Geocaching Contest 2009 in Rising Sun

People throughout the world are excited about an outdoor activity called geocaching, and the Historic Downtown Program is making participation even more fun. As the sport has gained in popularity, HDP has decided to offer more incentive for geocachers to get out and explore southeastern Indiana.

This year, Historic Downtown Program is sponsoring the first annual Geocaching Contest in Rising Sun, Indiana. For every cache that participants locate they can fill out a form and bring the form to the Historic Downtown Program. The forms can be downloaded from their website (www.enjoyrisingsundowntown.com) or you can stop in their office 103 South Walnut Street to pick them up. The deadline for turning in forms is November 1, 2009. No registration is needed. The forms have to be returned to the Historic Downtown Program office 103 South Walnut in their mailbox.

HDP is offering five prizes of $100 each. Four prizes will be awarded based on a random drawing from all entry forms. So for each form you return, your chances of winning go up. The fifth prize is for the person who has traveled the furthest to come to Rising Sun to geocache.

For all that are new to geocaching, it is a treasure hunt that uses a satellite and computer technology to find hidden, registered sites, or caches. A typical cache is a container with trinkets for trading and a logbook. Visitor sign the logbook and may note their visits online to help keep current records for each site.

To get started, go online to the HDP website for a link to www.geocaching.com, a website of all registered geocaches in Southeastern Indiana. Exact coordinates of each treasure chest may be found here. Using a handheld global position system (GPS) receiver, participants may then locate each cache. Website information provides details for each cache, including difficulty in terrain and how hard it is to find.

This high-tech game combines exercise and imagination with exploration of the outdoors. GPS coordinates are used to drive to a general location. Then it’s a matter of hiking to reach the final hiding place. Some caches are easily found, while others are camouflaged. Most receivers allow the hunter to get within 20 feet or closer. Water or other hiding places can make the hunt even more intriguing. It takes a keen eye to spot containers that might be as small as a film canister.

Come explore the new and familiar areas in Southeastern Indiana!

SUMMER SERENADES ON THE RIVER!

Rising Sun, IN—Summer’s here we have some very talented musicians performing for Summer Serenades concert series on the River this year… bring a picnic basket, blanket or lawn chairs, and plan to hear some fantastic music entertainment!

Donna Frost, from Nashville TN, kicked off the 2009 Summer Serenade Concerts on the River by performing original music from her 3^rd CD “Girls Like Us” on May 31^st. If you missed it, about 100 people joined us for a wonderful evening overlooking the Ohio River . Food was available for carryout from Dining Right at the Empire House Hotel right down the street on Front Street .

Here’s the schedule for the rest of the Summer Serenade Concert Series… all free and open to the public in the Rising Sun Pavilion at the end of Main Street .

Sat., June 27th, 7-9pm	The Sco Daddies	Blues, Classic, Alternative and Southern-Fried Rock are always on the menu when The Sco Daddies rock the house.
Sat., July 4th, 7-9pm	Rooster Forbes	Gene Toennisson and Dave Sams, also known as Rooster Forbes, bring acoustic, finger style roots blues to Southeast Indiana .
Sat., July 18th, 6-8pm	Crosstown Jazz	Big Band, Sinatra-style renditions from the 6-piece orchestra from Atlanta GA.

Sat., Aug. 1st, 7-9pm	Lost in Holland	Made up of Josh Hisle ( U.S. Marine) and Michael Ronstadt (son of Linda), they will play music from their albums Hearts and Minds and The Last Great Loss.
Sat., Aug.8th, 7-9pm	Rural Route 2	Performing traditional songs from masters of the early days of Bluegrass plus newer sounds of Bluegrass artists today, and songs from other genre's of music such as Rock, Folk and Country.
Sat., Aug.15th, 7-9pm	DaJa Blue	Local classic rock duo featuring Stevie Johns

Just 45 minutes west of Cincinnati , Rising Sun offers many amenities to get away from the routine. This little river city is big on events, things to do, or just spending relaxing days strolling along the river walk, sitting in the park watching the boats go by, or catching the local shuttle to the Grand Victoria Casino. From festivals, shopping, art walks, entertainment, dining, and hiking through the environmental park, Rising Sun has it all!

“DORIE DAY AT SUBWAY”

“DORIE DAY AT SUBWAY” THE RISING SUN SUBWAY HAS DECLARED FRIDAY MAY 1ST AS DORIE DAY. STOP IN AND EAT LUNCH OR DINNER AT SUBWAY AND MENTION THAT YOU WOULD LIKE YOUR PURCHASE TO GO TOWARDS “DORIE DAY” AND 15% OF YOUR PURCHASE WILL GO INTO THE DORIE PEELMAN FUND. JUST IMAGINE EVERYONE CAN EAT AT SUBWAY ALL DAY AND DORIE RECEIVES 15%. SO, GO EAT SUBWAY FOR DORIE!! THANK YOU MIKE CRAIG & RISING SUN SUBWAY!!

Preservation Gala

Preservation Gala
May 15, 2009
6 pm at Heritage Hall

You are invited!!

It will be an evening spent with friends in the spirit of the preservation of local history. Jessica’s Taste Sensations will be catering the dinner. Roast Beef or Roast Pork will be on the menu along with appetizers, salad, vegetables, and your choice of triple chocolate cake or pineapple upside down cake.

Spittin’ Image will be performing. They mix it up with comedy and audience participation to create a high-energy show.

Tickets are $25 per individual or $45 per couple, Semi-Formal Attire. Tickets must be purchased in advanced no later than May 8, 2009 at the Historic Downtown Office (103 S Walnut Street). Call Amy or Karrah for tickets. 812.438.2750

Hope to see you there!

Vintage Baseball Game!

On the afternoon of Saturday May 2 at 1:00 p.m. the Historical Society/Park Department vintage base ball will play a doubleheader near the soccer fields by Grand Victoria. The local team is the Belle River Club which was a local team in 1869.

The Ohio County Historical Museum (212 S. Walnut Street, Rising Sun, Indiana, 47040) is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is located along the Ohio River Scenic By-way. Museum hours are 11-4 Monday-Saturday, 1:30-4:30 Sunday, and closed Wednesdays. Admission to the museum only is $2.50 for adults, $2.00 for senior citizens, $1.00 for high school students, and free for members and children 12 and under. For more information about the event or museum please call Bill Dichtl at (812) 438-4915.

Civil War Encampment

May 2, 2009, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. camps remain open until dusk
May 3, 2009, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Step back in history and met Abraham Lincoln and Robert E. Lee. Both men will be at the Civil War Encampment during the weekend of May 2 and May 3. This will be a great opportunity to ask these great men your burning questions about the Civil War and their role in it. The Union and Confederate games will be teeming with soldiers and civilians who love what they do and are willing to explain life in the 1860s, what they ate, what they did for entertainment, and much more.

Throughout each day, there will be military drills and cannon demonstrations. In the program tent there will be programs on the “The Impact of the Civil War on Civilians”, “Toys, Games, and Pastimes During the Civil War”, “Women’s Roles During the Civil War”, and “Jedediah Hotchkiss: Mapmaker for Stonewall Jackson.” Abraham Lincoln and Robert E. Lee will present programs in the tent as well.

There will be food available for purchase along with a wide variety of Civil War items and books from the museum’s store.

On Saturday the activities end at 5:00 p.m., but the camps will remain open until dusk. From 8:00-10:00 p.m. a Civil War Ball will take place. Everyone is invited to watch or even take a whirl on the grass dance floor. The ball will be held in the program tent with period music.

This free event is sponsored by the city of Rising Sun, Ohio County/Rising Sun Parks Department, Rising Sun/Ohio County Tourism Bureau, and the Rising Sun Regional Foundation. Following the roar of the cannon to Shiner Park located behind the Ohio County Elementary/Middle School for a lesson in history. There will be plenty to see so bring your camera and curiosity.

The Ohio County Historical Museum (212 S. Walnut Street, Rising Sun, Indiana, 47040) is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is located along the Ohio River Scenic By-way. Museum hours are 11-4 Monday-Saturday, 1:30-4:30 Sunday, and closed Wednesdays. Admission to the museum only is $2.50 for adults, $2.00 for senior citizens, $1.00 for high school students, and free for members and children 12 and under. For more information about the event or museum please call Bill Dichtl at (812) 438-4915.

Kelly Miller Circus Returns to Rising Sun on April 29, 2009

The Kelly Miller Circus returns to Rising Sun on April 29 with two family-friendly shows that will thrill everyone with amazing acrobatics and aerial tricks. Clowns are on hand doing silly things that will fill the tent with laughter. The elephants, camels, donkeys, horses, and more will perform their act that will delight all ages.

The day begins as the sun peeks over the hills of Kentucky. Trucks rumble into town headed for River Front Park, and people begin gathering, drawn to the commotion. Animals and equipment begin pouring from the vehicles while people rush about preparing for another day at the Kelly Miller Circus.

As if it has been choreographed, everyone steps in time and knows exactly what to do. Before your eyes, a whole magical world rises up and in just a couple of short hours a vacant lot has been transformed into a wondrous sight of brightly colored tents, animals from far away lands, and amazing equipment from which daring people will fly through the air to delight and fascinate you.

Take the day and enjoy the whole Circus experience on April 29. Set up begins at approximately 9:00 a.m., followed by two magical performances at 4:40 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. tickets for the two performances are available at a savings when purchased in advance from the Ohio County Historical Museum, MainSource Bank, Friendship State Bank, Peoples Community Bank, and Tandy’s IGA. Tickets are $10.00 for Adults 12 and older and $6.00 for Children 2-11 years old. Under 2 are free. At the gate tickets are $14.00 for Adults and $7.00 for Children. Proceeds will benefit the Ohio County Historical Society. The Circus is sponsored by MainSource Bank.

Studio Tour Set For April 25 and 26 in Ohio and Switzerland Counties

The Second Annual Creative Spaces Rural Places Studio Tour is set for April 25th and 26th 2009. Ohio and Switzerland Counties open their studios, galleries and shops for an event celebrating the arts in rural Indiana. Over 35 different artists will show their work in 26 locations to be reviewed, discussed and purchased. The tour will be from 10am until 6pm both days.

This Free tour offers some new and eclectic works that touch all mediums. Sculpture, paint, glass, fiber, steel, wood, photography, American crafts and instrument design combine for a fabulous palette of talent that reside in these two Southeastern Indiana counties.

Participating artists in Ohio County include: Vera Curnow, colored pencil; Oscar River, photography; William Rees, harp maker; LuAnn Howser, oils; Jodie Cole Mullee, pastels; Debi Black, watercolor; Shirley Smith, watercolor; Mike Northcutt, sculpture; Herb Herrick,oils; Elaine Hess, colored pencil and fused glass; Andrea Grimsley, acrylics and oils; Molly Beyer, basket weaving; Megan Reis, stained glass; Debby Abrams, pottery; Sandra Wiehe, art quilts; Rosemary Butterbaugh, monotype and Jan West, eclectic sculpture.

The Tour is sponsored by the Ohio and Switzerland County Tourism Bureaus.
For more information visit our website www.creativespacesruralplaces.com or call Ohio County Tourism at 438-4933.

Opening Reception at Pendleton Art Center May 1

The opening reception for the Rising Sun 3rd Annual Juried Art Show will be held on May 1 from 6-9p at the Pendleton Art Center 201 Main Street Rising Sun.

One hundred and fifteen entries from the tristate area were received. The entries were then juried for entry into the show. Sixty eight 2 dimensional works and 10 3 dimensional works were accepted and will be displayed at the Rising Sun Pendleton Art Center during the month of May.

Prizes will be awarded at 7pm in the gallery at the Art Center. Champagne and hor d’ourves will be served. The public is invited to attend this free event.

Judge for the competition is Jamie Markle. He is the Publisher for North Light Books, and imprint of F & W Publications. He collaborates closely with North Light’s sister publications The Artist Magazine, Watercolor Artist, And the Pastel Journal, as well as at online properties Wet Canvas! and Artistnetwork TV. He is the co-editor of The Ultimate Guide to Painting From Photographs and Pure Color: the Best of Pastel.

The show is sponsored by Ohio County Tourism. For more information call 888-776-4786 or visit www.artsinrisingsun.com for information on all art happenings.

Gospel Brunch

Cooking Events!

Nashville Tennessean Reports on Rising Sun

By Jane Ammeson • Nashville Tennessean • February 1, 2009

RISING SUN, Ind. -- Tucked away in a bend of the slow-moving Ohio River, across the current from Rabbit Hash, Ky., this town of little more than 2,000 people enchants visitors with its early Victorian-era downtown, river walk, casino and burgeoning arts scene that includes a world-renowned harp maker.

Not far away are an animal sanctuary, another casino and even zip lines that let riders soar through the area's undulating hills.

Looking to do something a bit different? Soar above the ground at Dagaz Acres Zipline Adventures (513-598-8097, www.dagazacres.com). Located on an 85-acre farm, the zip lines traverse 23 acres over creeks and hills, reaching as high as 65 feet and going as fast as 35 mph.

"I knew they had them in the Caribbean, but I never expected to find one in Southern Indiana," says Linda Simon, an attorney from Gary, Ind. Simon traveled to the area to check out the arts scene in Rising Sun but thought the zip line sounded adventuresome.

Animal lovers should check out Red Wolf Sanctuary (812-667-5303, www.redwolf.org), a refuge for a variety of North American predators.

"They're all rescued animals." says Jane Strasser, who, with her husband, Paul, owns the sanctuary. It now has four black bears, 14 gray wolves, a bobcat and a cougar.

Red Wolf is relocating, so check its Web site for updates.

Check out historic houses

Finally, follow the Ohio River Scenic Byway south to Aurora. It's home to two historic mansions, now house museums. Hillforest, set on a hill overlooking the river, was built by the owner of a brewery.

Call ahead and set up a tour of Veraestau, Aurora's other house museum, one of the first Greek Revival homes built in the state.

Finally, take a sip at Chateau Pomije, the second-largest vineyard in Indiana, on a 70-acre estate with a restored 1891 barn that houses the sampling room, show room and wine making.

Hear the harps

Visiting music lovers will want to head to Harps on Main in Rising Sun, the home of William Rees Instruments, one of the largest custom harp makers in the country.

Stop in at The Main Artery, a studio and gallery owned by national award-winning artist Vera Curnow, author of eight art books and founder of the Colored Pen Society of America. Curnow's gallery features traditional fine arts and crafts as well as gifts. Steps away is the Pendleton Art Center, where 20 or so local artists have studio space and show their work in the main gallery. Nearby antique and gift shops round out a downtown visit.

Take in the sights

History buffs can visit the Classical-style county courthouse, completed in 1845, which is the oldest operating courthouse in Indiana. A must stop is the Ohio County Historical Museum in what used to be the Clore Plow Works, a building complex that dates to 1850.

Rising Sun was once one of the busiest ports on the Ohio River, and several riverfront buildings remain from its heyday.

Also within walking distance is the Grand Victoria Casino and Resort by Hyatt with more than 1,400 slot machines plus poker, blackjack, Caribbean stud, roulette, craps and Spanish 21, a fast-paced take on Blackjack.

Head to nearby Dearborn County for more gambling action at Argosy Casino & Hotel in historic Lawrenceburg.

The 78,000-square-foot, three-deck riverboat features 2,600 slots and 70 table games.

Top Cincinnati Chefs Participate in Rising Sun Chef Series

The Ohio County Tourism Commission is sponsoring a Chef Series beginning Thursday February 5 at 5pm at the Ohio County Community Foundation Building(formerly Tools For Tots) on Smart Drive in Rising Sun.

Each session provides an opportunity to be up close and personal with some of the most famous chefs and cooking experts in the Cincinnati area. Students will learn to prepare recipes by watching in the kitchen as each chef prepares his or her food. Then everyone gets to taste each recipe.

The first session on Feb 5 is a Tapas Tasting prepared by David Cook chef and owner of Daveed’s in Mount Adams. Chef David will prepare 12-14 recipes based on this popular Spanish custom. The price for this class is $45.

The second session on February 26 is a Chef Cook-Off between David Cook and Sean Daly, chef and owner of Hugo in Oakley. Hugo is named for Hurricane Hugo and the cuisine is based on low-country recipes of the Carolinas. The fee for this class is $25.

The third session “Cooking With Amy”on March 26 is a cooking class by Amy Tobin Author of Amy’s Table and director of the Northern Kentucky Cooking School at the Party Source. The cost for this class is $25.

For more information or to reserve your space call Ohio County Tourism at 888-776-4786.

Mystery Dinner at the Park

Join us for an evening of Intrigue, Adventure and Murder

WE HAVE THE SUSPECTS …WE HAVE THE CLUES…
YOU SOLVE THE MURDER!

“LOVE WRITES A DEADLY VERSE”

Are you looking for something special to do on Valentines Day? Denver Siekman Environmental Park is hosting a Mystery Dinner on February 14th beginning at 6:00 p.m in Baker Hall at the park. The title of the mystery is “Love Writes a Deadly Verse” You are invited to help solve the Mystery of who killed poetress Charity Homes who has just delivered her new work to the Poets Turntable. Come and help us solve this Valentine Mystery.

Saturday February 14th

CALL NOW FOR RESERVATIONS 438-1230

Appetizers will be served at 6:00pm Dinner will follow.
The fun will start the minute you arrive.

$25.00 for individual $40.00 for a couple

Package includes:
Appetizers
Potato Chowder
Garden Salad
Baked Ziti
Chicken Parmesan
Vegetable Medley
Fresh dinner rolls and assortment of homemade breads
Fruit Crepes`
Iced Tea –Sodas- Coffee

The cost of this event is $25.00 per person $40.00 per couple. This includes the 6 course meal and the entertainment. Make plans today to attend by calling 438-1230 or emailing denversiekmanep@yahoo.com.

Hill’s Office to Hold DTV Transition Informational Session with FCC Representative

Washington, DC – Staff from Congressman Baron Hill’s office will hold an informational session on the upcoming Digital Television (DTV) Transition with a representative from the Federal Communications Commission. The event is intended to answer questions, provide useful information about the DTV Transition and show Southern Indiana residents how to set up converter boxes.

WHO: Congressman Baron Hill’s staff member, a representative from the Federal Communications Commission and interested members of the community.

WHAT: Informational session regarding the upcoming DTV Transition.

WHEN: Wednesday, January 28, 2009, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. (EDT).

WHERE: Rising Sun / Ohio County Senior Citizens Center

510 S Mulberry Street

Rising Sun, Indiana.

Kelly Miller Circu

The Kelly Miller Circus will be in Rising Sun for one day only on April 29 with two performances at 4:30 and 7:00 p.m. The Big Top will be located at River Front Park. Area merchants will be contacted to purchase children's tickets. Please help support the Ohio County Historical Society in their upcoming fundraising event.

Marketing & PR Workshop

Lt. Governor Skillman Awards $10,000 to the Ohio County Convention, Tourism and Visitors Commission

To view this email as a web page, go here.

Lt. Governor Skillman Awards $10,000 to the Ohio County Convention, Tourism and Visitors Commission Last month, I presented the Ohio County Convention, Tourism and Visitors Commission with a $10,000 Artisan Trail Development Grant. The grant will fund the Creative Spaces/Rural Places Trail, which will be a tourism package targeted at attracting and educating visitors who are interested in learning about a specific art form via classes, workshops, and visits with local artisans. The Indiana Artisan Trail Development Grant is a joint venture with the Indiana Office of Tourism Development, the Office of Community and Rural Affairs, the Indiana Arts Commission and the Indiana State Department of Agriculture. The Indiana Artisan program supports Hoosier entrepreneurs who produce fine art, crafts and agricultural products such as salsa, wine, and soaps. The goal of the project is to enhance Indiana's economy, especially in rural Indiana, and further the impact our products make through increased artisan activity and related tourism development. Governor Daniels and I are committed to supporting Hoosier entrepreneurs and promoting Indiana-made products. This project provides a unique opportunity to enhance the entrepreneurial culture than has been created in Indiana and to attract visitors to our state. Congratulations to the Ohio County Convention, Tourism and Visitors Commission on receiving this grant. I look forward to seeing the results of this project. Sincerely,