June 30, 2026 — Current in Brownsburg

Tuesday, June 30, 2026 youarecurrent.com

Fairgrounds expansion progresses Page 2

Artisanal coffee shop to open Page 3

Memorial to honor Steve Stapp Page 4

Tourism collaboration recognized Page 6

Sheltering Wings holds Christmas in July campaign Page 10

CELEBRATION TIME Brownsburg Lions Club, Town of Brownsburg host July 4 Extravaganza

Indy Opera set for final Lobster Palooza

Pages 11 -24

Page 25

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Tuesday, June 30, 2026

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Fairgrounds expansion advances with contract, bond approvals news@youarecurrent.com Plans to expand the Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds and Conference Complex took another step forward this month as county officials approved contracts and funding needed to begin the next phase of the project.

During a June 23 meeting, the Hendricks County Commissioners approved a contract with ARCdesign and Banning Engineering to advance design and engineering work for the proposed fairgrounds expansion. The approval follows action by the Hendricks County Council on June 16 to authorize a $3 million bond issuance to fund design services and initial site preparation work.

County officials said the approvals will allow project teams to move forward with detailed planning, engineering and bidding processes needed before construction can begin.

The goal is to begin earthwork shortly after the conclusion of the 2026 Hendricks County 4-H Fair and have additional parking areas completed in time for the 2027 fair.

At the June 23 commissioners meeting, county officials discussed the next steps in the bonding process, including requirements to work with financial and design professionals as plans move toward bidding and construction.

Officials indicated the project timeline has been coordinated with architects, engineers and bond counsel and has received support from county leadership as planning progresses.

The expansion project centers on the construction of a new multipurpose event building at the fairgrounds, which officials say is needed to meet growing demand for conferences, trade shows and community events.

The proposal stems from a 2024 feasibility study and community feedback that identified a need for additional

Hendricks County officials are advancing plans to expand the Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds and Conference Complex with an event building to accommodate growing demand and larger events. (Photo provided by Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds)

event space at the county-owned facility.

Current plans call for approximately 22,000 square feet of new event space. The addition would significantly increase the fairgrounds’ indoor capacity and provide flexibility for larger events that currently cannot be accommodated.

The new structure is expected to be built east of the existing Hendricks Power Expo Hall and connected to current facilities through shared entrances and gathering areas. Preliminary plans also include expanded parking to support increased attendance and offset parking spaces that would be affected by construction.

County leaders view the project as an investment in the fairgrounds’ longterm role as an economic driver for Hendricks County.

The Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds and Conference Complex hosts a variety of events throughout the year, drawing visitors from across Indiana and neighboring states. In addition to the annual Hendricks County 4-H Fair, the facility serves as a venue for trade shows, meetings, conventions and community gatherings.

Officials have said demand for event

space has continued to grow in recent years, creating opportunities to attract larger events and expand existing ones.

The additional space is intended to help the fairgrounds remain competitive with other regional event facilities while supporting future growth.

The recently approved bond funding represents an early phase of the project and will cover design and initial site work. Additional approvals and future bond issuances are expected as plans are finalized and construction costs are determined.

County officials said design work will continue throughout the coming months, with bidding anticipated later this year. If the project remains on schedule, crews could begin work after the 2026 fair concludes.

The completion of additional parking before the 2027 fair is considered a key milestone in the overall project timeline as officials continue working toward the larger expansion effort.

With funding and design agreements now in place, county leaders say the fairgrounds expansion is moving from the planning stage toward implementation, marking one of the most significant improvements to the facility in recent years.

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SAVE THE DATE!

New coffee shop to open

By Piper Bailey piper@youarecurrent.com Tempest Artisan Coffee Bar is expected to open next month at The Arbuckle in Brownsburg. Planning began in October 2024, but its anticipated fall 2025 opening was delayed by about a year because of construction and development setbacks.

Tempest Artisan is a third-wave coffee shop that approaches coffee as an artisanal craft.

Co-owner Park Leacock has a strong interest in specialty coffees, and for years he and his wife talked about one day opening a coffee shop. As a Brownsburg resident, he saw a lack of options on the west side of Indianapolis and wanted to use his business expertise to bring the concept to life.

“There are very few specialty coffee shops on the west side. There are functionally no third-wave coffee shops at all on the west side, and there’s definitely a need for it,” Leacock said.

“This space opened up in Brownsburg, and it was perfect. We saw the vision immediately.”

Unlike traditional coffee shops that focus on convenience, third-wave coffee focuses on sourcing, roasting and brewing techniques that highlight natural flavors of the beans. Different beans can produce distinct flavors based on where and how they were grown, similar to wine.

“All of our coffees will be roasted inhouse, which will give a really unique experience,” co-owner Jonah Brooks said. “They’ll be roasted here and then

represented here through our different brewing methods, which really accelerates and amplifies the true third-wave specialty experience.”

Brooks met Leacock about seven months ago through a mutual friend.

The friend connected the two after Tempest’s owners said they needed additional perspectives to complement their business backgrounds and Brooks left Creations Cafe, a Danville business he helped open with his wife’s family.

Tempest will have indoor and outdoor seating and occasional live music.

The menu will be revealed during the opening and is expected to include Liege waffles, canned lattes, powdered teas and seasonal items such as the citrus bar iced latte. A cocktail menu is also being curated by a “world-class bartender from the Nashville, Tenn., bar scene,” according to Brooks.

“We’ll have the classic kind of flavor profiles as our main menu with just a Tempest expression attached to them in a unique way,” Brooks said. “We’re doing our own in-house canning of lattes. We got a nice canning machine, so that’ll be a really unique, niche thing that we have.”

Despite the delays, Leacock said he remains committed to bringing thirdwave coffee to the area.

“Brownsburg needs it, and we’re going to get to the finish line no matter what,” Leacock said.

Tempest Artisan Coffee Bar will be at 7249 Arbuckle Commons. For more, visit tempest.coffee or their Instagram @tempestindiana.

Thursday, July 23 11 AM-7 PM Hendricks Co. 4-H Fairgrounds Sponsor of the Day Pavilion 1900 E Main St, Danville, IN Join us for this year's Hendricks Power Member Appreciation & Annual Meeting event at the Hendricks County Fairgrounds! Enjoy a safety demonstration, face painting, balloon animals, Silly Safaris animal shows, and the Board of Directors election. Cast your votes for the Board of Directors in July!

Learn More!

hendrickspower.com/annualmeeting

All voting members will be entered to win a $200 bill credit. * HPC members only.

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Racing legend honored with memorial Carter.

Over the years, Stapp became one The Town of Brownsburg and the of the most respected figures in sprint Indiana Racing Memorial Association car racing. His accomplishments led will add another chapter to the commu- to induction into the National Sprint nity’s rich motorsports history Car Hall of Fame in 1999 and the when they unveil a memorial USAC Racing Hall of Fame in marker honoring racing pioneer 2017.

Steve Stapp July 2.

The Indiana Racing Memorial The dedication ceremony Association, which works to is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at preserve the state’s motorsports 108 N. Jefferson St., the site heritage, partnered with the of Stapp’s original race shop, town on the project. The organiStapp where he built cars that went on zation creates markers honoring to achieve national success. The event is drivers, mechanics and others who have open to the public, with parking availmade lasting contributions to racing. able at Brownsburg Town Hall.

Following the dedication, members Stapp’s racing career began as a teenof the Stapp family will host an open ager, following the path established house featuring the unveiling of a muby his father, Babe Stapp. Although he ral depicting multiple generations of stepped away from driving in his midthe family’s involvement in racing.

20s, Stapp found even greater success The Steve Stapp marker will become as a car owner and builder. His teams the seventh installation on the Brownsearned 51 victories and captured two burg Racing Memorial Trail, a project national championships in the USAC that showcases the town’s longstanding Sprint Car Series with driver Pancho connection to Indiana motorsports. news@youarecurrent.com

We want to hear from you! Please reach out to Managing Editor Alicia Kelly for story ideas and questions, or connect with Account Executive Gina Lewis to discuss advertising opportunities with Current in Brownsburg. You can contact them via email at alicia@youarecurrent.com and gina@youarecurrent.com.

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Hendricks Power to host appreciation event

By David Jacobs david@youarecurrent.com Hendricks Power will host its annual meeting and member appreciation event at the Hendricks County 4-H Fair from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. July 23.

Cooperative members will receive an invitation by email or mail that contains a pass for free admission at the fair, including a live line high-voltage safety demonstration, Silly Safaris animal shows, face painting, balloon animals and an electric vehicle demonstration.

Besides the activities, in-person voting will be from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

All voting members will be eligible to receive $10 in fair food vouchers, and those who attend the 6:30 p.m. business meeting will be entered to win one of eight $200 energy credits or one of two $500 energy credits.

“Because we’re a nonprofit and member-owned, everyone has a voice,” marketing manager Emily Thomas stated. “(With) this event coinciding with our board of directors elections, that means members making decisions about anything that impacts the co-op. We really encourage our members to get out (and) have their voice heard.”

Seven designated areas are represented by a director. The Board of Directors also includes two at-large seats.

Candidates for the upcoming Hendricks Power Board of Directors election are as follows: • Area 4: Hal Truax, incumbent, and Mitchell Alexander, candidate.

• Area 5: Keith Cooper, incumbent.

• At-Large: David Thomas, incumbent, and Charles Harlan, candidate.

All territory served in Middle Township and Brown Township in Hendricks County and all territory served in Boone County, is designated as Area Number 4. All territory served in Clay Township, Franklin Township and Liberty Township in Hendricks County and all territory served in Morgan County is designated as Area Number 5.

In 2025, more than 2,100 members participated in the board of directors

Hendricks Power revised its district map in 2024. (Photo courtesy of Hendricks Power)

election.

For more, visit hendrickspower.com/ about-us.

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By Piper Bailey piper@youarecurrent.com Visit Hendricks County won the Midwest Travel Network’s 2026 Collaboration of the Year award at its annual conference for its partnerships with local influencers. VHC’s Insider program started in 2012 and showcases shops, restaurants and more throughout the county with blogs and social media posts.

“This destination has embraced the power of local influencers,” Sara Broers, co-founder of the Midwest Travel Network, said before awarding VHC. “They, along with their tourism team, understand the importance of marketing locally and into markets outside the area. There is something to be said about partnering through local contacts.”

Josh Duke, a longtime Brownsburg resident and VHC’s senior communications manager, attended the group’s first conference in 2018 as the only representative from Indiana.

“Nothing we do is for awards,” Duke said. “It’s obviously very exciting when we do, but everything that we do is about trying to bring visitors here and trying to better our tourism product, which also benefits our residents.”

Three of the nine winners were Indiana-based tourism organizations or bloggers. Visit Shipshewana was recognized for 2026 Destination of the Year and Jamie Ward, an Indianapolis content creator, was one of the two 2026 Inspiring Leaders for her blog “Cornfields & High Heels.”

Unlike travel organizations that employ creators, VHC capitalizes on local influencers’ authentic perspectives to draw viewers and encourage them to explore the area.

“One of the things that we’ve learned pretty quickly is that people who read content, they’re not looking to read content from organizations or from companies,” Duke said. “They want to read content from people who are like them — residents who go out and experience these things and provide that authentic voice.”

For more, visit visithendrickscounty. com/blog or @HendricksCounty on Instagram.

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DISPATCHES  Field of Honor flag dedications open — Flag dedications are now open for the second annual Brownsburg Field of Honor, which will feature 500 American flags on the Town Hall Green from Oct. 29 through Nov. 11. The display will also include 26 historic flag designs in recognition of America’s 250th anniversary. Residents may dedicate flags to veterans and active-duty military members for $50. Proceeds benefit the Brownsburg American Legion Post 331 scholarship fund for college-bound children of veterans. A lighting ceremony is scheduled for Oct. 29, and a Veterans Day ceremony will be held Nov. 7. Dedications are available at brownsburg.org/ FieldofHonor.  Kid Biz Night — Young entrepreneurs will showcase their businesses during Kid Biz Market Night July 9 at the Brownsburg Farmers Market. Youth vendors will join the market’s regular lineup, offering products and services in a family-friendly setting designed to

encourage young business owners and community engagement. The event will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Town Hall Green, 61 N. Green St., as part of the Brownsburg Farmers Market season.

The market features local growers, producers, artisans and other vendors each Thursday throughout the summer.  Community Health opens new cancer clinic — Community Health Network recently opened a new Hereditary Hematologic Malignancy Clinic, becoming the first health system in Indiana to offer specialized evaluation and testing for inherited risk factors associated with blood cancers. The clinic, at Community Health Network MD Anderson Cancer Center — North, will be led by Dr. Zachary Wolfe, a specialist in hematologic malignancies. It will focus on identifying patients and families who may have a hereditary predisposition to leukemia, lymphoma and other blood cancers. For more, visit eCommunity.com/services/ cancer-care/specialties/blood-cancer.

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County GOP calls for election fraud investigation Hamilton County Prosecutor Joshua ual” has been removed from the campaign.

Kocher said in a June 18 email that he was “This is the system working exactly the aware of Massillamany’s statements related way it’s supposed to,” the statement added. to the collection of signatures for a political “It’s why all signatures are verified by the Hamilton County GOP officials are callcandidate’s ballot access. counties and why each signature gatherer ing for a criminal investigation into 10 fake “The integrity of the election prohas to sign each petition signatures found on a petition to sheet attesting to the validity place former Indianapolis Mayor cess is fundamental to our maintainof the signatures on it.”

Greg Ballard on the November ballot ing public trust in our democratic Ballard’s campaign stated for Indiana secretary of state. institutions,” Kocher said. “As with that the 10 signatures repreHamilton County GOP Chair Maany allegation of criminal conduct, our office will review any informario Massillamany said in a June 18 sent about .02 percent of the statement that Indiana State Police more than 35,000 collected tion provided and work with the and the Hamilton County Prosecuand turned in so at that time. appropriate investigative agencies Massillamany Ballard Ballard served two terms to determine if criminal charges are tor’s Office should investigate and as mayor of Indianapolis from 2008 to 2016. appropriate in Hamilton County. It would prosecute the person who submitted the He is running as an independent candidate. be inappropriate to comment further on fraudulent signatures.

For more, visit gregballard.com. any specific investigation at this time.”

The petition is part of an effort to collect Hamilton County Elections AdministraMassillamany urged election officers the required voter signatures to add Ballard throughout the state to carefully scrutinize to the November election ballot. tor Beth Sheller confirmed that a nominatall Ballard petition documents and called “The irony cannot be overstated,” Masing petition had included some potentially on the Indiana Election Division to flag and fake names. sillamany stated. “Greg Ballard is running audit petition pages from the person who “We had someone who dropped off many for the very office charged with protecting collected the fake signatures. pages of petitions,” she said in an email.

Indiana’s elections and a volunteer on his In a June 23 announcement, the Ballard campaign has been caught committing elec- “During the certifying of these signatures, campaign stated that it had submitted we found one page that appears to possibly tion fraud. If you cannot run an honest peabout 64,000 petition signatures to county be fraudulent.” tition drive, you have no business running clerks — more than the 37,000 required — Sheller said Indiana State Police picked the office that safeguards our elections.” and would continue collecting signatures up the petition about two weeks before the Ballard’s campaign released a statement through the end of the month. county GOP’s statement was released. in response, noting that the “rogue individ-

COMMUNITY DISPATCHES

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

 Portrait of Wishes Gala — The Indiana Wish Portrait of Wishes Gala is set for Sept. 19 at The Indianapolis Marriott North, 3645 River Crossing Pkwy. in Indianapolis. The event will celebrate the nonprofit’s 42nd anniversary and more than 3,600 wishes granted for Indiana children. The event will have a Roaring Twenties theme and will feature a Bourbon Trail featuring tastings from local and national distilleries. Live and silent auctions, an outdoor cigar lounge and dancing will also be available. Earlybird tickets cost $250, with the price increasing to $300 after July 1. Learn more and purchase tickets at IndianaWish.org/events.

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JULY EVENTS IN BROWNSBURG BROWNSBURG FARMERS MARKET Town Hall Green, Thursdays, 4 - 7 p.m.

• July 2: Market to Table Night • July 9: Kid Biz Night • July 16: Nonprofit Night • July 23: Brownsburg Bakers Showcase • July 30: Nostalgia Night JULY 4 EXTRAVAGANZA • Parade: July 4, 10 a.m., starting west on Tilden, traveling north on Green Street and ending at Enderly • Concert: July 4, 7:30 - 10 p.m., Town Hall Green • Fireworks: July 4, 10 p.m., Downtown Brownsburg or Town Hall Green MORNING BIRD HIKE White Lick Creek Greenway, Twin Street

Trailhead, 9 a.m.

• July 11 BATTLE OF BROWNSBURG Williams Park, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

• July 11 PINTS & PADDLES – PICKLEBALL SOCIAL Stephens Park, 5 - 8 p.m.

• July 17 KICKIN’ IT IN THE ‘BURG - ADULT KICKBALL GAME Arbuckle Acres Park, 1 - 3 p.m.

• July 25 FREE MOVIES IN THE PARK Arbuckle Acres Park, 6:30 p.m.

• July 31: Hook

 Cars and Coffee — The Pittsboro Parks Department will host Cars and Coffee car shows from 8 to 10 a.m. July 18 and Sept. 26 at Scamahorn Park, 52 E. Main St. The free community events will feature a lineup of vehicles on display, with attendees invited to vote for favorites and watch trophy presentations for top picks.

Organizers encourage residents to bring family and friends for a morning of automotive displays and community gathering. For more, call (317) 719-4397.

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Sheltering Wings holds Christmas in July campaign news@youarecurrent.com Sheltering Wings, a Danville-based domestic violence and abuse shelter, is combating a slowdown in donations over the summer with its annual Christmas in July campaign.

The shelter provides emergency housing and services for survivors escaping domestic abuse at their 80-bed facility, as well as a 24-hour helpline for those in need. They rely heavily on donations, often needing more assistance during the summer months.

“During the summer, we often see a major slowdown in donations,” Sheltering Wings Executive Director Cassie Mecklenburg stated in a news release.

“But we can’t afford to slow down.

Abuse doesn’t stop for the summer. In fact, at Sheltering Wings, we often see an increase in the number of calls.”

Coupled with the decrease in donations this year, the shelter has also been seeing in both the frequency and severity of abuse that leads to the need

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for their shelter. The lack of donation makes it difficult for them to provide survivors and their families the support that they need.

“Nearly every single survivor that enters our program has faced financial abuse,” Mecklenburg said. “And the average annual income of our families is about $15,000. Those two facts together place a heavy burden on our families struggling for independence.”

The Christmas in July campaign is aimed at the public and community partners alike, urging them to participate in one of four ways: making monetary donations, donating wish-list items, attending a Sheltering Wings training or spreading the Sheltering Wings mission.

The support of the community is important to Mecklenburg and vital to the shelter.

For more, visit ShelteringWings.org/ Christmas-In-July, check out @ShelteringWings on Instagram or Facebook or call 317-745-1496.

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Honoring America at 250

Lions Club, town present July 4 Extravaganza

Local club part of world’s largest nonprofit

Brownsburg Lions Club celebrates traditions

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CURRENT IN BROWNSBURG 06.30.26 • youarecurrent.com

Honoring America at 250 Commentary by Mark DeVault As we approach July 4, 2026, the United States will mark a milestone unlike any other: our 250th anniversary as a nation. Two and a half centuries have passed since those 56 brave souls signed the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia, pledging their lives, fortunes and sacred honor to the radical idea that all men are created equal and endowed with unalienable rights.

This America 250 commemoration isn’t just about fireworks, parades, and historical reenactments—though there will be plenty of those. It’s a chance to pause, reflect on our shared journey, honor the contributions of everyday Americans and recommit to the principles that have carried us this far. Patriotism, at its best, has always been more than flag-waving or songs; it’s a deep-seated love for our country that shows up in how we live, serve and build the future together.

True patriotism roots itself in gratitude for the past while rolling up our sleeves for the present. The founders weren’t perfect, and neither are we.

They forged a republic amid uncertainty, debate and sacrifice, believing that liberty, self-governance and opportunity could create something extraordinary. Over 250 years, that experiment has weathered wars, economic trials, social upheavals and profound achievements—from expanding the frontiers of freedom to innovations that have improved life for millions around the world. Our story includes both triumphs and the ongoing work to form “a more perfect Union.”

In communities like ours, patriotism often looks practical. It’s flying the flag not out of blind loyalty, but out of appreciation for a system that protects individual rights and allows us to pursue happiness in our own ways. And it’s recognizing that freedom isn’t free — it requires vigilance, responsibility, and a willingness to contribute beyond ourselves.

This is where groups like the Lions Clubs embody the best of American patriotism. Founded in 1917 by Chicago businessman Melvin Jones, Lions Clubs International emerged during a time of global upheaval — World War

I and rapid industrialization. Jones challenged his fellow businessmen to look beyond personal success and focus on “unselfish service to others.” The organization’s early slogan captured the spirit of the era: “Liberty, Intelligence, Our Nation’s Safety.” Today, our simple motto — “We Serve” — guides more than 1.4 million members in over 200 countries, but the heart remains deeply American: strengthening communities from the ground up.

Lions Clubs don’t just talk about patriotism — they live it through tangible action. Whether it’s supporting vision care initiatives, responding to local disasters or organizing community cleanups and food drives, Lions demonstrate that loving your country means investing in the people who make it strong. In small towns and big cities alike, Lions members — neighbors, business owners, retirees — quietly keep the fabric of civic life intact. They prove that service isn’t partisan; it’s a unifying force that echoes the founders’ call to mutual welfare and the common good.

Patriotism isn’t nostalgia or exclusion. It’s the quiet confidence that,

despite our differences, Americans share a remarkable inheritance: a nation founded on ideas big enough to welcome striving, disagreement and renewal. On this 250th anniversary, let’s celebrate the courage of 1776 while emulating it in our own time—through honest history, grateful remembrance and active service.

To my fellow Hoosiers and readers: Consider what you can do in the coming months. Attend a local America 250 event. Join or support your nearest Lions Club in a project. Teach a young person why that faded flag in front of the VFW still matters.

Two hundred fifty years is a long time in the life of nations. May the next 250 find us even more faithful to the principles that lit the way in the first place — liberty, justice and service to something greater than ourselves.

“We Serve.” Those two words from the Lions say a lot about the American character at its finest. Let’s carry that spirit forward.

Mark DeVault is the 1st Vice President of the Brownsburg Lions Club.

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CELEBRATION TIME Brownsburg Lions Club, Town of Brownsburg present July 4 Extravaganza

By David Jacobs david@youarecurrent.com Dating back nearly 60 years, the Brownsburg Lions Club has presented Fourth of July celebrations since the town’s population was only 5,000.

Consisting of the annual carnival at Arbuckle Acres Park, parade down Green St. and fireworks to be viewed from downtown, the celebrations are made possible by partnerships with the Town of Brownsburg and entities including the parks, police and fire departments.

Each department will have its own footprint in the planning and execution of the event. The police department will have officers dedicated to Arbuckle Park for security and public safety, the fire department will be involved in the safe execution of the fireworks display, while the parks department plays a crucial role in preparing the properties to host all of the events.

“Once we accomplish that, (it) makes us happy,” club secretary Nick Xinopoulos said. “It’s a worthwhile effort and gives us extra funds to help all the things (we do).”

As a nonprofit organization, 90 percent of proceeds go to projects the Lions support, ranging from scholarships to free medical aid.

“We’re trying to make a difference in our world,” Xinopoulos said. “We are volunteers. We work hard trying to help our community.”

With an added sixth day of the carnival this year, the Independence Day festivities began June 29 at Arbuckle Park, where the Lions will continue to host a nightly carnival through July 4.

The ticketed event is $30 for entry, which includes classic carnival games, rides and the Lions Club kitchen serving sandwiches, hot dogs, burgers and their self-proclaimed famous corn.

To prepare for the long-standing tradition, the parks department puts in extra work to ensure the park is ready to host such an event.

“My team takes great pride when they know that a lot of people are going to be in that space,” Parks Director Amber

Corvettes line up for the parade in 2025. (Photo courtesy of the Town of Brownsburg)

Lane said. “(They) make sure that all the different components are working, checking the electrical, making sure the restrooms are well stocked and even simple things like trail maintenance down the lower level to make sure everything’s nice and trimmed up.”

On July 4, the parade begins at 10 a.m. the fireworks show starts at 10 p.m. to cap the weeklong celebration.

“There (are) enough social events going on in the world that are negative,” Lions First Vice President Mark DeVault said. “If you can do something like this and people can just get a break for an hour, watch their kids ride bumper cars, have fun, giggle and laugh and just spend quality time with their families, it’s worth it and that’s what we’re able to do.”

With support from the town, the Lions cultivate community and bring people together from Brownsburg and

surrounding townships.

“The Lions Club has a longstanding leadership team that has been consistently working on this for (as long as) I’ve been here,” Lane said. “It’s a welloiled machine.”

Besides the carnival and parade, the town will have a separate celebration in front of Town Hall July 4 with a 6:30 p.m. concert by the Cool City Band playing 250 years of American music and various food truck offerings.

“We’re all excited about doing things, all 61 of us,” Xinopolous said. “I never get tired of this. I’m 82 years old, and I’ve been doing this for a long, long time. You get hooked. It really touches your heart.”

ON THE COVER: The annual carnival at Ar-

buckle Acres Park runs from June 29 through July 4. (Photo courtesy of Skyview Aerial Images)

JULY 4 EXTRAVAGANZA SCHEDULE JUNE 29-JULY 3: • 6 p.m. - 11 p.m. — Nightly carnival at Arbuckle Acres Park ($30) JULY 4 • 10 a.m. — Parade • 6 p.m. - 11 p.m. — Carnival at Arbuckle Acres Park ($30) • 6:30 p.m. — Cool City Band, Town Hall Green (Free) • 10 p.m. — Fireworks show, Town Hall Green, downtown Brownsburg (free)

4TH OF JULY

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July 4 Extravaganza returns to Arbuckle Park

By David Jacobs david@youarecurrent.com The annual Lions Club July 4 Extravaganza, presented in collaboration with the Town of Brownsburg, has returned to Arbuckle Acres Park.

Festivities began June 29 and continue through the night of July 4. The event is nightly from 6 to 11 p.m.

The carnival includes a ferris wheel, classic carnival games and the traditional Lions Club kitchen offerings of grilled street corn, hot dogs, hamburgers, coleslaw, fries and a variety of sandwiches.

Nightly admission is $30. Proceeds benefit the Lions Club’s outreach efforts.

Free events begin July 4, starting with the parade at 10 a.m.

“Approximately 10,000-plus people (will be) watching,” Lions Club secretary Nick Xinopoulos said. “The parade lasts approximately one hour and 20 minutes, with 90 to 100 entries. It’s a great parade; everybody and anybody is welcome.”

The parade will start north on Odell St., turn west on Tilton and then finish north up Green St. right in front of Arbuckle Acres Park.

Following the parade, the Cool City Band will perform in front of the Town Hall at 7:30 p.m. Smash Daddy’s, Brozinnis, Let’s Wine Down, Sips & Treats and Kona Ice will have food trucks on-site.

Unassociated with the Lions Club, the food trucks

The Lions Club July 4 Extravaganza runs from June 29 through July 4 at Arbuckle Acres Park in Brownsburg. (Photo courtesy of Skyview Aerial Images)

will sell burgers and hot dogs; select beer and cocktails; and desserts and shaved ice.

The fireworks show starts at 10 p.m. July 4, with viewing available from downtown Brownsburg or Town Hall Green. Limited sensory-friendly viewing will be available inside Eaton Hall at 61 N. Green St.

“I’m thrilled to death to do this year after year,” Xinopoulos said. “I hear a lot of good comments from everybody, and that makes us feel good to be a part of that.”

For more, visit brownsburglionsclub.org/ july-4th-extravaganza.

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Know before you go: Protocols for July 4

By David Jacobs david@youarecurrent.com The Town of Brownsburg and the Brownsburg Lions Club are collaborating again for a weeklong celebration of Independence Day. Festivities began the evening of June 29 at Arbuckle Acres Park.

To aid with public safety and security, the Brownsburg Police Department will have dedicated officers assigned to Arbuckle Park through July 4, when most festivities take place, starting with the parade at 10 a.m.

The route starts at Brownsburg High School, takes a left onto E. Tilden Dr, heads down Green St and ends at Enderly Ave. Officers will be positioned throughout the route, participating in the parade and conducting patrols on golf carts and bicycles to assist the public.

Following the parade, evening celebrations will begin with a concert by the Cool City Band at 7:30 p.m. at the Town Hall Green, and a fireworks show at 10:00 pm.

No outside alcohol will be permitted, and no sparklers or fireworks are allowed on the Town Hall Green or any of the park’s properties.

In the event of severe weather, the town will not have a rain date for the concert but will reschedule the fireworks.

“The Lions Club works with police and fire to make any calls if there’s inclement weather or lightning strikes nearby at the carnival,” Parks Director Amber Lane said. “I suggest everybody sign up for the Town of Brownsburg text alerts. You can do that by going online and subscribing. In the case of inclement weather we would put that out on all of our media channels and websites.”

For the fireworks, the BPD will have officers stationed at the entrances and

The parade route and fireworks viewing areas.

(Photo courtesy of Brownsburg Lions Club )

exits of Arbuckle Park, as well as at various intersections throughout Town, to assist with traffic flow. The fireworks will be launched from Lincolnwood Park, which will be closed off to the public, per the fire department.

Viewing for the fireworks will be from downtown or the Town Hall Green.

As for parking, space is available at Arbuckle Park, the first two floors of the parking garage at The Arbuckle and the lots surrounding the Town Hall. Access to these lots will be from the east via Adams Street. The Green Street entrances will be closed to help ensure pedestrian safety and maintain a safe environment for attendees, per the BPD. All are encouraged to carpool, bike or walk, if possible.

For more, visit brownsburglionsclub. org/july-4th-extravaganza.

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Nick Xinopoulos was the parade chairman for the Brownsburg Lions Club’s annual Fourth of July parade in 2025. (Photo courtesy of the Town of Brownsburg)

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Lions Clubs International is a service-based organization with chapters in more than 200 nations. The Brownsburg club is home to 61 of the nearly 1.4 million volunteers worldwide.

Chicago businessman Melvin Jones founded the first club in 1917. “Lions,” at the time, was an acronym for “Liberty, Intelligence, Our Nation’s Safety.”

The Lions changed their motto to “We Serve” in 1954 to better describe their global mission.

Indiana clubs serve more than 25 organizations and events such as schools, Project Angel, Scout troops and more.

“We’re a proud bunch — all 61 of us.

If you talk to them, we’re all excited about doing things,” said Nick Xinopoulos, a member of the Brownsburg Lions Club’s board of directors. “I never get tired of this. I’m 82 years old, and I’ve been doing this for (36 years). You kind of get hooked.”

Xinopoulos enjoys providing hearing and vision tests at local schools. The Lions have helped many children get health care they might otherwise have gone without — such as a child whose health care costs were covered by the club after she needed to travel to Missouri for a surgery to save her eyesight.

The Brownsburg Lions Club sells produce and Christmas trees throughout the year. About 90 percent of all profits go toward serving the community. The

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In 1985, one entry consisted of a mini-racecar race throughout the route. (Photo courtesy of Brownsburg Public Library Archives)

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The Brownsburg Lions Club is hosting its annual “July 4th Extravaganza” from June 29 to July 4, featuring nightly carnival games, rides from Poor Jack’s Carnival and special events July 4, including the town’s 60th annual parade, a concert and fireworks show.

The organization was founded in 1917 and has more than 47,000 clubs globally. Brownsburg’s club was established in 1929 and has organized the town’s Fourth of July parade since 1966 and fundraising efforts since 1967. Since then, the Lions have added events and dining opportunities annually to raise money for nearly 30 local charities and organizations.

“It’s a great time for the town,” said Mark DeVault, one of the Brownsburg Lions Club’s vice presidents. “(Residents) always look forward to it. We always get really wonderful, positive feedback from the community.”

At a conference in 1925, Helen Keller

asked the Lions to be “Knights of the Blind,” according to Brownsburg club officials. Since then, there has been a major emphasis on helping people who are blind or visually impaired get the assistance they need.

The Lions are planning for about 60 to 80 entries and 10,000 attendees at the parade. According to board member Nick Xinopoulos, former Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb participated in the parade a few years ago and called him afterwards to share that it was the third largest parade in Indiana.

The Brownsburg police, fire and parks departments also are involved in event planning. Before the six-day event, there will be a two-day training session for volunteers. Members of the Lions Club will be preparing and serving food out of the park’s shelters.

“We are volunteers. We work hard, and these are the results,” Xinopoulos said. “We’re trying to help out our community and make a difference in the world.”

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Since 1966, the Brownsburg Lions Club has organized the parade. Local scouts march in the 2025 parade. (Photo courtesy of the Town of Brownsburg)

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Indy Opera set for final Lobster Palooza

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com This will be Indianapolis Opera’s 16th annual Lobster Palooza and will be special because it’s the last one.

Indianapolis Opera General Director David Starkey said the rising cost of lobsters the last several years will force the organization to find a new signature fundraiser. Lobster Palooza is set for 6 p.m. July 11 at Basile Opera Center, 4011 N. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis “Lobster is a traded commodity around the world, so it is very volatile to global economic influences, which is a very interesting novelty of lobster,” Starkey said. “So, in our 16 years there have been periods where lobster is very available, it’s very affordable and there are times where it’s very expensive. It’s very expensive now and that doesn’t align very well when you are trying to raise money.”

Starkey said Indy Opera is welcome to new ideas people have presented to the organization.

“We need to put this theme aside and welcome the next theme, which is going to be around a festival idea, but build upon this great excitement that we have been able to influence for these last 16 years,” he said. “There’s still a lot of people that remember it fondly, but we need to grow into sort of the next evolution of how we partner with people.”

Starkey said there will be pictures and stories from the past about how Lobster Palooza started.

The idea came from Jimmy and Muffi James, who designed the event. Jimmy James, who died in 2021, owned 21st Amendment liquor stores. The opera supporters convinced NBA legend Larry Bird, then the Indiana Pacers president of basketball operation, and his wife, Dinah, to be honorary chairs.

“There were other celebrity people involved from the Pacers and the neighborhood,” Starkey said. “I was told that in the early years that people would come from other parts of the

‘CINDERELLA’ “Cinderella” runs through July 12 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis.

For more, visit beefandboards.com.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET (Below) Dinah and Larry Bird were honorary chairs at the start of Lobster Palooza.

“Esque, Burlesque” is set for July 3, followed by 2000’s Night BBMak, a British pop trio, July 7 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

‘WAIT UNTIL DARK’ “Wait Until Dark” concludes July 1-5 (except July 4) at Red Barn Theatre in Frankfort. For more, visit redbarntheatre.net.

DISPATCH

(Above) Lobster Palooza is set to return July 11 at Basile Opera Center. (Photos courtesy of Indy Opera)

country just to meet Larry Bird.”

The first Lobster Palooza was held in the back parking lot of the Basile Opera Center under a circus tent, the former site of GreekFest.

“Seventy percent of the people that visit our building will remember they attended GreekFest sometime in their lifetime,” Starkey said. “One of the things about (Indy Opera) doing Lobster Palooza outside and putting up the massive circus tent was to reflect on that festival environment that used to be on the property.”

Jimmy James’ mother was a longtime member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, which was formerly in the neighborhood. The church and GreekFest moved to Carmel in 2009.

Muffi James was on the Indy opera company board for more than 20 years.

The event was held at Daniel’s Vineyard in 2021 and 2022.

Indianapolis Opera purchased the building at the end of 2020 and started a renovation. But the previous owner sold the parking lot separately.

“In 2023, we redesigned the event to be part of the restored building, the historical renovation of it, and to incorporate the 1-acre footprint that we are on today,” Starkey said.

Starkey said the new theme will be announced later.

“I know we’ll have a festival environment in the summer and we’ll have singers,” he said.

For more, indyopera.org.

 Carmel to become Songbook City — The City of Carmel is transforming into Songbook City next month to recognize the Carmel-based Great American Songbook Foundation and its work to preserve and celebrate the history of popular music. Founded in 2007 and headquartered at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts, the Songbook Foundation is known for its preservation efforts through the Songbook Library & Archives and its annual Songbook Academy summer intensive. Running from July 6 to 31, the Songbook City activation will include the temporary substitution of select street signs with the names of music legends, such as songwriter Cole Porter and vocalist Ella Fitzgerald. This year’s Songbook Academy, which starts July 11 includes three public events at the Payne & Mencias Palladium, all of which will also be livestreamed: There will be a free public masterclass at 2 p.m.

July 13 followed by Songbook Showcase at 7 p.m. July 16 and Songbook Academy in Concert at 7 p.m. July 18. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

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CURRENT IN BROWNSBURG 06.30.26 • youarecurrent.com

Indy Shorts features variety

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com The Indy Shorts Film Festival will have something for the tastes of all filmgoers.

“We have a wide range of world-class short films,” Heartland Film Artistic Director Greg Sorvig said. “You are going to get a grab bag of different types of things, whether it’s a comedic short film made right here in InSorvig diana or animated films that are meant for kids and some not meant for kids.”

Heartland Film announced June 25 Indy Shorts will feature 266 films across 40 theme programs, such as horror, comedy, love and dating, music and sports. The screenings, set for July 21-26, will be at the Indy Art Center, Living Room Theaters and Newfields.

The films are 40 minutes or less, Sorvig said.

“We’re coming off a historic run with the most Oscar-nominated shortlisted films that we organically had at our festivals,” Sorvig said. “Every year we think, ‘How do we get bigger, how do we continue to grow?’”

“The Sinners” was Oscar-nominated as a live action short through Indy Shorts last year and went on to win the Academy Award.

Sam Davis, “The Sinners” director, will be honored with the Pioneering Spirit Award during Indy Shorts.

“It’s an honor we give somebody in the prime of their career,” said Sorvig, a Carmel resident. “(The award goes to) someone who meets our mission and is doing big things. We were extremely proud to have that film last year. We’re going to bring it back and have an encore of Oscar Shorts outdoors at the Amphitheater at Newfields. It’s a great homecoming for Sam and everybody else.”

Sorvig said there is a fun, Willy Wonka-type theme.

“With everything else going on in the world, you can kind of escape into this shorts candy factory,” he said.

“You can see some great movies and do all that right here in Indiana. We just want films that can do more than entertain, something that can ignite

Sam Davis will receive the Pioneering Spirit Award at Indy Shorts. (Photo courtesy of Indy Shorts)

imagination or conversation, films that are very thoughtful and maybe expand on the expected genre. There are some big names in there, maybe people you’ve seen in movies or TV shows. Then there are ones that are true independent films with shoestring budgets.”

Sorvig said the magic of short films is that the filmmaker doesn’t need a huge budget to produce.

Comedian-actress Janeane Garofolo appears in “My Bird is Sick.” Comedian and actor Tony Cavalero stars in two U.S. premiere films, “American Rampage” and “Please and Thank You.” Carmel filmmaker Ashton Gleckman’s world premiere of “Sylvia” focuses on the death of Sylvia Likens in 1965 in Indianapolis. Likens, 16, was tortured to death by her caregiver Gertrude Baniszewski and her children and some neighbors.

“Ashton does a really great job of bringing her legacy to this film and making sure people remember her,” Sorvig said.

Filmmakers are competing for more than $35,000 in cash prizes, including three $5,000 Grand Prize Awards. The three Grand Prize winners also will receive their Oscar qualifications in their designated categories at the July 25 awards program.

VIEWS

06.30.26 • youarecurrent.com

Well, brevity is the soul wit Commentary by Dick Wolfsie I don’t like things going on in my house while I’m asleep. Sometimes, I hear my refrigerator doing some kind of maintenance at night. No one has ever fully explained what those noises are, but I believe that life in your kitchen should end at bedtime. My gas heater is having some kind of séance in the basement, and my printer is doing a self-appraisal that continues even if I rip the plug out of the wall. I’m even suspicious of my vacuum cleaner, but at 3 a.m., I’m just too scared to open the closet.

When my son lived at home, I heard his Xbox stirring. But I don’t make false accusations against something with that much firepower. Sometimes at night, I hear my computer grinding away. I know it’s up to something, and as a result, I’ve lost a great deal of trust in its operation. I am convinced that at night it has a hidden life. At first, I thought there was something going on between my computer and the gas heater, but now I’m pretty sure my printer is in on this. My printer already had me suspicious because it always throws a hissy fit before it actually prints.

I occasionally check my email service by sending a message titled TEST. But the other morning, instead of TEST, I simply typed my name. Then, as always, I sent it to myself. At least, I thought I did. But by

mistake, I also sent it to 1,500 people on my column’s email list. When these folks opened the email, all it said was DICK WOLFSIE. The initial result of this gaffe was that I heard from people whom I had not heard from in years.

BATMAN (my nephew): Hey, Uncle Dick. Funny stuff. The best you’ve written. And concise for a change.

YO926: Thanks for sending me your name. I used it all day today. I’m sending it back. Mine works better.

SOCUTE: I don’t get it. And I’ve read it three times.

You usually have a better ending.

HUBBYBUB: Thanks for sending me your name. I accidentally deleted it. Please send me a better one.

BRUCE: Not one of your best columns, Dick. No plot and only one weak character.

If you did get that email, please feel free to email me your name, as long as it’s less than 12 letters. I have a very short attention span.

Dick Wolfsie is an author, columnist and speaker.

Contact him at wolfsie@aol.com.

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