Put it in park

Looking for some inexpensive ways to keep the kiddos entertained this summer? The Terre Haute Parks and Recreation Department has loads of activities, programs and other fun stuff that won’t cost you an arm and a leg.

Make a racket on the tennis court this summer. Deming Park offers tennis lessons for players 5 and up. Instructors give a 30 minute lesson each Monday though Thursday for a fee of $15 per each 2 week session (8 lessons). Call the Torner Community Center at 232-0147 for more information.

Deming Park also hosts both a Movie in the Park night at Larrison Pavilion and a Dive-In Movie night at the pool. Parents and kids can watch a family friendly movie and enjoy the great outdoors at the same time. Movie in the Park is scheduled for July 8th at sunset, and is free. The Dive-In Movie night, which costs $3 per person, is slated for July 22 at 8:30 pm.

They say that eating too many chips is bad for you, but you aren’t likely to be tempted to chow down on the chips at the Buffalo Chip Throwing Contest held at Dobbs Park on August 20th at 11am. Participants ages 3 and up see how far they can pitch the poop at this annual event, and prizes are awarded in various age categories. Admission, and the chips, are free.

Dobbs Park Nature Center and Native American Museum offer Saturday programming throughout the year. Visit the Dobbs Park section of the Parks and Recreation Department page at www.terrehaute.in.gov for more information.

If you’re looking for an evening of music, the Fairbanks Park amphitheater is the site for several performances of the Terre Haute Community Band. Listeners bring lawn chairs and blankets to these free concerts which are presented on the banks of the Wabash River.

The Terre Haute Community Band’s concert series includes performances on July 4, July 16, July 30, and August 13. Concerts begin at 8 pm and admission is free.

Summertime in the Swope

Michael Sheldon Swope was not an art collector during his lifetime, but the successful jeweler laid the foundation which would allow generations of Hauteans to enjoy art for years to come. Upon his death in 1929, nearly all of his assets were liquidated, and the resulting funds were allowed to accrue interest for a period of 10 years. His will also stipulated that monies be used to acquire works of art which would then be “displayed publicly and free of charge to all residents of Terre Haute and Vigo County, Indiana, forever."

In 1942 the Sheldon Swope Art Gallery opened to much acclaim, showcasing the works of such artists as Thomas Hart Benton and Grant Wood. Sixtynine years later, the museum is open daily, Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm. Admission is still free, although a donation of $5 per adult and $3 peer child is suggested.

In recent years, the museum has also developed an educational component. Its Summer Youth Art Program offers art instruction tailored toward children in a variety of mediums. Participants can opt for classes in charcoal drawing, watercolor, jewelry making, cartooning, sewing, paper-making, or photography.

Age requirements vary, but some classes are geared towards children as young as five. A parent and child class, as well as a couple of adult classes based on the children’s offerings are also available.

For class details, pricing and other information, check out the Swope’s website at www.swope.org.

Hauteans in motion

The month of July holds one of the world’s most prestigious, well known bicycle races, Tour de France. For the 98th year of Tour de France, bicycle teams will come from all over the world and race on the 3,471 km long course. The race is separated into day-long segments running from July 2nd to July 24th. So, is anybody ready to take on that track?

If not, you can still show off your pedal power by participating in the local Hauteans in Motion Bicycle Rally on July 9th. There will be four different routes you can choose with the shortest being the 10 Mile Qualifier which winds around both the ISU campus and the Rose- Hulman Institute of Technology campus connected by the National Heritage Trail. You can also opt for the 25 Mile Campus Cruise route, or the 50 Mile National Road Heritage Trail Scenic Byway, which is a great way for Boy Scouts to earn their Cycling Merit Badge.

Last but not least is the 67 Mile National Road Heritage Metric Century. This trail is especially designed for those bikers preparing to participate in RAIN or Race Across Indiana. It takes you south to Fowler Park, heads north to ride through the scenic Parke County and then returns to St. Benedict’s by taking the National Road Heritage Trail.

Registration is open from 7:00 AM to 8:30 AM. The rate for an individual rider is fifteen dollars, and the family rate is twenty-five. You can add on a Tshirt for and extra ten dollars. Riders who register before June 30th will save five dollars. Registration forms can be found at www.hauteans-in-motion.org.