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Metamora, Indiana 2009 Special Events and Festivals

 
Additional events for 2009 may be added at a later date.  Dates and times may change. Click on month to view events.
There are many Special Programs sponsored by the Whitewater Canal State Historic Site that can be found on the Visitors Information Page.
May   September
June   October
July   November
Aug   December
   
     
  Spring 2009   Come See Our Bloomers!  You've been cooped up all winter long.  It's time to get outside and enjoy the spring flowers in bloom.  Spend the day in Metamora where you'll enjoy all that Metamora has to offer and take in some of that wonderful springtime scenery.
   
 
April/May 2009 Events
  Morel Madness   Trappers Morel Madness - Last Weekend in April, First Weekend in May - For over 15 years Trapper has hosted his Morel Madness contest. This event happens the last weekend of April and the first weekend of May. Enter the Mushroom contest or stop in and try some of these outstanding mushrooms. Prizes awarded for the biggest, smallest, most unusual and by weight. Weigh-in at Trappers, Pavy's Gas/Grocery in Metamora, IGA or Rosenburgers Grocery in Brookville. Cost $15 to enter or 1 pound of mushrooms. Each entry receives a Morel Madness t-shirt and the official Mushroom hunting license. Call Jim (Trapper) if you have questions at 765-238-9627.
  Family Fun Day  

Family Fun Days - Mothers Day Weekend May 9 & 10 - 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. A Parent rides for half fare when accompanied by a child traveling at full fare. Please print the excursions page on the whitewater valley railroad website and present when purchasing tickets.  Call the Whitewater Valley Railroad at (765) 825-2054. or visit the Railroads website for more info and prices

  Train Special   Special May Train Runs - This is a special running of our Connersville to Metamora train that departs on every Thursday and Friday in the month of May. The train departs Connersville at 10:00am staying in Metamora from 11:30am to 1:30pm. NOTE: Special Rates for School Groups by advance reservations for these days.  Call the Whitewater Valley Railroad at (765) 825-2054. or visit the Railroad website for more info and prices
  Wild West Train   May 16, All Aboard with a western twist. Join the Delaware Rangers as they protect the Metamora bound train. Come and see Bandits, Marshals, Robber Barons, Fancy and some Not So Fancy Women as you roll through the scenic countryside. Trains depart Connersville at 12:01 PM EST. Call the Whitewater Valley Railroad at (765) 825-2054 or visit the Railroad website for more info and prices
  Webelos Program   May 16, Webelos Boy Scout Engineering Activities Badge Day; 12:15 to 4:00; cost is $4.00 per person, reservations required before May 13th.  Sponsored by: Zimmer Tractors
Webelos are able to earn the Engineering Activities Badge in one day on Saturday, May 16th. The boys will tour the mill and ride the Ben Franklin III  canal boat to learn about water power, participate in a surveying demonstration, learn about blue prints and construction, and talk to a chemical engineer  about careers in engineering. Contact the Whitewater Canal State Historic Site at 765-647-6512.
  Memorial Day Special Cermony   May 24, 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. The oldest and longest running Memorial Day Celebration in Indiana.
  Memorial Day Train   May 25, 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 EST. Call the Whitewater Valley Railroad at (765) 825-2054 or visit the Railroad website for more info and prices
  Open Mic Music Night   May 29, Come and play or come and listen!  This is your opportunity to get on stage and show off your music skills.  If you just love to hear music this is a FREE opportunity to come and enjoy an evening of music.  Sign up at 6:00 p.m. Music from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.  at the Metamora Music Fest Stage - Lover Lane.  Food and Drinks available by the Metamora Lions Club.

June 2009 Events
  23nd Annual Strawberry Daze  

June 6 - 7, Look for the big Strawberry tent in the middle of town where you can enjoy an early summer treat.  Sweet strawberry shortcake loaded with yummy strawberries and topped with whip cream or ice cream. Strawberry Pie eating contest Saturday at 3:00 p.m. $5.00 entrance. Egg toss, corn hole, one legged bag race, cricket, sack race, marbles and more. Sponsored by the Merchants Association of Metamora. View Photos

  Celebrate 1838   June 6 - 7, Metamora's annual Celebrate 1838 Days.  Step back to 1838 for a fun and educational experience.  You'll see merchants in period clothing as well as Craftsmen and women demonstrating their trade. You'll be able to watch a broom maker, join in on an old English game of cricket both Saturday and Sunday. In addition to the regularly scheduled canal boat cruises in the afternoon, the Whitewater Canal Historic Site will be offering three additional cruises at 5:00, 6:00, and 7:00 p.m.  Folk musician,  John Kogge of Oxford, Ohio will be on board to entertain you as you cruise quietly up and down  the canal. Sponsored by: Franklin County National Bank. View Flyer
  Red Hat Society Day   June 20, Metamora's annual Red Hat Society Day.  If you're a Red Hat Lady come dressed in red and join your fellow Red Hat friends on this special day designated just for you.  Not only can you enjoy all that Metamora normally has to offer but we have brought in some exceptional music groups that will be performing in town.  Several shops and restaurants will be offering discounts to our Red Hat friends dressed in red. Raffle, Trophy, and more!  Opening ceremonies will be at 10:00 a.m. followed by the raffle and hat contest. Sign up your group today! Cost is $10.00 per person. Call for details 765-647-5400. This years Red Hat Day is in memory of Al Payette who started this wonderful event and made it such a success. More Information
  "It's Twilight Time"  

June 20,  “It’s Twilight Time!”  A special night of dinner, twilight cruise, wine tasting, and music. Spend a quiet evening with friends or a romantic evening with someone special.  You’ll enjoy a buffet dinner in Metamora at the Hearthstone Restaurant.  After dinner you’ll take a cruise down the Whitewater Canal on the Ben Franklin III canal boat while listening to the beautiful music of acoustic guitarist John Kogge.  After your relaxing cruise, stroll down to the Metamora Mill Park to listen to the mellow sounds of jazz renderings by Pat O’Neal and enjoy the wine tasting from Wilson Winery in Modoc, Indiana.  Dinner is served from 5 to 7 p.m.; cruises at 7, 7:45, and 8:30 p.m.; wine tasting from 7 to 10 p.m.  Cost is $25.00 per person.  Reservations must be made by June 18th. Contact the Whitewater Canal State Historic Site at 765-647-6512. Sponsored by: Hearthstone Restaurant.

  Open Mic Music Night   June 26, Come and play or come and listen!  This is your opportunity to get on stage and show off your music skills.  If you just love to hear music this is a FREE opportunity to come and enjoy an evening of music.  Sign up at 6:00 p.m. Music from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.  at the Metamora Music Fest Stage - Lover Lane.  Food and Drinks available by the Metamora Lions Club.

July 2009 Events
  4th of July Celebration   Spend July 4th in Metamora.  Nowhere else on July 4th can you step back in time and shop in historical buildings, ride a canal boat, ride a train and watch the stone-ground cornmeal or flour being made at the gristmill as well as enjoy a day and evening of fun filled events.  Special music preformed on the Metamora Mill porch from 2:30 to 3:30 and 4:00 to 5:00.   Come hear the old time music played by “Papa Joe” Kretchmer on the Metamora Mill porch before and after the 4th of July parade.  “Papa Joe” regularly entertains and is back by popular demand. The Annual Parade begins at 6 p.m. This is an old fashioned parade unlike your typical parade.  Who knows what or who will be in it but it is sure to delight the young and old.  After the parade, go to the walking bridge for the annual Ducky Derby Race.  Make sure you purchase your duck at C.J.'s and see if you can win the grand prize! Ducks will be released into the canal after the parade is over.  The first one to make it down the canal and cross the bridge at Columbia Street wins! Ducks cost $2.00 each or 3 for $5.00. Games, activities and prizes for the kids. Grab your lawn chair and head to the firehouse for a chicken Dinner and the the annual Fireworks Show at usk.Sponsored by the Merchants Association of Metamora, Historic Metamora, Inc., and The Metamora Fire Department.
  Civil War Train  

July 4, Come along and take a trip back in time with us. Be in the middle of the action as an Union Army attachment protects the US Government Payroll. While along the line a relentless group of Confederate soldiers, simply known as Morgan's Raiders, plan and wait. 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 EST. Call the Whitewater Valley Railroad at (765) 825-2054 or visit the Railroad website for more info and prices

  Wild West Train   July 18, All Aboard with a western twist. Join the Delaware Rangers as they protect the Metamora bound train. Come and see Bandits, Marshals, Robber Barons, Fancy and some Not So Fancy Women as you roll through the scenic countryside. Trains depart Connersville at 12:01 PM EST. Call the Whitewater Valley Railroad at (765) 825-2054 or visit the Railroad website for more info and prices
  Open Mic Music Night   July 24, Come and play or come and listen!  This is your opportunity to get on stage and show off your music skills.  If you just love to hear music this is a FREE opportunity to come and enjoy an evening of music.  Sign up at 6:00 p.m. Music from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.  at the Metamora Music Fest Stage - Lover Lane.  Food and Drinks available by the Metamora Lions Club.

August 2009 Events
  Teddy Bear Tea Party  

August 8, Metamora's annual Teddy Bear Tea Party.  Over 20 shops will be participating.  Storytime, crafts, games, prizes, music and more.  Begins at 10:00 a.m. Bring your favorite "stuffed friend" to the tea party.  For more information contact Anne at 765-647-2606 or Jayne at 765-647-5400.

  Bluegrass Concert "The Tillers"   August 15, Come and hear the Tillers in Metamora at 1:00 at the Grist Mill. The Tillers came into being while busking for nickels, dimes and burritos in the gaslight Clifton district of Cincinnati. In August 2007, Westside comrades Mike Oberst and Sean Geil united their fondness for thumping out old-timey folk and street-style blues. With Oberst on banjo, Geil on guitar, and soon finding a bassist in Jason Soudrette, the trio plunged into the Cincinnati pub scene, serving a concoction of old-time traditionals, labor standards, and some less typical songs of the people's perspective. The band is both traditional and progressive. They resurrect songs of America's past, touching on themes both historical and timeless. The dusty songs of dead generations take new life and energy before spry young audiences. Clawhammer banjo, accoustic guitar, and wooden upright bass meet high mountain harmonies that belt and croon, lament and rejoice. Stories of work and struggle are revived and rekindled. Country blues classics meet new, less known ballads while we all stomp and sing along.
  Wild West Train   August 15, All Aboard with a western twist. Join the Delaware Rangers as they protect the Metamora bound train. Come and see Bandits, Marshals, Robber Barons,Fancy and some Not So Fancy Women as you roll through the scenic countryside. Trains depart Connersville at 12:01 PM EST. Call the Whitewater Valley Railroad at (765) 825-2054 or visit the Railroad website for more info and prices
  Open Mic Music Night   August 28, Come and play or come and listen!  This is your opportunity to get on stage and show off your music skills.  If you just love to hear music this is a FREE opportunity to come and enjoy an evening of music.  Sign up at 6:00 p.m. Music from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.  at the Metamora Music Fest Stage - Lover Lane.  Food and Drinks available by the Metamora Lions Club.
  Wild West Train to Dinner with Steam  

Aug 28,  Flagg Coal Company # 75 will be making a special Wild West Themed Train to Dinner excursion from Historic Downtown Metamora to the Laurel Hotel Restaurant. Entertainment to be provided by the Delaware Rangers the train will depart at 6PM from Metamora. Fare includes the round trip train ride, the meal, tax and tip. Limited seating is available and reservations are required. Train operates rain or shine. Call the Whitewater Valley Railroad at (765) 825-2054 for more details. Click here for Whitewater Valley Railroad Website for more info, prices and menu.NOTICE: The above steam trip will operate from Historic Downtown Metamora, Indiana. These trips Do Not Operate from the Connersville Grand Central Station.

  Steam Engine Flagg Coal #75 Returns  

Aug 29, 30,  Flagg Coal #75 is coming back to town for 3 weekends!  If you were here last year you know this is an exciting event.  The Whitewater Valley Railroad will be hosting Flagg Coal # 75. # 75 is a 40 ton saddle tank locomotive built by the Vulcan Iron Works in 1930. Six mile trips will be run throughout the day. Along the way, remnants of the Whitewater Canal locks, the restored Laurel Feeder Dam, and portions of the West Fork of the Whitewater River can be clearly seen. Each trip will last about one hour. Departure times: 11:00 a.m., 1:10 p.m., 3:00 p.m.,  5:00 p.m.   Call the Whitewater Valley Railroad at (765) 825-2054 for more details. Click here for Whitewater Valley Railroad Website for more info and prices NOTICE: The above steam trip will operate from Historic Downtown Metamora, Indiana. These trips Do Not Operate from the Connersville Grand Central Station.


September 2009 Events
  Wild West Train to Dinner with Steam  

Sept 4,  Flagg Coal Company # 75 will be making a special Wild West Themed Train to Dinner excursion from Historic Downtown Metamora to the Laurel Hotel Restaurant. Entertainment to be provided by the Delaware Rangers the train will depart at 6PM from Metamora. Fare includes the round trip train ride, the meal, tax and tip. Limited seating is available and reservations are required. Train operates rain or shine. Call the Whitewater Valley Railroad at (765) 825-2054 for more details. Click here for Whitewater Valley Railroad Website for more info, prices and menu. NOTICE: The above steam trip will operate from Historic Downtown Metamora, Indiana. These trips Do Not Operate from the Connersville Grand Central Station.

  11th Annual Old Time Music Festival  

Sept 5 - 6, Two fun filled days of music and entertainment for the entire family.  A full schedule of music groups on the Lovers Lane Stage and music can also be enjoyed throughout the town. Various locations will be hosting performances.  Saturday music begins at 10:30.  Saturday Evening Concert, Events, Music Workshops, Kids Music Area, Vocal and Dulcimer, Harmonica, Harp, Performances!  Come and stay for the weekend - FREE parking and FREE primitive camping at stage area.  Email Gail at metamora@gmail.com or Contact Jim Wendel at 765-629-2662 or Al Rogers at 765-647-2194. Visit the Music Festival Website for more info and view schedule of events.  Read an article about the Music Fest by Columbus Area Arts Council. If your a musician and would like to perform please contact us.  Sponsored by Historic Metamora, Inc.

The Whitewater State Historic Site is sponsoring “A Visit from a Canal Boat Captain” by Kevin Stonerock at 1:00 and 3:00 on both days at the Metamora Mill porch.  Kevin has created this new historical character that he will enact for you.  Kevin has created and presented many characters from Indiana to school and community groups all over the Tri-State area. Come learn and be entertained at the same time!

  Steam Engine Flagg Coal #75  

Sept 5, 6, 7  Flagg Coal #75 is coming back to town!  If you were here last year you know this is an exciting event.  The Whitewater Valley Railroad will be hosting Flagg Coal # 75. # 75 is a 40 ton saddle tank locomotive built by the Vulcan Iron Works in 1930. Six mile trips will be run throughout the day. Along the way, remnants of the Whitewater Canal locks, the restored Laurel Feeder Dam, and portions of the West Fork of the Whitewater River can be clearly seen. Each trip will last about one hour. Departure times: 11:00 a.m., 1:10 p.m., 3:00 p.m.,  5:00 p.m.   Call the Whitewater Valley Railroad at (765) 825-2054 for more details. Click here for Whitewater Valley Railroad Website for more info and prices. NOTICE: The above steam trip will operate from Historic Downtown Metamora, Indiana. These trips Do Not Operate from the Connersville Grand Central Station.

Sept 7, Enjoy a relaxing diesel powered 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 EST. Call the Whitewater Valley Railroad at (765) 825-2054. Click here for Whitewater Valley Railroad Website for info and prices

  Metamora Civil War & Steam Engine Flagg Coal #75  Weekend  

Sept 12, 13 - Come along and take a trip back in time with us. Be in the middle of the action as an Union Army attachment protects Flagg Coal # 75. While along the line a relentless group of Confederate soldiers plan and wait.. Call the Whitewater Valley Railroad at (765) 825-2054. Click here for Whitewater Valley Railroad Website for more info and prices NOTICE: The above steam trip will operate from Historic Downtown Metamora, Indiana. These trips Do Not Operate from the Connersville Grand Central Station.

  Home School / Small Private School Program   Sept 18, “Life on the Whitewater Canal: A Home and Small Private School Event;” 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. $5.00 per person. Reservations are required. Home school and private school students may experience life on the Whitewater Canal by taking a canal boat ride on Ben Franklin III; touring the Metamora Grist Mill; learning to cook over a wood fire; participating in a rope making and a horse hitching demonstration; and learning how to survey a property line. Sponsored by the Firestone Store of Brookville and Whitetail Acres Nursery and Landscaping.
  Wild West Train   September 19, All Aboard with a western twist. Join the Delaware Rangers as they protect the Metamora bound train. Come and see Bandits, Marshals, Robber Barons,Fancy and some Not So Fancy Women as you roll through the scenic countryside. Trains depart Connersville at 12:01 PM EST. Call the Whitewater Valley Railroad at (765) 825-2054 or visit the Railroad website for more info and prices
  Open Mic Music Night   Sept 25, Come and play or come and listen!  This is your opportunity to get on stage and show off your music skills.  If you just love to hear music this is a FREE opportunity to come and enjoy an evening of music.  Sign up at 6:00 p.m. Music from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.  at the Metamora Music Fest Stage - Lover Lane.  Food and Drinks available by the Metamora Lions Club.

October 2009 Events
  41st Annual Canal Days  

Oct, 2-3-4  10 am till 5:00 pm.  One of Indiana's most popular festival.  You'll find hundreds of outside vendors including antiques, artist, crafts and collectibles all along the Whitewater canal and throughout the entire village of Metamora. Extended hours for both canal boat and the mill. For information about the event or juried rental space along the canal call 765-647-2194. Sponsored by Historic Metamora, Inc.  More Canal Days Info  If you want to rent space but do not have handmade products you will need to rent space from individual property owners. Please do not call or email the hotline for this information or Historic Metamora as they do not know information about all the individual property owners or the spaces they have available. 

  Canal Days Train  

Enjoy Metamora Canal Days without worrying about parking. Train excursion leaves Connersville Grand Central Station at the times listed below.

Friday Oct 2 departs 10:00am w/2 hour layover.
Saturday Oct 3 departs 10:00am w/4 hour layover and 12:01pm w/2 hour
Sunday Oct 4 departs 10:00am w/4 hour layover and 12:01pm w/2 hour

All trains departing Metamora for the return trip to Connersville on October 3 & 4 will combine and depart as one train consist.Call the Whitewater Valley Railroad at (765) 825-2054 or visit the Railroad website for more info and prices

  Metamora Corn Maze   Every Weekend in October - Get lost at the Metamora Corn Maze!  You'll be amazed with this outstanding corn maze.  Open every weekend in October from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.  1 mile east of Metamora on US 52, across the road from the Hearthstone Restaurant. There is easy access parking from US 52, or you can take the train from Metamora. $5.00  MetamoraCornMaze.com
  Fall Foliage Tour   Enjoy the beautiful fall foliage in the Whitewater River Valley between Connersville and Metamora on one of our Fall Foliage Trips. This special excursion runs every Thursday and Friday during October, departing Connersville station at 10:00 am, and allow a two hour stop over in Metamora for shopping. Call the Whitewater Valley Railroad at (765) 825-2054 or visit the Railroad website for more info and prices.
  Haunted Village   October 16 - 17, 7 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.  Cost $5.00 per person.  Take a Hayride through town but beware.... you never know what will happen!
  Haunted Halloween Cruse   October 17 and 24, Come spend a night in a safe but fun atmosphere. Enjoy a cruise down the Whitewater Canal in the dark!  Professional storytellers Jeff Kuehl and Celestine Bloomfield will be telling spooky stories (appropriate for all age children).  Treats will be passed out on the canal boat. Rides at 7:30 p.m. 8:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. No reservation required. Cost $4.00 per person. Sponsored by Main Source  Bank, Brookville Branch, Amalgamated Transit Workers Union-Local 1470, and Brookville IGA.
  Wild West Train   October 17, 18 - All Aboard with a western twist. Join the Delaware Rangers as they protect the Metamora bound train. Come and see Bandits, Marshals, Robber Barons,Fancy and some Not So Fancy Women as you roll through the scenic countryside. Trains depart Connersville at 12:01 PM EST. Call the Whitewater Valley Railroad at (765) 825-2054 or visit the Railroad website for more info and prices
  Trick-Or-Treat   Oct 24 - 5:00 p.m to 7:00 p.m Safe Trick-or-Treating in Metamora.

November and December 2009 Events
  Chili Cook-off  

Nov 7, - Come and dine on the many chili's prepared at our annual chili cook-off.  Rate your favorite chili for the peoples choice award. Chili served at 2:00 p.m.

Have a winning chili recipe?  Enter the Chili Cook-off .  Prizes and trophies.  Click here for forms and more information.  Hurry and enter today!!!!

  26th Annual Tree Lighting  

Nov 21, - Join us in the annual celebration of the start of the Holiday Season.  The tree lighting event will take place at the Gazebo at 6:30.  Gather around the bond fire as you listen to live holiday music provided by our own "Baggy Bottom Boys", sing-a-longs, enjoy the Christmas Story and warm up with free hot chocolate, coffee, and cookies and at the right moment we will light up the tree. More Christmas Walk Information

  26th Annual Christmas Walk  

Nov 27, 28, 29 - Dec 4, 5, 6 - Dec 11, 12, 13 - Dec 18, 19, 20
Friday & Saturday 10 a.m - 10 pm; Sunday 10 am to 5 pm. Extended hours for the Mill

Combine history, a Currier and Ives scene and the pageantry of Christmas and you have the Metamora Christmas Walk.  Lanterns line the canal, luminaries light the pathways and decorations are a plenty throughout the entire village.   Sing along with the strolling carolers as they sing holiday tunes.  Visit Santa and Mrs. Claus in their Santa House and get a memorable photo.  Shop in the many unique shops. The many festivities and unique shopping in this old fashioned town are a part of a Christmas tradition that residents and visitors alike look forward to year after year. Metamora Christmas Walk always begins the weekend after Thanksgiving.   Sponsored by the Merchants Association of Metamora. More Christmas Walk Information


The Whitewater State Historic Site also sponsers many special programs throughout the year. Read about thier special programs.

Most shops and attractions open May through the last day of the Christmas Walk in December. A few shops are open year round.  Hour of business vary from business to business.  Some shops are open Tuesday - Thursday. More shops are open Friday - Sunday. The state facilities are open Wed - Sun.  Because each shop is individually owned there is no way to give a sure answer to how many or who will be open on any given day. List of shops normally open in the winter.