Johnson County is still in the throes of summer.
But that grip is loosening up.
Labor Day weekend traditionally serves as the bridge between a jam-packed summer and all of the fall festivals and activities. Pools and cookouts give way to apple orchards and bonfires. Heading into the holiday weekend, temperatures are hovering in the mid-80s, with 90 degrees on the way.
So over the next five days, people will be able to squeeze every last bit of sun-soaked fun from the season.
Stock up on the summer’s bounty at farmers markets in Bargersville, Edinburgh, Trafalgar, Greenwood, Whiteland and Franklin. Enjoy ales, lagers, porters and sours paired with rock music during a new tradition, the Beer and Band Fest, put on by Greenwood’s Hoosier Brewing Co.
Celebrate all weekend with a glass of wine at one of the county’s most enduring attractions. Decorate your home with fresh flowers blooming this time of year.
To help you wring every last drop of summer fun out of Labor Day weekend, here’s a sampling of what’s going on in the coming days:
Farm-fresh food
Details: 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, John R. Drybread Community Center, 100 E. Main Cross St., Edinburgh; 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, 108 N. SR 135, Trafalgar; 5:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, 549 Main St., Whiteland; 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, 525 N. Madison Ave., Greenwood; 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, 5 E. Jefferson St., Franklin; 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, 24 N. Main St., Bargersville
What: Few things beat the taste of an ear of Indiana sweet corn, a juicy locally grown tomato or a crisp bell pepper picked that morning. Those fresh flavors won’t be around for much longer, so stop into farmers markets around the county to stock up for your cookout. In addition to produce, find burgers, sausages and other grill-worthy meat from local producers, plus flowers, sweets and prepared food to sate your holiday weekend hunger.
Flower arrangement workshop
Details: 1 to 2:30 p.m. Sept. 2, Bella Rose Design, 1001 N. SR 135, Greenwood
What: Fresh flowers bring the beauty of nature into your house, and the team at Bella Rose Design want to help create stunning arrangements with fresh local flowers while they’re still in bloom. The shop is partnering with Ruby Grace Flower & Honey Co. to help participants make centerpiece-worthy decorations using zinnias and dahlias. Cost of the event is $30, and after learning how to arrange and hand-tie bouquets in a vase, people will be able to take their creations home. RSVP and buy tickets at www.bellarosedesign.com/event-details/flower-arrangement-workshop.
Beer and Band Fest
Details: 2 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Greenwood Amphitheater; $49 general admission, $69 VIP entrance at 1 p.m., $10 designated driver
What: Downtown Greenwood becomes a beer-lovers paradise during the second Beer and Band Fest. Organized by Hoosier Brewing Co., the event features nearly 30 breweries, cideries and more from all over Indiana and the Midwest pouring their standard-bearing brews and unique fan favorites. In between the beer, enjoy entertainment by Franklin hard rockers Brother O Brother. Tommy Kelly Band and Straight Up Chumps open up the show.
Go for a dip
Details: Franklin Family Aquatic Center, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Monday, 396 Branigin Blvd.; Freedom Springs, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. Sunday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, 850 W. Stop 18 Road, Greenwood
What: Whether you’re a lazy-river lounger or a regular pool shark, this weekend offers the last opportunities to take a dip this year in local pools. Plummet down the 190-foot slide or enjoy 16 interactive play features at the Franklin Family Aquatic Center, or soak up the sun at on the tube slide, body slides or lazy river Freedom Springs. With forecasters calling for prime summer heat this weekend, take advantage of the cool water one last time.
Raise an anniversary toast at Mallow Run
Details: Noon to 9 p.m. Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. Sunday and Monday, Mallow Run Winery, 6964 W. Whiteland Road, Bargersville
What: One of the jewels in the county’s tourism scene is Mallow Run Winery, which has been its hub for locally produced wine, live entertainment and other activities since it opened in 2005. People can help celebrate the winery’s anniversary with a full weekend of free fun.
On Saturday, enjoy live music from The DOO! from 6 to 9 p.m., with John Ryan providing an opening set from 2 to 5 p.m. Food trucks such as MoBowl, Daddy’s Dogs and Chompz will be on site, and of course guests can enjoy glasses or bottles from Mallow Run’s expansive wine list. The rest of the weekend includes more music, wine and food, with Living Proof performing from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday and Blue River Band from 2 to 5 p.m. Monday.
