My husband and I were fortunate to go to the NFL Experience this evening thanks to our tickets from the host committee, and WOW…what an experience it was.  The Convention Center was full of interesting and fun things to do for everyone, young and not-so-young.  We took each others' pictures at the Colts uniform which was a life-sized, action maniquin without a head.  You climb up behind this maniquin and put your head behind the shoulders and it looks like you are a football player…wonderfully corny and fun.  There were many opportunities to literally punt, pass, and kick the football on fields set up all over the center.  There were historical displays and displays of how huge the football players' hands are.  They actually had plaster casts of their hand prints and you can put  your hand in theirs to see the huge difference in size.  If you have the opportunity to go, definitely do this.  We parked in the lot east of the City County Building for $7.00.  I'm sure that price with change, but it was easy and inexpensive.  We chose to eat at a restaurant, but there are lots of very inexpensive options.  It doesn't have to be an expensive evening.  Go have some fun…and HAVE A SUPER TIME!

Greenfield is a Super Celebration Site!  We are so fortunate to be included in the group of approximately 20 communities surrounding Indianapolis that will help make the upcoming Super Bowl fantastic for all of our visitors.  Each SCS is unique and that includes Greenfield.  We offer over 400 hotel rooms, affordable and fine dining, special Super Celebration Parties, a Super Indy Car, an Historic Downtown district, and (of course) an abundance of Hoosier Hospitality!  Check us out…you'll be glad you did!

Did you know that there used to be several glass factories in Hancock County?  We actually had 4 plants in Greenfield and more in Shirley.  They were in business during what was called the Gas Boom which was a period at the end of the 19th century and early 20th when natural gas was found in central Indiana.  Unfortunately, the users at the time believed that the supply was infinite and it was not.  They actually wasted a significant amount.  By the early 1900's, the gas pressure had reduced to the extent that it could no longer power plants like the glass factories, so they all went out of business. 

The Indiana Glass Trail is an attraction that has already been developed in Madison, Howard, and Grant counties where some of the glass plants are still in operation.  This year, that initiative is going to expand to other counties in central Indiana, and it might include Hancock County. 

If you have any photographs or other artifacts about any of our glass factories, please contact Jean Wilfong Howell at jean@visithancockcounty.com.  Also, if have have an interest in this history, we are seeking individuals who will help spearhead this effort.

Peace

Jean

Is that a great line or what?!  Bob Hunt at the Creative Arts & Event Center gets full credit…very funny, Bob. Anyway…the Great Dane Show this past weekend (November 13, 14) at the fairgrounds, and was SO much fun. My husband and I dropped in on Saturday to see the big sweeties, and we were just amazed at these magnificent animals. We sat beside an owner who had brought her dog down from Minnesota for the show. She shared some of her experiences with us about the breed. The huge canines tend to be very sedate, to the point of lazy. They are not very motivated to go out for exercise, and really just like taking naps on the sofa…dogs after my own heart! At the show, there was no barking. All the dogs were so well-behaved. They think they are lapdogs so you would see these "shetland pony"-sized guys standing over the laps of their owners. It was hilarious. Apparently, Great Danes are emotionally very sensitive, so the owners are very gentle with them. In the show ring, the owners would put their dogs through their paces, and I was struck at how slowly they go into the "sit" command. It just takes them a long time to get their bottoms to the ground. Most people in the community don't know that this show has been happening in Hancock County for the past 40 years. It is open to the public…no charge. I'm really hoping that next year, we at the Hancock County Visitors Bureau can help the state organization do a bit of marketing to bring in more visitors. Any dog lover would surely have a great time!