County kicks off courthouse celebration

CELINA - A weeklong celebration of Mercer County Courthouse's 100th anniversary gets underway Saturday at the courthouse lawn, promising a profusion of family-friendly events and learning opportunities.

Organizers have already hosted multiple events this year to mark the milestone in county history. The anniversary of the courthouse built in 1922 and dedicated on Labor Day of 1923 will culminate with a series of activities designed to inspire patriotism and local pride.

"Mercer County is a special place," said county prosecutor and lead organizer Erin Minor. "If you've ever lived anywhere else you know why people say that. Our communities are safe. We come together when families are in times of need."

The courthouse, Minor said, stands as an impressive, enduring symbol of those values as well as strength, durability and the permanence of Mercer County.

"Let's celebrate our country, let's celebrate Mercer County, let's celebrate our courthouse, hopefully learn a little bit about the courthouse history but also just have fun," she said.

The anniversary celebration kicks off with plien-air painting at the courthouse lawn from 8-10 a.m. Saturday. The art demonstration led by Joe Lombardo is open to anyone, according to Lake Area Arts Group (LAAG). The cost is $20. Plein-air painting is the act of painting outdoors.

"If the weather is nice, they're going to do it on the south lawn of the courthouse," Minor said. "They're having a professional painter come in and give a demonstration to those that are interested in learning a little bit more about different kinds of painting techniques."

The demonstration is part of LAAG's second Plein Air at the Grand, an outdoor painting competition featuring a mix of professional and emerging artists creating original works of art inspired by the Grand Lake area.

A public reception will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday at Brew Nation in Celina, according to a LAAG news release.

Volunteers have incorporated the fourth annual Salute to Our First Responders as an official event of the courthouse anniversary celebration at 6 p.m. Monday. The walk begins and ends at the courthouse and will feature remarks by Mercer County Emergency Management Agency Director Mike Robbins, Minor and county sheriff's office captain of corrections Martin Emerine.

Longtime area pastor Randy Christian will lead the marchers in prayer. Light refreshments will be served afterward.

On Tuesday, a blood drive will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the first floor conference room of the Central Services Building in Celina.

"If you're able to do so, that's one way to really give back to the community," Minor said.

Mercer County elected officials will gather from 9-10 a.m Wednesday in the courthouse auditorium to meet with the public and enjoy coffee and pastries.

"It's just an opportunity for members of the public to come out and if they don't know their elected officials, get an opportunity to meet them, have a conversation with them, ask them any questions they might have, share any concerns," Minor said.

The celebration continues Sept. 14 at the Mercer County District Library with a story time from 6 to 7 p.m.

On Sept. 15, five food truck vendors will descend on the courthouse area from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a lunch on the lawn, Minor said. Free cookies will be furnished and a large tent will be set up on the east side of the courthouse for dining. A DJ will spin tunes.

No events are planned for Sept. 16, but the celebration's grand finale will be held from 1-4 p.m. Sept. 17 at the courthouse. County judges Matthew Fox and Matthew Gilmore and retired county judge Jeffrey Ingraham are scheduled to address crowds.

The day will also see a slew of free kids activities - face painting, balloon animals, touch-a-truck, Kona Ice slushies, patriotic bingo and pumpkin painting and photos on the bench in Fox's courtroom.

"Kids can put on a judge's robe and hold a gavel and sit in Judge Fox's courthouse and get a picture if they like," Minor said.

Other events include courthouse tours, a Knights of Columbus presentation of U.S. flags, the opening of a 25-year-old time capsule, the burying of a new time capsule that will be opened in 100 years and patriotic music.

Cupcakes and beverages will be served during the day.

A core group of 12 volunteers worked for two years to put together the celebration.

"This has been two years in the making, planning all of the events that have happened, including the weeklong celebration," Minor said. "I would be remiss if I didn't mention our donors. We've had several businesses and individuals who have donated to help fund the various events."

Courthouse tours will be available all week. Those interested should call the prosecutor's office at 419-586-8677 to reserve a spot.

For more information on the celebration, visit the Facebook page Mercer County Courthouse 100th Anniversary Celebration.