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!