By BARBARA BARBIERI
It was Christmas in July on Thursday noon as the Friends of Ouabache State Park hosted Lunch & Learn with Kathy Schwartz, chair of the park’s Festival of Lights, presenting the program.
Decorated Christmas ornament cookies were provided by Corner Depot Catering and the make your own Christmas ornament supplies were donated by the Schwartz’s—Kathy and Craig.
Wooden ornament shapes, fashioned by Craig, had photos of state park sites glued to them before being decoupaged by Kathy. Sites included: baby bison, mama/bison calf, bison sniffing flowers, bison standing, deer in the mist, tower in summer, tower at Christmas, misty tree by lake, fall leaves, gate house at Christmas, winter trail or owls of Indiana.
Others may order the ornaments ready made by sending an order to FOOSP, 4930 St. Rd. 201, Bluffton, IN 46714.
Single ornament—$3; Two ornaments—$5; Set of 5—$15; Set of 12—$30. The ornaments may be picked up at the park office, if shipped the cost will be 1-5 ornaments $5, 6-12 ornaments $10.
Kathy told about the Festival of Trees, the main fundraising event for the friends group. She explained how folks can help in three different ways—decorating a site, being a spirit sponsor ($20 per string of lights) or volunteering for set up of the decorations or hosting at the gatehouse during the festival.
The next Lunch & Learn event will be held on Thursday, Aug. 11 with Dani Tippman telling about the Influence of the Miami Culture.
Christmas in July Saturday, July 23
Park Naturalist Rebecca Wynn also told the lunch attendees about the coming Christmas in July event. All park visitors are invited to the campground shelter for events to include a snowball toss, Christmas Bingo, ornament making and a decorating contest.
barb@news-banner.com
