IRVINGTON — The first weekend of August 4-6 will be wildly busy at the Bona Thompson Memorial Center, 5350 University Avenue: three new exhibits, a public evening reception, and the Annual Ice Cream Social.
The Irvington Historical Society opens new exhibits with an evening reception on Fri., Aug. 4 from 6 to 9 p.m. The special reception will focus on “Surpassing Adversity” with remarks by Gordon Yoshikawa and light refreshments. Three new exhibits will open, and the public is invited to attend this free event.
• “Surpassing Adversity: The Japanese American Journey” celebrates the resilience of the Japanese Americans sent to internment camps throughout the West during World War II. In conjunction with the Hoosier Chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League.
• “Family Trees: Discover your History” provides tips on how to begin or expand your own family tree. Plus, learn about some of the Irvington connections for other area families.
• Pan Am Games, 30th Anniversary celebrates the local volunteers who made the Pan Am Games a turning point in Indianapolis history.
All three exhibits will run through Oct. 1.
On Sun., Aug. 6 from noon-4 p.m., the Annual Ice Cream Social takes shape on Downey Avenue between University and Ohmer. The street will be closed to traffic and tables set out under the trees. Enjoy the live music of the White River Jazz band, watch Andrea Light create sidewalk chalk art, shop the market outside the Bona and visit the Bona’s new exhibits inside. The highlight of the afternoon is summer lunches from Rock Cola, topped off with ice cream from Sundae’s, cupcakes from Simply Divine Cupcakes — food ticket sales go to support the Bona Thompson Memorial Center. Food tickets can be purchased at the event.
Vintage market booths, provided by Eclective, a south side vintage merchant offer an array of upcycled, vintage and hand-crafted items will be on the lawn. Eclective is donating a portion of their profits to the Irvington Historical Society.
Check out the Irvington Historical Society’s Web page for details on upcoming events at www.irvingtonhistorical.info/. The Bona is open to the public Wednesdays from 1-3, and Saturday/ Sunday from 1-4.