Memorial Day weekend is the gateway to summertime.
True, the calendar says the season doesn’t start until June 21. But the weather is warm, school is out (or close to it) and it’s just too nice to stay indoors.
Just as the trees and flowers have finally bloomed after a long winter, so have a wealth of community events popped up on the calendar.
From classic cars to rolling in the mud to movies in the pool, Johnson County residents have no shortage of options to keep themselves entertained. Better yet, many of those options cost nothing to attend. Even those that do are relatively cheap.
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So get out there and enjoy the start of summer. To help you get started, here are a sampling of some of the best activities planned through the end of June:
Music on the Patio
Details: 6 p.m. Thursdays, Vino Villa
What: Summer is the perfect time for sipping on a glass of chardonnay or rosé for an early evening concert. Discover one of the area’s best patios while listening to jazz, rock and other relaxing tones, and learn about unique wines from around the country from Vino Villa’s experts.
Farmers markets
Details: Greenwood Farmers Market, 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays, 525 N. Madison Ave.; Franklin Farmers Market, 8 a.m. to noon, corner of Jefferson and Jackson streets; free to attend
What: Nothing says summer like farm-fresh food, and local producers are ready to share their harvest with the community. Pick up early-season crops such as strawberries, lettuce, herbs and peppers, then be sure to look for fresh-grown tomatoes and sweet corn later in the year. And check out the wide range of meat, honey, artisan goods and soaps all made or raised locally.
Memorial Day Mile
Details: 9 a.m. Monday, Johnson County Courthouse, 5 E. Jefferson St., Franklin; $12 for adults, $5 for 18 and under.
What: Organizers are expecting more than 1,300 people to take part in this race through downtown Franklin. Competitive divisions for men and women, as well as a family jog/walk, serve as the lead in for the county’s annual Memorial Day service, held at 11 a.m. on the courthouse lawn.
Splash Bash
Details: 7 to 11 p.m. Thursday, Franklin Family Aquatics Center, 390 Branigin Blvd.; free
What: School’s out, and it’s time to celebrate with a family-friendly pool party from 7 to 9 p.m., then settle in for the aquatic center’s unique “dive in” movie — an outdoor screening of the Disney classic “The Little Mermaid,” starting at 9:15 p.m.
Hoosier Hills Fiber Festival
Details: 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. June 1, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 2, Johnson County Fairgrounds, Franklin; free admission
What: The artisan spirit of knitting, crocheting and other fiber arts will be showcased during this two-day festival. People can browse through more than 60 vendors selling finished goods, raw fibers, supplies and tools, as well as take part in workshops ranging from chair caning to dyeing with native Indiana plants. Workshops do have a participation and supply cost of $45 for a half day and $90 for a full day.
Music Mania
Details: 1 to 3 p.m. June 2, Greenwood Park Mall, 1251 N. US 31; free
What: Introduce the kids to a whirlwind tour of different musical instruments and styles during this special educational program. Experts will demonstrate music and instruments from around the world, and children will be able to make their own instruments to take home.
Our Lady of Greenwood Parish Festival
Details: June 7 to 10, Our Lady of the Greenwood Catholic Church, 399 S. Meridian St.; free admission
What: Carnival rides, fried food and games are just a few of the activities on tap at the church’s annual festival. Take part in raffles, BINGO and Monte Carlo games, bid on the silent auction and take part in the family dinners served each day.
Dorothea Benton Frank
Details: 7 p.m. June 8, Garment Factory Events, 101 E. Wayne St., Franklin; free, registration required at pageafterpage.org.
What: The New York Times bestselling author is coming to Johnson County to talk about the stories and characters from her 17 published books. The first 100 Johnson County Public Library cardholders to register will get a signed copy of her new book, “By Invitation Only.”
Mud Day
Details: 1 to 3 p.m. June 8, Craig Park, 10 E. Smith Valley Road, Greenwood; free
What: Kids can make their grimiest, sloppiest dreams come true when the Greenwood Parks Department turn Craig Park into a giant mud pit. The event, for children ages 2 to 10, has no cost to attend, though donations to support the parks department are accepted.
Little Library on the Prairie Pioneer Festival
Details: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 9, Johnson County Library Trafalgar branch, 424 S. Tower St.; free
What: Discover what life was like on the Indiana prairie during this event dedicated to the mid-1800s. Watch a blacksmith at work, learn all about quilting and spinning, and try your hand at pioneer chores and food production. Storytellers, musicians and a homemade pie contest will also be featured.
Wilderness Survival 101
Details: 6 to 8 p.m. June 11, Greenwood Public Library, 310 S. Meridian St.; free
What: Want to know how to build a shelter or start a fire if you’re lost in the woods? Or what native Indiana plants are edible? Prepare for your summer camping trips with a discussion from Clint Jivoin, an experienced survival instructor.
Johnson County Antique Machinery Show
Details: June 14 to 17, Johnson County Park, 2949 North St., Nineveh; $3 admission, $5 for weekend pass, free for kids 12 and under.
What: Johnson County is an agricultural community, and its farming history will be on display for the annual show. Watch an antique tractor pull or old-fashioned horse pull, see sawmill demonstrations and blacksmithing and browse through the flea market. A parade, kids games and food vendors will also be part of the festivities.
Summer Fun
Details: 2 to 4 p.m. June 19, Independence Park, 2100 S. Morgantown St., Greenwood; free
What: This joint program between Johnson County Parks and the Johnson County Public Library will feature crafts and activities for children of all ages and abilities. Enjoy ice pops and chalk crafts, and check out the new story unveiled at the park’s StoryWalk.
Smoke on the Square
Details: June 22 and 23, downtown Franklin; free admission
What: Just the thought of all of that slow-roasted meat is enough to get the mouth watering. Dozens of competitive barbecue teams will gather to cook up their best brisket, pork shoulder and other selections. Food vendors, a kids area and music by Lemon Wheel and the Blue River Band will be included in the weekend as well.
Cruising the Courthouse
Details: 6 to 10 p.m. June 22, downtown Franklin; free to attend
What: Muscle cars and hot rods galore will take to the streets to show off during the regular series, held the fourth weekend of every month. Stroll among the Corvettes, GTOs and other classic cars lined up for you to ogle, stopping to chat with the owners who are more than happy to share their passion for automobiles.
Furry Friends Market
Details: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 23, Funny Farm Petcare, 4170 S. US 31, Franklin; free admission
What: Take care of your dog or cat at this pet-centric version of a farmers market. Vendors selling pet-related goods will be set up, and all vaccinated pets are welcome to attend. Proceeds from booth rental go to support local animal rescues and other nonprofit groups.
Jaws!
Details: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. June 29, Johnson County Museum of History, 135 N. Main St., Franklin; free, but registration is required
What: “Jaws” changed the way that people think about sharks and going in the water when it came out. But people are invited to learn more about the history woven into the film, including the sinking of the USS Indianapolis and the 1916 shark attacks on the Jersey Shore. Afterwards, head over to the Artcraft Theatre to see a screening of the movie.
