Ah, July...
The fireflies are out in full force and it's getting hot outside. Swimming pools and ice cream stops are the busiest places around and everyone's ready for some fireworks! Speaking of fireworks, here's where you can find them in Morgan County. As you plan out your last full month of summer vacation (wait, what -- how did that happen so fast!?), here are 10 great events coming up this July in Morgan County that you'll want to get on your calendar.
Racing at Paragon Speedway
It's a big month at Paragon Speewday with the following special dates in July:
July 1 - 31st Annual Fantastic Fireworks Display
July 8 - Dave Peeden Bomber Blast & Kid's Night (with bicycle giveaway!)
July 15 - Midwest Old Timers Vintage Race Cars
July 22 - King of Indiana Sprint Special
July 29 - Fan Appreciation Night
As always, these are family-friendly racing events. Kids under 12 are free with paid adult admission.
CIBA Cemetery Tour Bicycle Ride
Bicycle enthusiasts will gather on July 1st at the Morgan County Courthouse for this annual scenic ride that visits eternally restful locations (a.k.a. cemeteries) along the way. The Cemetery Tour Bicycle Ride features three different route lengths to accommodate all levels of riders and participants enjoy fresh watermelon upon their return to downtown Martinsville. This ride is a Central Indiana Bicycling Association event.
Artie Fest
This annual celebration of all things Martinsville kicks off with live music from Jake Dodd and bounce houses for the kids on Friday, July 7. Artie Fest events on Saturday will bring more great live music, car show, craft fair, kids' activities and bounce houses plus great food and drink....and don't forget about Cinema on the Square! This year's feature film is the recent live action version of The Jungle Book! Check the complete schedule for more details.
Cedar Creek Distillery Grand Opening Celebration
The location of Martinsville's own Cedar Creek Winery and Brew Co is set to become the state of Indiana's only destination of its kind! Saturday, July 8 will be the grand opening celebration of the new Cedar Creek Distillery. Enjoy live music from local favorites Bigg Country on the grounds of this unique destination for locally crafted wine, beer and spirits! This even is free and family-friendly.
Rural Route Film Festival
The Art Sanctuary of Indiana is bringing the world-wide tour of winning short films from the Rural Route Film Festival to Martinsville for three special screenings. July 15 at 4 pm and 7 pm, and a special Family Day showing at 4 pm on July 16 (kids are free with paid adult admission). The Tour features nine short films highlight rural stories from the heart of humanity around the world. Concessions will be available on site.
Movies at The Main: Night at the Museum
The Main Connection at 460 South Main Street in Martinsville will present the third film in their outdoor Movies at the Main Summer Series on Friday, July 21. The film will be Night at the Museum and will begin at dusk. Some concessions are available on site. Blankets, small coolers and lawn chairs are welcome.
Fritsche Nature Challenge
This fun new challenge race on July 29 will cover over a mile of hills, hollers, creeks and obstacles. Each challenge has three levels - the more difficult you choose, the more points you receive! The Fritsche Nature Challenge includes activities such as spear throwing and a tree climbing challenge known as "skinning the cat." Successful participants will maximize points from obstacles and speed - prizes will be awarded for fastest race time and highest point total. Participants must be 18 or older, but spectators will also be able to try their hand at throwing knives, and panning for gold. Refreshments will be available on site as well.
Meet Indiana Comic Book Artists
Krypton Comics is hosting a Mini Artist Convention! The event will host comic book artist from all over Indiana, the Indiana Cosplay Association and others. Each artist will be selling their work and demonstrating their skills. Find out what it takes to be a successful comic book artist, or just enjoy watching them work. Attendees are welcome to attend in costume. Admission is free and the event begins at Noon on July 22.
Giants Live: North American Open
This is the only event in the United States that will directly qualify participants for the 2017 Worlds Strongest Man competition! This year's Giants Live: North American Open event will take place on Main Street at the Courthouse Square in downtown Martinsville. Spectators are welcome to attend and admission is free. In a competition that is streamed live around the world, each contender will vie for a chance to become the World's Strongest Man.
