Snag sizzling summer deals while supporting your favorite local downtown businesses during Summer Sidewalk Sales! This free event offers a weekend-long shopping spree in conjunction with the 25th Annual Dave Kunkel Cruise-In at the Honeywell Center and the Downtown Wabash Farmers Market at Paradise Spring Park. This weekend will be overflowing with exciting downtown events for the whole family to enjoy – you won’t want to miss it!
Summer Sidewalk Sales are made possible with support from Event Partners: Downtown Nutrition and Terrell Realty Group.
Summertime is made for exploring the Wabash Cultural District, nestled in the heart of Downtown Wabash! The Wabash Cultural District was designated an Indiana Cultural District by the Indiana Arts Commission in 2021 and is one of only twelve in the state. The 2.5-mile district is brimming with cultural assets such as a world-class performing arts center, miles of community bike trails, numerous public art pieces, new housing developments and boutiques. Keep reading for the ultimate list of how to experience the beloved cultural district this summer!
If you’re in search of must-do activities to add to your summer bucket list, this is the list for you! Get ready to discover vibrant public art installations, enjoy outdoor recreation, get creative with hands-on art experiences, and maybe even go on a shopping spree to support local businesses. We can’t think of anything better than soaking up some sun while strolling amidst the Wabash Cultural District. Ready to check off all fifteen? Let’s dive in!
1. Check Out June’s First Friday
If you are looking for exciting Friday night plans and are interested in exploring the Wabash Cultural District, this is the event for you! June’s First Friday will celebrate the lively arts and culture within the Wabash Cultural District. The free community event promises a night of immersive art experiences, the return of Paint the Plow presented by the City of Wabash Street Department, a Coloring Contest for ages 18 & under, family-friendly fun, Food Truck Plaza, music performances and so much more.
Wabash First Fridays in 2024 are presented by MetalX and Bowen Health Clinic. Additional support for Wabash First Fridays comes Event Partners: Indiana Plain Dealer, Pettit Printing, 95.9 KISS FM and Wabash Dominos.
2. Embark on a Public Art Adventure
You can find vibrant murals, sculptures, public art installations and picture spots around every corner of the Wabash Cultural District. You have to check out these breath-taking public art pieces that showcase the talented work of local artists and the rich culture of Wabash.
3. Get Creative at Make it Your Own Art Studio
Celebrate arts and culture by leaning into your artistic side at Make it Your Own Art Studio! This charming art studio has been in business for over 20 years and offers studio time, workshops, classes, art camps, make and take canvas painting, glass mosaic, slab work, wheel throwing and more! Choose from a wide variety of classes including Guided Canvas Painting, Custom Boards, Pottery Lessons, Custom Creations and more. Plus if you are looking for a space to celebrate a birthday party or private event, booking with Make it Your Own Art Studio will ensure a very memorable experience for all.
4. Honor History at the Wabash County Museum
You will be blown away from the very moment you step into the Wabash County Museum! The whole family will love learning about our community’s historical and cultural impact through engaging exhibits and interactive displays. Not to mention the charming play areas and relaxing sensory-friendly space for children to enjoy. The museum offers individual museum tours, field trip options, rental spaces for parties, memberships and several community events.
5. Experience Honeywell Arts Academy at Eagles Theatre
Every summer, the best and brightest emerging musicians from around the globe come together in Downtown Wabash for weeks of collaboration and innovation. The Honeywell Arts Academy is a life-changing experience and often serves as a launching pad for a career in the music industry. Get your tickets today to witness first-hand their new musical perspectives as they perform for LIVE at Eagles Theatre. Want complimentary tickets? You got it! To claim your tickets, simply choose your seats to the performance(s) of your choice and use the discount code of LOCAL at check out to redeem your ticket(s).
6. Browse Local Art Galleries
The Wabash Cultural District is teeming with local art on display throughout Downtown Wabash. Celebrate the brilliant work of local artists by visiting several art galleries within the district, and maybe even purchase a new piece of artwork for your home while you’re there! The Clark Gallery, located inside the Honeywell Center’s Porter Lobby, hosts a variety of exhibits each year. From emerging art students to professional artists, the displays are different every month. Borders & Beyond Gallery has a wonderful gallery of local artwork for purchase and occasionally hosts featured exhibits. They also offer creative custom framing, unique greeting cards and more. And finally, Filament Tattoo Co. is home to a diverse collection of artwork, including a majority of pieces made by their talented tattoo artists! The space has the most vibrant atmosphere with something to see around every corner. While you’re there, consider getting that tattoo you’ve been dreaming of!
7. Construct Your Favorite Fragrance at JoJo’s Olfactory & Co.
Make your space feel like home by curating the perfect fragrance at JoJo’s Olfactory & Co. When you visit this quaint fragrance bar, you will be greeted by their talented and friendly team ready to help you customize your very own candles, room sprays, sugar scrubs, diffusers and more. With over 90 individual scents, the opportunities are endless. The whole process is quick and simple, but more than anything, incredibly fun! Need some scent inspo to get started? These are some of our team’s favorite summer scents; agave, watermelon, peach, mango, vanilla, patchouli and pomegranate!
8. Enjoy Community Bike Trails
Whether biking, running or walking, the community bike trails throughout the Wabash Cultural District are one of the most serene places to be! The Wabash Riverfront trailhead is truly an iconic downtown spot. While strolling along the scenic Wabash River, you can stop by Alley Cat Outfitters for all things outdoor recreation, or swing by Paradise Spring Park to learn more about the historic landmark. Following a relaxing bike ride, top off your trip with a refreshing ice cream cone at White Rock Recreation, and book a paddling adventure along the Wabash River for your next visit.
9. Conquer Your Reading Goals
If you’re a self-proclaimed bookworm, then you will love perusing the endless selection of reading materials at Wabash Carnegie Public Library and Reading Room Books. Find your next addiction within a wide variety of fiction novels, fan-favorite series, poetry, children’s books, cookbooks, history literature, mystery and so much more. Sign up for your library card for countless repeat visits, or add to your collection by taking home a book (or twelve) from Reading Room Books.
10. Book a Session with Kaleigh M. Photography and Nicole A. Howard Photography
All smiles for these incredibly talented Downtown Wabash photographers! When you book with Kaleigh M. Photography and Nicole A. Howard Photography, you’ll get to experience the Wabash Cultural District’s lively arts and culture in a unique way. These passionate artists will make you feel confident and comfortable as they strive to capture your memories and bring your vision to life. They are outstanding to work with and will deliver quality photos you’ll cherish forever!
11. Embrace Lively Arts & Culture at Honeywell Arts & Entertainment
Discover Honeywell Arts & Entertainment, a world-class performing arts center that could be considered the heartbeat of the Wabash Cultural District. Throughout the years, Honeywell Arts & Entertainment has cultivated arts-based opportunities such as live concerts, visual art programs, family festivals, recreational events and so much more. Returning this summer, the Honeywell Summer Plaza Music Series offers FREE outdoor concerts on Thursdays from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. on the Carpenter Plaza at the Honeywell Center. The Plaza will be full of activity including a live band, a craft project for kids, local food trucks, and a beer garden. Don’t forget a lawn chair or blanket! Additional programming, cultural experiences and community events are endless, so you have to check out what’s coming up at Honeywell Arts & Entertainment.
12. Find Handmade, Homemade and Homegrown Goods at the Downtown Wabash Farmers Market
Start your Saturday mornings in the heart of the Wabash Cultural District all summer long! With a vision of creating quality of place and livability for our community, the Downtown Wabash Farmers Market specifically caters to local and regional vendors who exclusively sell all things handmade, homemade and homegrown. Along with fresh food, produce and artisan goods, you can expect to see live music and kids activities. Our family-friendly environment includes every member of the family, even your furry friends!
13. Lace up for a Historical Walking Tour
Grab some headphones and your favorite pair of walking shoes for a free Historical Walking Tour! Learn about Wabash’s rich history as you stroll through the iconic streets of Downtown Wabash. It will feel like you stepped into a time machine when you participate in this interactive and immersive experience brought to you by The Hometown History podcast! The tour lasts 35 minutes and spans a little over half of a mile. There are no hills involved, and the route is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
14. Grab a Wabash Cultural District Map
Fresh off the printer, the Wabash Cultural District Map is your go-to guide for all things arts & culture, shopping, food & drink, outdoor recreation and public art throughout downtown. With visitors and community members in mind, the map was curated as a resource for exploring the Wabash Cultural District while taking advantage of all that Downtown Wabash has to offer. Stop by Downtown Wabash, Inc.’s office at 189 S. Miami St. to snag your free map!
15. Support Local Businesses
Last but certainly not least, Downtown Wabash is overflowing with local boutiques, restaurants, creative spaces and businesses just waiting for you to explore! These dynamic businesses add to the vibrancy of the Wabash Cultural District and offer unique products and services for the whole family to enjoy. Plus, when you support local, you support Wabash.
The Wabash Cultural District is waiting for YOU! This list is only a glimpse into the endless arts and culture throughout our beloved downtown district, check out more information on The Wabash Cultural District and browse Downtown Wabash Businesses to plan your visit today!
In the scenic town of Wabash, Indiana, a remarkable story unfolds, one that showcases the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of the Gebhart family. At its heart is Gebhart Holdings, with a portfolio of companies that have not only transformed the town’s economic landscape but have also contributed significantly to its growth.
The tale begins in 2000 when Thomas Gebhart, a seasoned professional in the scrap metal industry, founded the flagship company of Gebhart Holdings—Metal Source. With a focus on zinc dross milling, the company started its journey under Thomas’s able leadership. However, fate took an unexpected turn when Thomas passed away in 2002. In the face of adversity, the reins of Metal Source were taken up by Thomas’s son, Benjamin Gebhart. Under his leadership, Metal Source underwent a transformative shift in 2003, pivoting towards the aluminum recycling industry—a move that would lay the foundation for the company’s future success.
By 2006, Metal Source had outgrown its initial location, prompting a strategic relocation to its present site on Wabash Street in Wabash, Indiana. The company’s relentless pursuit of excellence led to substantial expansion in 2011, tripling the size of its facility and enabling it to diversify its product lines. Aside from its flagship location in Wabash, today Metal Source is also located in Peru, Marion, Huntington, Decatur, Bedford and Mitchell, Indiana.
In 2014, Gebhart Holdings emerged as the parent company to Metal Source. This transformation was born out of the realization that diversification was crucial, especially in the volatile scrap recycling industry. Under the leadership of CEO Ben Gebhart, the Gebhart family set out to build a robust portfolio of businesses.
The year 2016 was a pivotal one for Gebhart Holdings, with Ben Gebhart spearheading a series of initiatives. Recognizing the need for a comprehensive logistics solution, Wabash Trucking was established, quickly growing to boast a fleet of over 50 trucks. Ben’s frustration with the immediate availability of steel products led to the birth of Wabash Steel Supply, a steel and industrial supply company that addresses industry needs with efficiency and reliability.
Today, Gebhart Holdings proudly stands as the parent company to a diverse family of enterprises, each contributing to the vibrant tapestry of Wabash’s business community. From Metal Source to Wabash Trucking, Wabash Steel Supply, Wabash Motor Company, Splash and Dash Car Wash, and Market Street Grill, the Gebhart family’s legacy continues to thrive.
Introducing The Ivy Room, Gebhart Holdings’ Newest Addition
Located above Market Street Grill in Downtown Wabash, Indiana, The Ivy Room is an upscale private event venue. Freshly renovated by Gebhart Holdings, this space made its public debut in the fall of 2023. The Ivy Room can accommodate up to 190 guests and is perfect to book for events such as Christmas parties, wedding receptions, birthday parties, retirement parties, reunions, board meetings and more.
Parties will have access to A/V equipment including 3, 85-inch Samsung HDTV’s, 110-inch projector screen, and a state-of-the-art Klipsch surround sound speaker system, three balconies that include a table for 4 each, a fully customizable layout and a customizable menu to fit your parties’ needs.
The Ivy Room does not charge a room rental fee, but instead offers three different tiers of food options (bronze, silver, and gold) for both lunch and dinner, as well as an appetizer and dessert menu. (Please note that there is a guest minimum to book The Ivy Room. The minimum for lunch is 15 guests and the minimum for dinner is 25 guests.) Room menus are available on msgrill.com under ‘private events’. The menus can be used as a guide, but if your party would like something not on these menus, Market Street Grill will do their best to accommodate.
Event inquiries can be submitted online or by calling the restaurant at (260) 563-7779.
With over 350 employees, Gebhart Holdings remains committed to its growth trajectory. As Gebhart Holdings continues to evolve and expand, it stands as a shining example of the entrepreneurial spirit that defines Wabash, Indiana—a spirit that refuses to be bound by limitations and instead thrives on the promise of a brighter tomorrow.
A special thank you to Gebhart Holdings for their longstanding support in helping fulfill the mission of Downtown Wabash, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to a vibrant downtown district every day and night.
Support small businesses and shop small this fall in Downtown Wabash, Indiana! Find anything from unique boutique clothing and new & used books to local art and antiques & home goods.
In Downtown Wabash, we boast a variety of exciting things to see, do, explore and enjoy. Keep your experience at Wabash First Fridays local with our amazing small businesses.
Wabash First Fridays in 2023 are presented by MetalX. Additional support for Wabash First Fridays come from Top Level Sponsors: Pettit Printing and Crossroads Bank; and Mid Level Sponsor: 95.9 KISS FM. October’s First Friday is generously sponsored by Renewal by Andersen.
Wabash First Fridays are events made possible by Downtown Wabash, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to a downtown district that is vibrant every day and night.
Support your favorite Downtown Wabash small businesses and get great deals while you shop! Summer Sidewalk Sales offer a weekend-long spree in conjunction with the 24th Annual Dave Kunkel Cruise-In at the Honeywell Center and the Downtown Wabash Farmers Market at Paradise Spring Park.
Summer Sidewalk Sales in 2023 are sponsored by Bickford of Wabash and the Dave Kunkel Cruise-In.
Summer Sidewalk Sales are events made possible by Downtown Wabash, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to a downtown district that is vibrant every day and night.
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