IN.gov - Skip Navigation

Note: This message is displayed if (1) your browser is not standards-compliant or (2) you have you disabled CSS. Read our Policies for more information.

MENU
CLOSE MENU
  • Business & Agriculture
  • Residents
  • Government
  • Education
  • Taxes & Finance
  • Visiting & Playing
  • Family & Health
All Categories

Indiana Bicentennial Celebration 2016

Hoosier Homecoming > News/General Information News/General Information

What is Hoosier Homecoming?

“Hoosier Homecoming” is a free, family fun and learning day to be held in downtown Indianapolis on Saturday, October 15th, 2016 as a signature event of the Bicentennial celebration. 

During a family homecoming there are three main things: bringing the family together, good food, and talking about memories and family history.

The Hoosier Homecoming will bring thousands of diverse Hoosiers together; one of a few times the “whole family” will have gotten together in the past 100 years. Free activities and entertainment will provide opportunities for Hoosiers of all ages to celebrate the family while they watch the culmination of the Torch Relay at the new Bicentennial Plaza. Families can enjoy free tours of the State Library and State House, including a “behind the scenes” tour of a few agencies.

Food trucks will provide different ethnic tastings, highlighting the diversity of Indiana. The entertainment, as well as exhibitions, will also provide a way to highlight the diversity and rich history of Indiana. Bringing in, what we believe will be, the biggest group of re-enactors, all rooted in Indiana, and highlighting rich Indiana history and memories, the excitement for this day caters to all ages.

We are also anticipating a few special appearances of Hoosier figures that will take place throughout the day. This event will present the chance to celebrate the past, present, and future of Indiana with the entire family. “Hoosier Homecoming” is a day the family will not want to miss!

Hoosier Homecoming FAQs

Who will be there?

  • The Hunter Smith Band, who sing the official song of the Bicentennial Celebrations “Indiana Moon”
  • Cook & Belle
  • Janet Gilray, who sings the official Bicentennial sing-along song
  • Brett Wiscons
  • Re-enactor presentations including the Hoosier icon Ernie Pyle, Abraham Lincoln, Indiana’s first governor Jonathan Jennings, Garfield and others
  • Dignitaries
  • Indiana Bicentennial Commissioners and Indiana Bicentennial Commission Staff
  • Hands on Indiana – a project engaging the public to celebrate Indiana’s Bicentennial by pledging to sustain Indiana’s Air, Water, Food, Energy, and Biodiversity
  • Choc-ola
  • Face painters
  • 40+ food trucks

What are the perks?

The only thing you’ll pay for at this event is food. Enjoy free parking, free entertainment and a free front row seat to history!

What can I do there? What about the kids?

There will be lots to do at Hoosier Homecoming. Enjoy the entertainment on multiple stages throughout the day. Be part of the dedication of Bicentennial Plaza, the Statehouse Education Center, two public art pieces and the finale of the Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay.

There will be lots for the kids too! Get faces painted, take tours of the Indiana Statehouse, take home a photo from the interactive TapSnap photo booth, explore the Bicentennial bison herd, complete the Indiana Humanities scavenger hunt, and so much more!

How long should I plan to be there?

Hoosier Homecoming is from noon to 5 p.m. on Oct. 15, and you won’t want to miss a minute of it. Entertainment and programming are planned for continually for the entire event!

Hoosier Homecoming in the news

The Indiana Insider Blog
"Hoosier Homecoming is the Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay's Grand Finale"
>> https://visitindiana.com/blog/index.php/2016/09/14/hoosier-homecoming/

WSLM Radio
"Hoosier Homecoming is a free, family-friendly event celebrating Indiana's 200th birthday"
>> http://wslmradio.com/2016/10/10/celebrate-indianas-bicentennial-at-hoosier-homecoming/

Image