• The Irvington Farmers Market will be held Sunday, Sept. 10 from noon-3 p.m. at Ellenberger Park, 5301 E. St. Clair St. There will be many produce and food vendors, plus arts and crafts, music, and nonprofit booths set up. The award-winning market is kid and pet friendly, so bring the family!
• Hancock County Arts is holding a workshop on mixed media on Saturday, Sept. 16 at noon. The workshop is a demonstration to learn techniques to create your own artwork. Bring copies of favorite photos, postcards, etc. Other supplies will be provided. Cost is $35. Registration is required online at hancockcountyarts.org. Seating is limited.
• Veterans who deployed to a combat zone, never enrolled in VA health care, and left active duty between Sept. 11, 2001 and Oct. 1, 2013 are eligible to enroll directly in VA health care without first applying for VA benefits. Veterans can apply online or in person at their local VA facility until Saturday, Sept. 30. Visit VA.gov/PACT to learn more and enroll if you qualify.
• The Fort Ben BBQ and Blues Festival will be held Saturday, Sept. 16 from noon-5:30 p.m. at For Harrison State Park, 5723 Glenn Rd. at the Cherry Tree parking area. Admission is free with park admission ($7 per car or free with Indiana State Park pass). Live music will be provided by several artists, and there will be local food trucks and vendors. A parking shuttle is also provided. Bring your own chairs, blankets, and sunscreen.
• The Third Floor Gallery of the Lodge, on the corner of Johnson and E. Washington St., will hold an end-of-summer show on Saturday, Sept. 9 from 6-9 p.m. This is the last chance to see a great group of artists featured all summer.
• The German American Klub will host Indianapolis Oktoberfest Thursday, Sept. 7-Saturday, Sept. 9 at 8600 S. Meridian St. This 49-year-old festival in Historic German Park does it right, with Claus’ sausages, homemade sides, authentic German bier, and authentic music. Admission is $5 per person, 12 and under are free. Hours are 4-10 p.m. on Thursday, 4-11 on Friday, and 4-11 on Saturday.
• The Big Red Box Project could use some help stocking the two boxes with non-perishable food and water (especially on hot days). Please consider buying a few extra things for the boxes on your next grocery trip. The boxes are located at 30 N. Audubon Circle (at the United Methodist Church), and at the newest location at Coal Yard Coffee, 400 S. Ritter Ave. Other food boxes in the area include the one at Community Hospital (16th & Ritter), Downey St. Christian Church (on Hibben), South Arlington and Beechwood, Emerson Baptist Church (Emerson and Michigan), and English Ave. and Clyde. Thank you for your continued generosity!