UNDATED – A weekend of sunshine and blue skies was a perfect time for area residents to get out and enjoy many events that were held in Bedford and Orleans Saturday.
The events were filled with people enjoying food, having fun, meeting friends, and having fellowship.
Following a year of being confined to the home due to COVID-19 and public events being canceled these events offered a time to take in some clean air and enjoy a weekend getaway.
BEDFORD LIONS CLUB PANCAKE BREAKFAST
Bedford Lions Club Pancake started the morning off serving up pancakes and sausages during their annual pancake breakfast that is always held on the first Saturday in May.
Last year the event was canceled like many other fundraisers for area non-profits. This year the event was held as a drive-through with those attending placing orders in the parking lot from their vehicles.
Several volunteers worked to make the event a success. Boy Scouts volunteered to help fill orders.
“I had to roll out of bed at 5:45 which I normally have to get up and get ready for school any way,” said one of the Bedford Middle School students who helped with the event.
There was a steady stream of vehicles that flowed into the parking lot throughout the morning starting at 6:00 a.m. through noon.
The Lions Clubs works on many projects throughout the year. One project is building ramps for people with mobility issues so they can get in and out of their homes.
Bedford Lions Club is always in the need of both donations and volunteers.
SIPES BODY & GLASS CAR CLINIC
Sipes Body & Glass partnered with Ascension St. Vincent Dunn Hospital to host a car seat clinic from 10:00 a.m until 2:00 p.m. on Saturday. Those attending were able to meet officers of the Bedford Police Department and firefighters from Bedford Fire Department.
Ascension St. Vincent Dunn Hospital and Riley Pediatrics Techs were on site to check car seats to ensure they were fitted and installed properly. Having the proper car seat that is fitted for your child and properly installed is important in preventing injuries. Should the existing car seat not be the right fit or if a child didn’t have a car seat, they were provided a new one at not cost. This is all made possible by Ascension St. Vincent Dunn Hospital. They applied for and was awarded a state grant to be able to distribute the car seats for free to our community children.
Bedford Police officers Morgan Lee and Brian Turpen were on-site to fingerprint children. Should a child ever become abducted, the finger print procedure will store the data that can aid in locating and identifying your child faster.
Bedford firefighters assisted children allowing them to take a seat on the fire engines and learn about the various equipment firefighters use to battle fires.
Children attending the event were able to win door prizes and earned a free entry for a bike/tricycle to be given away at a drawing every hour. A total of 10 bikes and tricycles were available, thanks to Hubler Chevrolet Indy.
Kellie Kemple of Sipes Body & Glass is key to facilitating this event each year. She would like to thank the following sponsors for their sponsor donations that enables this event to be a success: Hubler Chevrolet Indy, Sharp Parts of Bloomington, Painter Supply, Mikels Signs and Bedford City Councilman Larry Hardman.
ORLEANS BLUES, CRUISE & BBQ SHOW
The third annual Orleans Blues, Cruise & BBQ Show was held Saturday with 145 vehicles entered. The record stands at 200 vehicles.
Though the record was not broken, many residents enjoyed the event and many of the small businesses around the historic town square were open to allow those attending to browse around.
The Tie-Rod Car Club helped organize the event along with the Orleans Chamber of Commerce. The proceeds raised will support the Orleans Chamber of Commerce and other events around the square.
“This helps them for future events and help businesses advertise and will be used for other community projects,” said Cecil Rowlett Organizer Tie-Rod Car Club.
Three events are scheduled in July, and two are scheduled in August in Paoli with a couple held in October in Orange County.
SpeakEasy Pizza provided live music and food.
812 BBQ provided BBQ sandwiches and other offerings for the event, and Hometown Scoops was open serving delicious ice cream.
“It such a beautiful day for this event, the guy upstairs and I had a talk and made sure he cooperated with this event,” said Danny Hutslar who entered his vehicle in the car show.
“I have lived here all my life, this is such a wonderful community and I love it here,” Adam Tholmes, originally from India, has resided in Orleans for several years.
COURTROOM CRAWFISH FESTIVAL 2021
The 2021 Crawfish Festival was held downtown offering food, and entertainment at the Harps Commons next to Courtroom Sports Grill.
Customers were able to enjoy music by Lisa Baker, Utporia, Sean Steele, and Unplugged.
This event was the first major event this year for Courtroom Sports Grill, after COVID-19 kept public events shutdown.
“Any profits from the event will be donated to the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence County. There are huge expenses with this type of event. We want to thank those who support this event,” said Lance Deaton of Courtroom Sports Grill.
