News

For Immediate Release
July 1st, 2020

PARKS DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES OPPORTUNITIES FOR SAFE ENTERTAINMENT 

RICHMOND, IN. – As Indiana moves to relax restrictions regarding mass gatherings, the Richmond Parks & Recreation Department has been working to resume recreational and entertainment opportunities for community members of all ages. On July 7th and 8th, two new weekly options will begin for those looking for safe opportunities to enjoy some musical entertainment.

TUESDAY TWILIGHT MARKETS

Starting July 7th, the weekly Tuesday Twilight Market of the Richmond Farmers Market will resume. Community members are invited to Jack Elstro Plaza every Tuesday evening in July, August, and September for a full evening of shopping, entertainment, food, and more. Every Tuesday Twilight Market will have a full Farmers Market with vendors selling meat, produce, eggs, honey, baked goods, and artisan crafts. 

Also at every Tuesday Twilight Market, there will be a variety of local food trucks and a beer and wine garden. Finally, each Tuesday Twilight Market will feature a local/regional musical act sponsored by Indiana American Water. 

“We are so excited to get the Tuesday Twilight Markets back up and running,” said Caleb Smith, Market Coordinator for the Richmond Farmers Market. “Providing a safe, local shopping and entertainment opportunity is at the core of what we’re about, and we can’t wait to welcome the community back for this one of a kind event.”

All vendors will be practicing social distancing and wearing masks, seating opportunities will be spaced out appropriately, and hand sanitizer will be made available for all to use.‍

EAT LOCAL WEDNESDAYS

Starting July 8th, the longstanding lunchtime Picnic-Me-Up Summer Concert series at Jack Elstro Plaza is getting a new twist. Renamed for the year to “Eat Local Wednesdays”, the Richmond Parks & Recreation Department is teaming up with the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce to promote local restaurants in conjunction with the midweek concerts. Richmond and surrounding area residents are invited to pick up a to-go lunch from a local restaurant and bring it to Jack Elstro Plaza for a picnic lunch. Music will be provided courtesy of the Quigg Fund.

The concerts will take place every Wednesday from 11 am to 1 pm at Jack Elstro Plaza. Though only five concerts have been scheduled initially for this opportunity, more will be added if sustained community interest is felt. 

To help promote area restaurants, the Richmond Parks & Recreation Department has assembled a map of local and area businesses that attendees can consider patronizing for their Wednesday lunch. The map can be found on the City website (see below) and the Richmond Parks & Recreation Facebook page. Visit the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook for daily specials from local restaurants for Eat Local Wednesday!

All attendees are asked to practice appropriate social distancing and are encouraged to wear a mask when not eating. Seating opportunities will be spaced out appropriately, and hand sanitizer will be made available for all to use.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer two safe, fun, and family-friendly opportunities for those in our community,” said Denise Retz, Park Superintendent. “These two events are both great ways to support local businesses, meet up with friends, and get some sunshine during the week.”

If community members have questions, they are encouraged to visit richmondindiana.gov, call 983-PARK, or email parks@richmondindiana.gov.

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For questions, imagery, or for media requests, please contact the Richmond Parks & Recreation Department via the contact details below:

Caleb Smith
Farmers Market and Community Engagement Coordinator
Richmond Parks and Recreation
2200 East Main Street  | E: csmith@richmondindiana.gov
Richmond, IN 47374     |T: (765) 983-7425