Fishers Parks Sees an Increase in Event Attendance

Writer  /  Matt Keating

Tony Elliot is having a great summer.

As director of the Fishers Parks and Recreation Department, he has seen an increase in attendance at several events this summer.

“We had just under 7,000 people attending the first concert in the Amp After Dark concert series in June, and that was a great thing to see,” Elliot said.

The Amp After Dark series takes place on the first Fridays of the summer months at The Nickel Plate District Amphitheater, 1 Muncipal Dr., Fishers.

“The events have also been hugely successful,” Elliot said. “In regards to concerts, we will look to ‘amp’ up our efforts on the Friday concerts in future years, but the character on Tuesday will remain a consistent tradition.”

The Tuesday night concerts that take place from 7-9 p.m.

Last spring, the Fishers Parks and Recreation Department hosted “Movies in the Park,” a seven-week series from April 15-May 27 at the amphitheater that garnered several moviegoers.

“We had 3,000 participants for our opening night of the movie series,” Elliot said. “We really encouraged people to bring dinner and a blanket to enjoy some great movies. It was nice to see so many people participating, and we hope to continue to get more as the summer continues.”

Some upcoming summer and fall events include:

Mud Day in Cyntheanne Park, 12383 Cyntheanne Park, a football-sized space, on Saturday, July 9 from 11 a.m-1 p.m.

“We have 4,000 kids play in the mud,” Elliot said. “They get messy and then get watered down in the human car wash, which takes all the mud off. The kids love playing in the mud, and the parents love seeing them get it all cleaned off. The kids get so much mud on them, all you see is their white teeth.”27493729211_8191d4dbe2_k

The event is free. Elliot noted that 20 tons of soil and over 50,000 gallons of water are used to create a giant mud pit. Children can compete to be crowned King or Queen Mud. Kona Ice sells shaved ice, and a DJ plays hit songs during the festivities. Participants should bring old clothes and tennis shoes. Towels and a fresh change of clothes are encouraged.

National S’mores Day is 4-7 p.m. August 7 at Richey Woods Nature Preserve Shelter, 10410 Hague Rd.

“We provide roasting sticks, graham crackers, marshmallows and chocolate,” Elliot said. “This is a rain or shine program. Anyone can drop in anytime during the three hours.”

Registration is not required but appreciated to ensure there are enough s’mores supplies for everyone. All ages are welcome, but parental supervision is required, especially around the campfire. People should register by August 5 using the activity title “S’mores Day.”

A Senior Expo will be presented by The Reserve at Hamilton Trace, 9974 Federalist Dr., Fishers, from 11-1 p.m. August 18. The Expo includes a lot of helpful information, socializing and opportunities to win prizes. A free open house will connect people with local businesses and organizations that can improve seniors’ quality of life. Light refreshments will be served, and information about the vendors in attendance will also be provided.

On Labor Day weekend, the Fishers Parks and Recreation Department has a Blues Fest, a two day event where a blues legend is honored at the amphitheater.

“We are having more of these types of events because it’s what the residents ask for,” Elliot said. “We are still doing programs, but there is more of a demand for events. We are providing a diverse group of events for a smart community.”

The Farmers Market is also still hugely popular, according to Elliot. It started in May and continues through September 24.

Elliot acknowledges that with the high number of events, he and other parks department employees have taken on more responsibilities as the number of park events have grown.

“With success comes more responsibility,” Elliot said. “The quality and character of the events has stayed strong, and we want it to continue. We still have a lot of parks programs, but the events have really grown. We want to continue to build the brand and interest for the future events.”

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