Rib-Fest Turns 20
HENDRICKS COUNTY’S ANNUAL BBQ BASH RETURNS THIS MONTH
This year at Avon Orthodontics we are celebrating Dr. Gregory Johnson’s 30th year of service to the Hendricks County community.
Over the last 30 years, Dr. Johnson has helped over ten thousand patients achieve the smile of their dreams. Our office is full of friendly smiles from our team members, including the occasional tail wag from our office dog, Karma. Some of our employees here at Avon Orthodontics have been working for Dr. Johnson for over 20 years!
Our practice has a fun, easy-going atmosphere to welcome patients. Whether it is your first appointment with us, or you are a current patient, we will make it our priority to ensure you are comfortable during your visit.
Avon Orthodontics welcomed another doctor into the practice, Dr. Lauren Wright. Both Dr. Johnson and Dr. Lauren trained and graduated from the Mayo Clinic, so their practice philosophy and approach to patient care is very similar. As our practice continues to grow, we are blessed to have Dr. Lauren as a part of our team.
Our Avon Orthodontics Team looks forward to serving the Hendricks County community for years to come!
Dr. Johnson & Dr. Lauren
6 RIB-FEST TURNS 20 Hendricks County’s Annual BBQ Bash Returns this Month
13 INSIDE THE SHERIFF’S ACADEMY Hendricks County Program Offers HandsOn Law Enforcement Experience
16 A FLAVORFUL DEBUT Fast Casual Italian Spot Brings Customizable Street Food to Avon
18 HONORING 50 YEARS The Hendricks County Historical Museum Celebrates a HalfCentury
Rib-Fest Turns 20
HENDRICKS COUNTY’S ANNUAL BBQ BASH RETURNS THIS MONTH
Writer / Melissa Gibson
Photography / ASH Interactive
Believe it or not, the Hendricks County Rib-Fest and BBQ will celebrate 20 years on June 28 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
What began as a unique event to get the community of Avon together has grown into an Indiana event bringing thousands to Hendricks County each year.
“For an event that started in a small park, hoping we’d get 500 people there to now welcoming 8,000 to 10,000 people every year has come a long way. We’ve changed locations multiple times to accommodate
the crowds and it’s just been super fun, exciting and really rewarding,” said Tom Downard, executive director of the Avon Chamber of Commerce.
Over the years, activities offered have come and gone, and some have even returned. The layout of the event has changed to accommodate everyone, and more BBQ businesses want to join in on the fun.
This year, along with presenting sponsor Ray Skillman Hyundai, Rib-Fest 2025 will kick things off with the annual Rise & Swine Hendricks County Rib Run 5K run/walk and Riblet Run for children ages 1 to 12 at 9 a.m. and 10 a.m., respectively, at the Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds and Conference Complex.
By 10 a.m., the event begins with BBQ vendors, other food vendors and entertainment.
“Each year, we have new vendors that want to come in and participate. We’ll have 12 to 14 BBQ vendors, but there will be other food as well,” Downard said. “For example, Square Burger in Danville will be out there with some of their products. They’re having a Rib-Fest burger during the month of June to help promote the event.”
In addition, the Avon Kiwanis, Cabin Coffee, Kona Ice, MashCraft Brewing, among others, will offer food and beverages.
From 2 to 3:30 p.m., celebrity judges will test the participating BBQ vendors in the
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Damage from the 2024 Ribfest storm that cancelled the event.
Best Ribs and Best Sauce competition and give two lucky winners bragging rights until 2026.
Around 5:30 p.m., music fans can catch central Indiana bands Toy Factory, a cover band with current and past hits, followed by Crush: The Bon Jovi Concert Experience on stage in the horse arena.
The Plainfield Lions Club will once again host its craft fair from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the Hendricks Expo Hall and North Hall. The balloon glow will return at dusk, and the traditional fireworks show will conclude the evening.
New this year, an entire area at the fairgrounds will be dedicated to youth.
“We’ve partnered with the Children’s Entrepreneurial Market. As kids go through the process of learning about business and being an entrepreneur, they make their own product and sell it,” Downard said. “It might be necklaces, trinkets, food — whatever they make. It’s like a farmers market.”
The opportunity will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., but alongside 25 to 30 entrepreneurial children’s booths, the popular touch-a-truck program will return.
“The trucks have always been popular with our kids. There will be fire trucks, ambulances, police equipment, bulldozers and all sorts of things the kids can check out,” Downard said. “There will also be a petting zoo in that area. We’ve just designated a space for the kids, and it’s free for everyone.”
The process of creating an event that offers so much entertainment and activity for the community can be a daunting task. Downard said the day after Rib-Fest, they quickly start planning the next one.
“We’ll have a follow-up meeting shortly thereafter. As you go throughout the day, we’re seeing things we want to change or we’d like to add next year. It always brings up new thoughts and ideas,”
Downard said. “When we first moved to the fairgrounds in Danville, we set up the food vendors in a way we thought would be perfect, and five hours into the event, we could see that was not the right way to set it up. It’s things like that we correct for the next year.”
One of those positive additions is the Rib-Fest app for visitors to download and view a map of the layout of the property and all events, including a schedule so you don’t miss your favorite band or vendor show.
When asked if he thinks the community has deemed the Hendricks County RibFest and BBQ an annual tradition, he said, “Without question.”
“People are talking about it earlier and earlier. When I talk to people about it, they almost always say they know about it and they go every year,” Downard said. “I rarely hear someone say they’ve never
heard of it, and it continues to get more and more popular. For many, it’s a kickoff to the Fourth of July too.”
Many activities at the Rib-Fest are free. However, to purchase food, you’ll want to buy tickets in exchange for BBQ and other food and drinks. Vendors do not accept cash.
Tickets can be purchased at the Avon Chamber of Commerce at 8244 E. U.S. Highway 36, Suite 140, or at two ticket tents at the event.
Admission is free, but there is a $10 parking fee per vehicle. Credit and debit cards are welcomed and encouraged.
For more information, visit avonchamber. org/hendricks-country-rib-fest or download the app to keep track of all activities and entertainment throughout the day.
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INSIDE THE SHERIFF’S ACADEMY
HENDRICKS COUNTY PROGRAM OFFERS HANDS-ON LAW
ENFORCEMENT EXPERIENCE
Writer / Melissa Gibson
everal towns in Hendricks County offer citizen academy programs in police and fire departments, teaching everyday citizens the ins and outs of the operations that protect residents.
However, the Hendricks County Sheriff’s Office Citizens Academy, moving into its second year, is a different ballgame.
“This is different from what you’ve seen at the local police academy. It’s an exclusive opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge of the inner workings of what we do at the sheriff’s office,” said Hendricks County Sheriff Jack Sadler.
Think of it as the location where it all comes together.
If there’s an arrest in Brownsburg, the individual is taken to the Hendricks County Jail, managed by the sheriff’s office.
If paperwork is served by the Hendricks County court system, it’s a Hendricks County Deputy who knocks on your door.
The Hendricks County deputies cover the unincorporated areas within the 408 square miles of the county and provide security for the Hendricks County Government Center and courthouse. With 148 employees, you can imagine the many moving parts required to successfully do the job.
It’s important for them to connect with the community, to create understanding and open lines of communication.
The 10-week course is once per week from 6 to 9:30 p.m.
“We’ve adjusted the classes from our inaugural year so you’re not sitting in a classroom week after week. You might be down at the range one week and in the classroom the next. We delve into a lot of different topics including crash reconstruction, drones, traffic stops and the multiple divisions at the sheriff’s office from the jail to enforcement to civil,” Sadler said.
Take a tour of the jail and the courthouse, watch a K-9 demonstration, do a mock traffic stop to understand exactly what an officer can see and how quickly the situation can evolve,
and follow a crime scene investigation from start to finish.
“We culminate everything together into a case study. It’s one we worked here, and you learn everything it took to get a conviction on the suspect,” Sadler said. “I think it surprises people to see how contentious they are, the detail, the technology we use today and all the avenues we can use to find evidence. Putting a case like that together last year was something that really interested last year’s class.”
There’s an educational component, too. Sadler said they can’t be everywhere, every second of the day. Having members of the community who understand just what they do and have built trust with the sheriff’s office opens up dialogue and allows people to be more comfortable in sharing what’s going on in their neighborhoods.
The Citizens Academy was something he had in mind from the beginning.
When Sadler was running for sheriff, an elected position in the county, connecting and communicating transparency with the public was one of his top goals.
Ironically, sitting down as an administrative group after his election, Sadler said they learned several leaders on the sheriff’s team had the same idea individually.
“This was something we hadn’t done in the past, and I said coming in, I wanted to do more things to make connections with our members of the community. It was neat to see so many of our members say, ‘I want to help, I want to be a part of this.’ They did a lot of great work to put this program together, and it’s a reflection of the team we have here,” Sadler said.
The Hendricks County sheriff grew up in Danville, graduated from the high school in 1992 and has served as a police officer for 29 years. He’s seen the growth in every town across the county and watched law enforcement receive some negative backlash over the years.
Luckily, Hendricks County citizens have shown support and interest when it comes to understanding what our first responders do each day.
“We are blessed to serve here. Not many get to serve a community that supports them like Hendricks County supports us,” Sadler said.
That’s why it’s important to Sadler and the entire sheriff’s office to get to know the people from Avon to Coatesville and everywhere in between. They want to form relationships and develop trust in the community.
“These are your neighbors, their kids go to school with your kids, they’re coaching baseball and basketball. A program like this can make a big difference as others gain a new perspective and really understand how law enforcement works today,” Sadler said.
Anyone in the county is welcome to apply.
Applications will open June 1. Visit the Hendricks County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page to access the application and get additional information.
The first class will be held Aug. 7, 2025.
“What I really love about this is how our citizens get to see the heart and soul of the dedicated men and women who are serving them. They get to take a look inside and see that heart,” Sadler said.
Sadler is also hosting one-day Citizens Firearms courses. Following their Facebook page will alert citizens to more opportunities to learn about safety, the law and how the sheriff’s department deals with such situations.
A FLAVORFUL DEBUT
FAST CASUAL ITALIAN SPOT BRINGS CUSTOMIZABLE
STREET FOOD TO AVON
Writer / Melissa Gibson
They just opened in Avon this spring and already have people talking about the unique product.
With a name like Piada Italian Street Food, you might be thinking calzones and pizza. However, Piada is a welcome change from your typical Italian restaurant.
For starters, the menu offers items Regional Manager Joel Mayo said you can’t find anywhere else.
“Our most unique food on the menu is the piada. It resembles a flour tortilla with more flavor,” Mayo said.
Piadas are stuffed with ingredients to your liking, ranging from spicy diavolo sauce, romaine, mozzarella, sweet peppers and spicy ranch to penne pasta, house-made marinara, mozzarella, basil aioli and creamy Parmesan with grilled, crispy or fried chicken.
Throw in some bacon or steak, or go with the veggie piada filled with arugula, hummus, cucumber salad, pickled red onions, bruschetta tomatoes, feta and basil aioli.
The Piada Italian Street Food concept began in 2010 with a trip to Italy
“Our owner and founder, Chris Doody, was inspired by a trip to Rimini, Italy The street vendors served piada,” Mayo said. “The roadside food trucks and corner markets served centuries-old family recipes with fresh ingredients.”
The entire atmosphere was welcoming, with strong aromas of Italian seasoning, friendly faces and cobblestone streets. Most importantly, Doody found it delicious and knew there weren’t many similar options in the U.S.
In order to recreate the experience, he set to work on ways to offer great food with connection, and today, there are around 60 locations across the U.S.
It was important to Doody that the food was just as delicious but with that street food convenience.
“It’s a fast, casual concept with an open kitchen. Guests can interact with our team and their chef while they are preparing your food. It’s all made to order, and you select what you want in your piada or pasta,” Mayo said.
Customers can walk down the kitchen line, picking their favorite protein and veggies for a custom wrap or go with one of the many pre-built recipes created with the best flavor combinations in mind.
In addition to the piadas, they also offer a variety of salads, including the Lemon Kale Caesar and the Avocado Chop, and pasta options from Alfredo to marinara.
Grab a piada, a pasta bowl or a salad, and don’t forget to add what they call street sides: sweet corn salad, meatballs, cannoli chips and cookies, among others.
“Our newest side item is the Piada Pocket. It’s one of our thin piada doughs filled with a combination of fresh ingredients. It’s a smaller, grab-and-go offering,” Mayo said.
Most of all, they pride themselves on the relationships they form with each customer that walks through the door.
“I think the highlight to the experience is our hospitality and the involvement you get with our team members and chefs. It’s great food, fast. You get a high-quality meal prepared to your specifications in a timely manner,” Mayo said.
Visit mypiada.com/menu/avon or stop by the new Avon location at 8930 U.S. Highway 36.
HONORING 50 YEARS
THE HENDRICKS COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM CELEBRATES A HALF-CENTURY
Writer / Melissa Gibson
The Hendricks County Historical Museum is celebrating 50 years in 2025.
Chances are, if you haven’t visited personally, you’ve likely heard about the original sheriff’s residence within walking distance of the courthouse in Danville.
Maybe you’ve heard of the jail cells in the basement — a favorite among visitors — or perhaps you’re familiar with their popular fundraiser, Dancing with the Hendricks County Stars.
Fifty years ago, a few forward-thinking leaders in the county imagined a museum that would honor the legacy of Hendricks County history.
“When they moved the jail and the sheriff’s residence out of the home, the county commissioners had to decide what to do with the property,” said Pat Baldwin, president of the Hendricks County Historical Museum board. “All sorts of ideas were floated, including tearing it down. At the time, the Hendricks County Historical Society encouraged them to preserve the building and create a museum.”
They began collecting artifacts, news articles and information on the history of the county, offering tours to visitors and residents.
Each room is themed. The Central Normal room is dedicated to the history of the
Danville college and the students who attended there for 73 years. The military room is dedicated to the Civil War and Hendricks County soldiers. Two kitchens offer a glimpse of late 1800s and 1940s amenities, and two bedrooms are decorated with historical furniture and more.
From 1866 to 1974, prisoners were housed
in the jail cells in the basement of the sheriff’s home. The sheriff’s wife would make their meals and the sheriff would keep an eye on their behavior.
Deanna Hindsley, former board president and volunteer, said her favorite room is the parlor.
“I love the stories. We have two portraits that hang over the fireplace of William and Mary Calvert. He was the great-great-greatgrandfather of a gentleman in Florida who found these original paintings in their attic,” Hindsley said. “Sheriff Calvert and his wife Mary were the first couple with children who moved into the home in 1868. William painted the portraits of he and his wife. They were in poor condition, so we had them restored through a Hendricks County Foundation grant.”
There are also two rooms in the annex that are rotated by theme each year.
“Right now, we have a display of the National Register of Historic Places and also the state historical markers. The other display is hats over the decades in Hendricks County,” Baldwin said. “The rest of the rooms stay the same, but we often bring out something new. We just refreshed the military room, highlighting two county soldiers from World War I and World War II, so there’s always something new to see.”
In addition to tours Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and by appointment, the Hendricks County Historical Museum offers activities for the public throughout the year.
“This is our sixth year for Children’s Day
RESEARCH HAS SHOWN ACUPUNCTURE HELPS WITH:
on the first Saturday in June. We’ve done the Road Rally in October for more than 10 years,” Baldwin said. “Dancing with the Stars has been around for 10 years and has been a huge success with a huge amount of community support. It’s how we fund almost everything else we do.”
They also host a popular tea event each November at the Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds and Conference Complex and are currently scanning historical photos into Indiana Memory for those at home to view.
It takes manpower and volunteers who have a love for their community.
“We are mostly operated by volunteers. We don’t dress up in costume and there’s no minimum number of hours, but everyone who has volunteered with us has always said the same thing. They loved meeting the people that came through and it was fun,” Baldwin said. “We even have several different areas to volunteer. For example, we need someone to scan the photos, write for the newsletter and update the website.”
It’s all to preserve and educate others about the rich history of Hendricks County.
For Hindsley, she recalls vacations with her father, who insisted on spending an afternoon at a historical site.
“When I was first introduced to the museum in the early 2000s, like many, I had never been to the museum even though I’ve lived in the county all my life,” Hindsley said. “I was in awe of this building and all of a sudden, history became a tale of people and stories throughout these towns. That means something to me. History is a personal thing. It begins the day before you were born and looks back.”
The museum volunteers see it every day through school groups, Girl Scout troops and visitors coming in from across the country. Each person looks at the rooms and artifacts differently.
“When you walk into the parlor, we have stereoscopes and our school groups are
Dr. Vicki Crum
often asked, if there’s no TV, no radio, no movies and no telephone, what are you going to do after dinner? How will you spend your time? For the younger ones, it’s hard for them to think about not being able to look up something on their phone,” Baldwin said. “So much of history happens every single day. It’s what makes us who we are — our towns and our communities.”
After spending 2024 celebrating the Hendricks County Bicentennial, there are no plans for a special event or celebration this year. However, Baldwin said their mission will continue to move forward and remain strong.
“We’ve worked too hard and this museum is too valuable to let it slide. We will continue
to upgrade, learn from others and continue to stay aware in our community,” Baldwin said.
Want to see a virtual tour of the museum? Visit midwestvirtualexp.com/hcmuseum for a sneak peek of all the museum has to offer.
Claire-Anne and her team have skillfully
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