Commission for Indiana bicentennial wants more local events

VINCENNES, Ind. (AP) – The Indiana Bicentennial wants local organizations to get involved in next year’s celebration.

The Vincennes Sun-Commercial reports the statewide group is endorsing local events that have some tie to Indiana’s 200th anniversary in 2016. Frank Doughman, a member of a local bicentennial committee, says approved events could be as small as a speaker hosted by a church.

Next year’s Spirit of Vincennes Rendezvous, an event held annually on Memorial Day weekend, has already been certified by the Bicentennial Commission.

Local committee members are looking at what else could be done to celebrate the bicentennial in Knox County. They say the foundation that maintains the mansion of former president William Henry Harrison is looking to give it a face-lift before bicentennial celebrations.