Today, our community celebrates the 50th Parlor City Trot, and we anticipate a significant turnout of athletes running through our downtown, state park, and Rivergreenway this morning. Please use caution if you are out and about, and be sure to cheer them on as they pass. The course map can be found at the bottom of this link: https://tinyurl.com/jdz3p9n5.

If you love kayaking, canoeing, or fishing the Wabash River, you will be happy to know that a ribbon cutting is scheduled for the new paddle sport launch at Vera Cruz on Friday, Sept. 6, at 6 p.m.  This launch has been a long-term goal of the Wells County Trails, and we are excited to see the increased availability of recreation on the water and tourism opportunities.  The launch was made possible by the following groups: Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority, Wells County Foundation, Inc., Town of Vera Cruz, Wells County Government, Northeast Indiana Water Trails, Bluffton Kayak Club, Patronicity, along with all of the individual donors that made this project possible. 

Next Thursday is Nerf Wars, so be sure to sign your child up soon! The event will be held in the Bluffton City Gym on Sept. 5 for children ages 5-16 from 5:30 -6:30 p.m. The Cost is only $1. To register, email events@blufftonindiana.gov or call 824-6069. Kids will need to bring their own Nerf weapon and safety glasses; we’ve got the ammo covered.

We still have a few spots for the next Hue Can Paint class on Monday, Sept. 30, at 6:00 p.m. at the Washington Park indoor pavilion. September’s painting will be The Witch’s Broom. Your kids will enjoy the step-by-step instructions from a local artist to paint a one-of-a-kind creation to take home. Not only will they leave with beautiful artwork, but they will also feel accomplished as they master the painting techniques. The cost is only $15 per person and includes all supplies and instructions. You can pre-register by emailing events@blufftonindiana.gov or calling 824-6069. Space is limited to the first 12 pre-registered kids ages 7 years and up.

We still have lots of options open for the FREE Senior Snippets program! These classes are focused on various topics for the senior/adult population. These FREE talks will be held at different locations in town, so make a note in your calendar after signing up. Registering is easy; call 824-6069 or e-mail events@blufftonindiana.gov. Classes will be held in one of the following locations: Washington Park Pavilion (710 S Mulberry), Wells County Public Library (200 W Washington), or the Wells County Historical Museum (420 W Market). 

Class topics include Senior Serenity, Cooking for 1 or 2, Fall Prevention for All Ages, Coloring for Relaxation, Wells County History, Easy Fall Crafts, Movie Club (The Sound of Music), and Crochet Lessons.  Some classes have limited space, so don’t wait; register now.

Enjoy the last few days of summer by playing in the splash pad over the long holiday weekend. As a reminder, the splash pads will close as usual on the Tuesday following Labor Day.  

We want to give a shout-out to our dedicated park maintenance crew, who recently unloaded over three semi-loads of mulch to fill the playgrounds. Their hard work and commitment have created a clean, safe place for kids to play. We also want to express our gratitude to the Huggins-Mann Pretzels Inc. Legacy Fund, whose generous support helped offset the project’s expenses.  

We would also like to thank the Upper Wabash River Basin Commission for its annual donation to the Parks for the Wellness races and events held along the scenic River Greenway.  

Enjoy your long weekend; 

Happy Labor Day!