-3918www.peruamateurcircus.com


Miami County Artisan Gallery20 N. Broadway, PeruLocal artist display, classes and more.Contact: Marlene Compton at 765-475-6609www.miamicountyartisangallery.com

Ole Olsen Memorial TheatreJanuary to DecemberThe Depot in PeruPlays, DramaContact: Alan Myers at765-472-3680www.oleolsen.org

PCS Fine Art GalleryJanuary to DecemberMondays, Wednesdays and Fridays10 a.m. - 4 p.m.Paintings, Pottery & SculpturesContact: Alexandria Blong at 765-475-2421Peru Community OrchestraJanuary to DecemberString orchestrahttp://sites.google.com/site/perucommunityorchestra/ Ballet Arts of PeruSeptember to JuneBallet Arts of PeruBallet, Tap, Jazz, Pointe, Hip HopContact: Debbie Alwine at 765-469-1711www.balletartsofperu.com Roxy Movie Theater– 5 screens765-460-5322www.roxyperu.com

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EVENTS AND FESTIVALSRediscover Downtown PeruSecond Saturday of every monthFree admission, family friendly5 p.m. to 9 p.m.www.facebook/rediscoverdowntownperu/

OrchardsDoud Orchards in Denver8971 N. State Rd. 19765-985-3937Open Daily from Monday – Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.Freshly picked apple varieties, pears,peaches, cider, honey, fruit butters,home-made noodles, hard candies, kettle corn, caramel apples and events inthe fall.Hainlen Orchard* in Converse1250 E. 5588 N765-395-3274Open August 1st – January 1st 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Saturday;12 noon to 5 p.m. on SundayApples, peaches, pears, apple butter and jamsMcClure’s Orchard in PeruApple Blossom Festival in April/FallHarvest in October. Wine and Hard Cidersampling available, petting zoo, gift shop,Christmas Room, restaurant.Contact: Jerry McClure at765-985-9000

Wine TastingJanuary to DecemberOak Hill Winery in ConverseWine sampling and eventsContact: Rick Moulton at765-395-3632Wine/Hard Cider SamplingJanuary to DecemberMcClure’s Orchard & WineryContact: Jason McClure at765-985-9000

ARTS / MUSIC / ENTERTAINMENT

* Seasonal


Cities and Townsin Miami County

% of Population County

Amboy 376 1.0%

Bunker Hill 863 2.0%

Converse 1246 3.0%

Denver 471 1.0%

Macy 207 0.5%

Peru 11,115 30.0%

Mexico 984 3.0%

Named for the

Miami Indians andorganized in 1834.

County Seat: Peru

Largest City: Peru

Square Miles: 375.6

Population (2016): 36,140

Population per sq. mile: 96.4

MIAMI COUNTY, INDIANA

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MIAMI COUNTYAVIATION


Points of Interest 1 Stockdale Mill

2 McClure’s Orchard & Winery

3 Hainlen Orchard

4 Doud’s Orchard

5 Nickel Plate Trail

6 4-H Fairground

7 Int’l Circus Hall of Fame & Museum

8 Miami County YMCA

9 Peru Public Library

10 Seven Pillars

11 Cole Porter Birthplace

12 Depot/Ole Olsen Theatre

13 Miami County Museum

14 Circus City Festival/Museum

15 Miami Nation of Indians

16 Toll House

17 Mississinewa Reservoir

18 Grissom Air Museum

19 Bunker Hill Dragstrip

20 Oak Hill Winery

21 Miller’s Cool Running Canoe

22 Peoria Fishing Site (Spillway)

23 Circus City Speedway

24 Converse Fairground

25 Cole Porter Gravesite

26 PCS Fine Art Gallery

27 Farmers Market – Seasonal

28 Grissom Reserve Air Base

29 Miami County Artisan Gallery27

Lodging/Camping 1 Cole Porter Inn

2 Knights Inn

3 Best Western Circus City Inn

4 Skyview Motel

5 Mississinewa Reservoir

6 Honey Bear Hollow Campground

7 Woody’s Camp & Bait

8 Hidden Creek Campground

Parks/Recreation 1 Maconaquah Park

2 Noel Davis Park

3 West City Park

4 Eck Park

5 Thrush Courts

6 MiamisFort

7 River Walkway

8 Indiana Oaks Golf Club

9 Peru Municipal Golf Course

10 Rock Hollow Golf Club

11 Leaning Tree Golf Course

12 Roxy Movie Theater

13 Skate Park

14 First Farmers Bank & Trust Ampitheater

Schools 1 Peru Junior High School

2 Peru High School

3 Blair Pointe School

4 South Peru School

5 Elmwood School

6 Maconaquah School

7 North Miami School

8 Ivy Tech Community College

9 Pipe Creek Elementary

Recycling Drop

Within Peru City Limits

Miami County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau

Dukes Memorial Hospital

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Miami County 4H Pancake andWhole Hog Sausage Day Last Saturday in FebruaryFrom 7 am to 7 pm at the Miami County4H FairgroundsFor more information, call 765-472-1921

Circus City SpeedwayApril to OctoberMiami County Fairgrounds in PeruMicro Sprint RacingContact: Curt Bullickat 765-461-2952www.facebook/circuscityspeedway/

Bunker Hill DragstripApril to OctoberBunker Hill Dragstrip in Bunker HillDrag RacingContact: 765-689-8248www.bunkerhillrace.com

Easter Egg HuntSaturday before EasterContact: Kent Workman [email protected]

Miami County Easter Sunday ParadeContact: 765-327-2558Email: [email protected]

Apple Blossom Fest: 5K & Bike RideAprilOrchard Tours, Horse Rides, Petting Zoo,Wine and Hard Cider Tasting, Shopping atthe Apple Barn & HomeCooking and Desserts at the AppleDumplin Inn, 5k run and bike rideContact: 765-985-9000 or 765-473-3848 for run & bike info

Miami County Farmer’s MarketMay to SeptemberOld Firehouse at corner of Main and NorthMiami streetsHerbs, organic produce and plants, honey,goat soap, baked goods and local craftsContact: Jim Price at 574-398-1451

Maximum Power Sports1st Weekend in MayContact: Sam Tracyat 765-472-2423www.maximumpower-sports.com

YMCA Kids Fair1st Saturday in MayPeru Junior HighActivities for kids and demonstrationsContact: 765-472-1979

Relay for LifeMay or JunePeru Riverwalkwww.relayforlife.org/miamicountyin

Living History DaySecond Saturday in MayMount Hope Cemetery, PeruActors will portray famous people fromPeru’s past.Contact: Vicki Draper at 765-472-7655

Armed Forces Day Open HouseGrissom Air MuseumThird Saturday in MayFree admission for military and their familieswww.grissomairmuseum.com

Memorial DayPeru Courthouse – outside11 am – Guest SpeakersContact: 765-472-3901

Grissom Air Museum Memorial DayLast Saturday in Maywww.grissomairmuseum.com

Peru/Miami County CommunityGarage Sale2nd Weekend in May, June, July, August& SeptemberGarage/yard sales all around city and county.Contact: 765-472-1923

Ride Around the ReservoirMayStart at Breakaway Bike Shop– PeruContact: 765-473-3848www.breakawaybike.com

EVENTS AND FESTIVALS (CONT.)


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Cole Porter Festival1st or 2nd Weekend in JuneAll around PeruMusic, Theatre, Tours, Food, Multi-media presentation.Contact: 765-473-9183www.coleporterfestival.org

Converse Fair1st or 2nd weekend in JuneHarness Racing, Entertainment, Food, Truck Pull, Lawn Mower Race765-395-3256

Bunker Hill FestivalJuneDowntown Bunker HillFood, Music, BoothsContact: 765-461-3135

Bunker Hill CommunityGarage SaleJune Downtown Bunker HillGarage Sales

Front Porch PrimitivesAntique MarketJune and SeptemberContact: 765-472-3222Email: [email protected]

Peru Municipal Airport Fly InJuneWaldo Wrights Flying ServiceOpen Cockpit Biplane Rides, FoodContact: 765-472-1990www.waldowrights.com

Miami County 4H Fair3rd or 4th Full Week in JuneMiami County Fairgrounds, PeruExhibits, Food, Entertainment, Tractor ShowContact: 765-472-1921www.ag.purdue.edu/counties/miami

Mississinewa Annual Fireworks Celebration4th Weekend in June Enjoy fireworks over the Mississinewa LakeContact: Jordan Epp at 765-473-6528Email: [email protected]

July 4th CelebrationCelebration at MaconaquahPark in PeruKid’s games, food, music,and fireworks at duskContact: 765-472-2400www.cityofperu.org

5K Firecracker RunEvery July 4th85 W. Canal St.mcymca.org/firecracker

Mexico Community Garage Sales1st Saturday in JulyUptown MexicoGames, food, community garage salesContact: 765-985-3633

Friday Night LightsJulyStart at DeAngelo’s Pizzeria – DenverContact: 765-473-3848www.breakawaybike.com

Circus City Festival3rd Full Week in JulyDowntown PeruTen performances of the finest youthcircus in an air-conditioned, three-ringarena, Parade, Rides, FoodContact: 765-472-3918www.perucircus.com

E.W.C.C. Woodcarving Festival3rd Weekend in JulyBorderman Gym in ConverseWood carvers demonstrationsContact: 765-395-3943www.ewcc.wordpress.com

Hoosier Heritage FestivalLast Weekend in JulyMiami County Fairgrounds in PeruAn interactive event celebrating ouragricultural heritage with antique tractors, engines and equipmentContact: 765-438-3835www.hoosierheritagefest.com

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Tour de DenverAugustStart at DeAngelo’s Pizzeria – DenverContact: 765-473-3848www.breakawaybike.com

Sports Car Club of America1st Weekend in AugustGrissom Aeroplex in PeruClub RacingContact: 800-770-2055

“Warbird Cruise In” Car ShowFirst Saturday in AugustGrissom Air Museum’s Air ParkClassic Cars and Classic Planeswww.grissomairmuseum.com

Converse Town Rummage & Garage Sales1st Weekend in AugustUptown ConverseContact: 765-395-3361

Denver Days FestivalThurs-Sun 2nd Weekend in AugustDowntown DenverParade, Food, Car Show, EntertainmentContact: 765-985-2341

Festival of Flight3rd Saturday in AugustGrissom Air Museum’s Air ParkContact: Jim PriceEmail: [email protected]

Days at the PillarsMiami Nation of Indians4th Weekend in August at 7 PillarsDisplays & living history,drum/dance/songs, flint knapping, crafts, food, Miami language, fingerweaving, and beading.Contact: 765-473-9631

Macy Day4th Saturday in AugustCakewalk, parade, kids activities, food,entertainmentContact: Marilyn Jackson at 574-835-6708

Labor Day at Grissom Air Museum 1st Monday in Septemberwww.grissomairmuseum.com

Mississinewa Triathlon2nd Weekend in SeptemberMississinewa Park in PeruSwim, Bike, Run TriathlonContact: Larry Brown at 765-473-6528

Double Nickel Ride4th Weekend in SeptemberStart at Breakaway Bike Shop – PeruContact: Paul Forman765-432-1052

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* All events and festivals are subject tochange or cancellation withoutnotice due to inclement weather orother unforeseen circumstances.

Photos Rob Edwards, Elaine Moore, Linda Baker and other contributors

The First Brush of Fall Paintout4th or 5th Saturday in September everyother yearConverseHosted by Indiana Plein Air PainterAssociationContact: Avon Waters [email protected]

Harvest Fest 5K & Bike RideOctoberMcClure’s Orchard – PeruOrchard Tours, Food, Live Music, pickyour own apples and pumpkins, pettingzoo, Wine and Hard Cider Tasting,Shopping at the Apple Barn, trolley ridesand face paintingContact: McClure’s 765-985-9000Contact: Breakaway 765-473-2848 forbike rideswww.breakawaybike.com

Chili Night RideOctoberStarts Harvey Hinklemeyer’s – PeruContact: 765-473-2848 www.breakawaybike.com

Cole Porter Classic5K, 15K Run and a 5K Walk1st Weekend in OctoberStart at Circus City Building, run along Nickel Plate TrailContact: Jim Yates at 765-469-5066

Oktoberfest Chili Cookoff1st Weekend in OctoberRiverwalk in PeruEntertainment, Chili Cook-off, Food, kid’sactivities, Car ShowContact: 765-472-1923

Veteran’s DayPeru High School11 am – Guest SpeakersContact: 765-472-3901

Grissom Air MuseumVeteran’s Day2nd Saturday in Novemberwww.grissomairmuseum.com

Quigley Jazz Fest1st Sunday in NovemberJam Session at Peru Maennerchor2nd weekend in NovemberCombo Night at Peru High SchoolAuditorium performed by PHS Swing Choir2nd weekend in NovemberBig Band NightFeaturing 17-piece Quigley Jazz BandContact: Tom Gustin at 765-469-0905www.quigleyjazzfest.com

Downtown Christmas Open House2nd or 3rd Wednesday in NovemberDowntown PeruParade, Shopping, Prizes, Food,Entertainment, Santa HouseContact: 765-472-1923

Christmas in Converse1st Saturday in DecemberConverse at Jefferson Street, 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.Converse Business AllianceContact: Lindsay Baker at 765-517-1902

Macy Christmas Festival1st Sunday in DecemberDowntown MacyHorse Carriage Rides, Free Soup SupperKids Activities and Bake Sale.574-382-3575


MIAMI COUNTY TOURISM BUREAU

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13 E. Main Street

Peru, IN 46970

Phone: 765-472-1923

Fax: 765-472-7099

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www.enjoymiamicounty.org

Please contact the Chamber Office withany additions or changes by calling 765-472-1923


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