What a difference a year makes.
At this time in 2020, Johnson County was still in the throes of lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Certain activities were just starting to be allowed. Outdoor parks provided a respite from the indoors, restaurants touted expanded outdoor seating, and public pools opened up.
But many of the summer’s most beloved traditions and activities were postponed or outright cancelled — including festivals, community gatherings and concerts.
This summer will be much, much different. As if making up for a lost year, organizations and businesses have planned a wealth of unique and new activities to keep people busy.
In the next two weeks, people can experience the thrill of carnival rides, watch movies under the stars and tasting lavender ice cream. Concerts and festivals and showcases for local artisans all will unfold around Johnson County.
So venture out and about — safely, as the pandemic isn’t completely over — and make up for all of the lost time of 2020.
Strike Up the Band
Details: 7 p.m. today, Franklin branch of the Johnson County Public Library, 401 State St.
What: Something about music under the stars makes it sound a little sweeter. The public is invited to enjoy the sounds of the Franklin Community Band. Enjoy a free concert featuring varied and eclectic music from your lawn chairs or blankets, letting the notes blend with the ambient noise of a summer night.
Cartoons in the Park
Details: 8:30 p.m. Friday, Old City Park, 304 S. Meridian St. Greenwood. Cartoons start around 9:30 p.m.
What: Revel in the misadventures of Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Elmer Fudd and all of the other “Looney Tunes” favorites when the Greenwood Public Library presents Cartoons in the Park. Episodes of classic “Looney Tunes” cartoons will be shown under the stars, while library staff provides a kids craft and popcorn. People are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs, snacks, and bug spray to this free family event.
Our Lady of Greenwood Parish Festival
Details: 5 to 11 p.m. today; 5 p.m. to midnight Friday and 2 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Our Lady of the Greenwood Catholic Church, 335 S. Meridian St., Greenwood
What: On a warm summer evening, find carnival rides, delicious foods and games of all kinds during this Greenwood parish’s annual fundraising festival. Vendors will be serving up hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza, tacos and other fair foods, perfect for snacking on in-between playing rounds of Outside Monte Carlo, spin-and-win and children’s games. Poor Jack Amusements will have some of their most exhilarating rides, while DJ Chris Schura will provide the music.
Lavender Harvest Extravaganza
Details: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dollie’s Farm, 3961 N. CR 425 E., Franklin
What: Flower lovers are invited to celebrate everything lavender while frolicking among the purple-tinged plants. Enjoy lavender wine-based cocktails, lavender ice cream and lavender popcorn throughout the day, all while being able to cut your own fresh lavender. No tickets are required.
Car-B-Cue Festival
Details: 4 to 10 p.m. Saturday, downtown Franklin
What: Franklin Parks and Recreation return with another weekend festival, this one merging the iconic summer activities of cruising the square and barbecuing food. People will show off their hot rods and cool rides during the classic car cruise-in. A beer garden, food trucks and barbecue vendors are scheduled to help sate the appetite of any festival-goer. Local party band The Bishops will perform from 7 to 10 p.m.
Organ concert
Details: Noon Sunday, First Presbyterian Church, 100 E. Madison St., Franklin
What: Colin Andrews is a world-renowned organist and former faculty member at Indiana University. He’s also the musical director at First Presbyterian Church. The public is invited to this free concert featuring Andrews as well as baritone Conner Allison and tenor Nathan Krishnaswami. Music will range from Johann Sebastian Bach to Vaughan-Williams, Donaudy, Gounod, Ravel and others. Out of respect for one another, it is requested that masks be worn and social distancing observed for the concert.
Virtual Indian Market
Details: Monday through June 28; online at Eiteljorg.org/IndianMarketandFestival
What: In a normal year, the Eiteljorg Museum’s Indian Market would bring the finest of Native American and First Nation artists to Indianapolis to show off their work. The pandemic won’t allow that this year, so the event will instead be virtual. People can can shop online for beautiful jewelry, pottery, paintings and other artworks created by 100 artists from the U.S. and Canada. During the free event, attendees can use an online hub to shop for Native artworks directly from the artists, enjoy the performances, download family activities and learn more about Native artists and their cultures.
Whimsy & Blooms
Details: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 19, Pleasant View Farm, 5301 E. CR 200N., Franklin
What: Vintage Whimsy, the charming downtown Franklin vintage store, has invited 70 talented vendors to set up in this garden market set in the beautiful landscape of a working grain farm, Pleasant View Farm. Shoppers can find vintage and antique goods, garden decor, architectural salvage, live plants, quality handmade items and more. Live music will be featured, and people will be able to grab lunch and snacks in the food court. Admission to the event is $5.
Movie Night
Details: 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. June 18, White River branch of Johnson County Public Library, 1664 Library Blvd., Greenwood
What: Get in the tropical spirit with the visually dazzling film “Moana,” following the story of a young girl who takes to the sea to save the world. Attendees to this free event are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chairs for this screening under the summer evening sky. Register at pageafterpage.org.
Juneteenth Ce-Liberation
Details: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 19, 389 E. Monroe St., Franklin
What: Juneteenth is the holiday celebrating the emancipation of the last remaining enslaved African-Americans following the Civil War. The Franklin Equity and Justice Coalition has planned a fun day of activities to bring the community together. The morning will start with a 5K race and 1-mile family walk, with a picnic, refreshments, live music, games and more to follow. All are welcome to attend.
