• HOT, HOT, HOT! Call 2-1-1 to find a local cooling center in your area if you don’t have a working air conditioner in your home. Heat is one of the leading weather-related causes of death. with over 1,000 deaths in 2024. In 2023, there were more than 2,300 heat-related fatalities. The heat is no joke.
• Irvington lost another icon. Bill Shaefer, former owner of Guitartown on East Washington St., recently passed away. He was an accomplished musician and one of Irvington’s retail pioneers. He will be truly missed by family and friends.
• Congratulations to the Pacers and their staff for playing some amazing basketball and memorable moments this season. While they fell a little short of the championship, they gave all of their heart and soul to the games. Well done.
• On Saturday, June 27 from 1-3 p.m., the Center for Black Literature & Culture at the Central Library will host a community reading of Frederick Douglas’ “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July,” a speech given on July 5 1852. Abraham Lincoln also delivered this speech before the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 and the 13th Amendment in 1865 which freed enslaved people in the United States. Central Library is located at 40 E. St. Clair St.
• Mark your calendars for the City of Lawrence’s 4th Fest, a day long celebration of Independence Day. The day includes a parade, car show, fish fry, live music, and fireworks. Hours are 10 a.m.-11 p.m. at the Community Park, 5301 N. Franklin Rd. Everyone is welcome, and admission is free.
• The Beech Grove Promoters Club hosts an early Independence Day event on Thursday, July 3 at Sara T. Bolton Park . The fun begins at 5:30 p.m. with food, music and activities. There will be a kids zone, WCWO Wrestling at 7 p.m. Fireworks are at about 10 p.m. The park is located at 1300 Churchman Ave. They will postpone if there is bad weather.
• Wanamaker Old Settlers Day will be held on Sunday, June 29 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. between 8600-8900 Southeastern Ave. There will be a classic car show, vendors, and entertainers, and much more going on.
• The Irvington Garden Club Garden Tour will be on Sunday, June 29 from 1-5 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased the day of the event with a card at the Benton House, 312 S. Downey Ave., or at other locations with cash. There will be shuttle service for an extra $5 that will pick up and drop off at the Irvington library, corner of E. Washington St. and Audubon. The rains we all suffered through (especially our basements) have made for some amazing, lush gardens this year! Also, the same day, you have to stop at Irvington United Methodist Church at 30 N. Audubon for their Strawberry Festival — delicious strawberry shortcake at a great price!