Santa Statues in Santa Claus, Indiana

If you've ever traveled to Santa Claus, Indiana, you know that we celebrate the holiday season 365 days a year. But have you ever noticed all of the varied Santa Claus statues scattered throughout the town?

Outside in Kringle Place, I saw a family taking photos of their family members next to, and on top of, the oversized Santa statue outside of the Santa Claus Museum and Spencer County Visitors Bureau and it got me thinking... exactly how many Santas are in the town of Santa Claus?!

There are a few statues that visitors can stand next to... some that are out of reach... a few that look down from above... and even others that are spread throughout the town. Do you know how many? Do you want to guess?!

Now, this doesn't count all of the many Santa statues inside of the Santa Claus Christmas Store but there may be some nearby...

There is a $20 gift certificate to the Santa Claus Christmas Store for the person who guesses the number of Santa statues in Santa Claus, Indiana (or get the closest) by Monday, July 26 at 10:00 am CDT. The statues must be at least 2-foot tall and found outdoors within the town limits. All answers can be posted to the Santa Claus, Indiana Facebook fan page on the post with this topic.  Each person may only guess once and if there are several correct answers, a winner will be selected at random.  In order to play along and count the Santa statues, participants cannot be a local resident and must be at least 13 years of age.

Can YOU count the Santa Claus statues in the town of Santa Claus? I've already told you where to find a few... can you find the rest?

Gary Brackett visits Holiday World

Even though the sky is cloudy today, Gary Brackett is brightening the day of children from 15 special families at Holiday World & Splashin' Safari. Indianapolis Colts Defensive Captain, Gary Brackett, brought several families from all over the state to the Park in Santa Claus, Indiana, as part of "Gary Brackett's IMPACT Foundation."

I lined up with the rest of the crowd to meet Brackett and got a personalized autographed picture – I always love meeting new people :) ! I was able to capture a short video of Brackett at Holiday World to share with everyone. While I sat down for just a short few minutes, I made sure that Brackett was going to enjoy the Park for the rest of the day (after all of the interviews, of course) - and he's looking forward to it!



For more information about "Gary Brackett's IMPACT Foundation," visit www.garybrackett.org.

Find Santa Claus on Facebook or Twitter!

LINCOLN - Indiana's American Story

I had the opportunity to see opening night at Lincoln Amhpitheatre... and it was spectacular! LINCOLN: Upon the Altar of Freedom, debuted its second season last night with new enhancements from the premiere season in 2009.

The night air was hot and humid but the enthusiasm that spread among the cast, crew, and audience made up for the summer stickiness! One of my favorite parts of the evening was before the show even began... the characters mingled with the crowd, demonstrating skills and childen's games from the Lincoln era.

John Wilkes Booth and a soldier began an argument before we took our seats and an ensemble of characters entertained us with a cappella songs that Lincoln would have listened to many years ago.

LINCOLN, the play by Ken Jones, brings the audience into the mind of Lincoln and throughout his time in Indiana. It was during Lincoln’s 14 years in this area that he developed a thirst for knowledge and reading. In addition, Lincoln lost two important women during this time: his mother, Nancy Hanks Lincoln, and his sister, Sara Lincoln. The formative years Lincoln spent in Indiana helped developed the character of our beloved 16th president.

If you love Lincoln history or theatre in general, make sure to bring your family to this beautiful outdoor venue and experience LINCOLN this summer! Learn more about Lincoln and sites dedicated to his life in Indiana at www.LegendaryPlaces.org

(I've put together a short clip of the pre-show activities for you to view :) Enjoy!)

Remembering tourism leader Will Koch

The town of Santa Claus and surrounding community have lost a wonderful man. The death of Will Koch was announced earlier this week to the shock of all who knew him.

Will Koch was many great things to so many people. In addition to leading Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari into a rising success for the past 20 years, Will was an advocate for the whole community. A true believer in the area and what it has to offer travelers, Will always supported the Lincoln history and magical spirit of Christmas.

As president of the Lincoln Boyhood Drama Association, Will played an integral role to bring the Lincoln Amphitheatre to life in 2009. Will was a Lincoln enthusiast and very involved in educating the public on Lincoln’s history in Spencer County. The 2010 season of LINCOLN will be dedicated to the legacy of Will Koch.

During the infancy of the Spencer County Tourism Commission, Will Koch donated office space for the Visitors Bureau from 1998 – 2007 in order to help the local tourism industry grow.  Furthermore, Will was instrumental in the Highway 231 coalition. He helped the process of getting the road rebuilt in Spencer County and into Dubois County.  Will was also an activist in linking our area to the new I-69 near Crane.

Earlier this year, Will participated in the strategic visioning sessions for tourism in Spencer County. Will was more than just a supporter of the tourism industry, his vision helped create the destination we have to offer families today.

Family Fun extends from Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari into the community and county-wide attractions because of the initiative from Will Koch.

Stepping back in time

This past weekend, temperatures reached over 90 degrees - that means summer, right?!  I don't know about you but I was craving a dip in the pool all weekend... I loved the hot weather and it made me realize that we're heading right into summer and not looking back.

I was able to step back in time at the 19th Century Rendezvous at Lincoln Pioneer Village & Museum (my job is so fun!) and had a great time!

Not only was the Village full of demonstrations that included candle making, spinning, open hearth cooking, and other Lincoln-era activities but I actually saw live sheep and hawk/knife throwing! I was given a chance to throw a knife at the target but decided it was safer for everyone if I simply observed instead. I captured a little bit on film and wanted to share some of what the Lincoln Pioneer Village & Museum has to offer you!



Don't miss the upcoming Jubilee to help the Lincoln Pioneer Village & Museum celebrate 75 years! You can find more information at www.LincolnPioneerVillage.com/events or visit www.legendaryplaces.org/events for things going on throughout the entire county.

Sneak Peak of THE BEEST!

I got to see the world from the top today... that's right, I was on top of the Wildebeest at Holiday World & Splashin' Safari this afternoon! I felt like VIP as I peaked at THE BEST "behind the scenes" with PR Director, Paula Werne.

It was very interesting to see THE BEEST up close and learn a little about how it works. I was able to take a little video (and I'm new at video so please bear with me) but check it out to see the view I got from THE BEEST today!

Wildebeest Sneak Peak

Holiday World opens TOMORROW - Saturday, May 1! The Wildebeest will be introduced when Splashin' Safari opens on May 14 (in just a couple weeks!) I can't wait to attempt to "tame the best" myself shortly!

Is it summer yet...? ALMOST! :)

Are we there yet?

Yes - we're there! Summer 2010 is right around the corner and I'm as excited as can be for my first summer at the Visitors Bureau... I started in the fall of last year and have been hearing about great summers in Spencer County over and over, and now all of the activity is finally about to begin!

Holiday World & Splashin Safari opens for weekends in just a few days, May 1, 2010. Shortly after, on May 14, 2010, the theme park will open daily for the summer, featuring the World's Longest Water Coaster, Wildebeest!  I can't wait to get a tan during my visits to Holiday World. :)

Santa's Candy Castle and Lincoln Pioneer Village also open on Saturday, May 1, 2010. These two attractions are each celebrating 75 years this year... wow, that's a long time!

The Holiday Drive-In, one of my childhood favorites, is already open for weekends and will soon be open nightly.  And of course, I love going to the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial and Lincoln State Park this time of the year - it's great to walk the trails and see spring take over without any pesky bugs or sticky humidity.

...there's just too much going on for one blog post right now! I plan to visit attractions in the area and report back to "show & tell" my experiences.

I'd love to hear from YOU to learn about your travel tips and ideas for others visiting the area...  Are there any families or travelers out there that have visited previously and would like to share?

Spencer County is home to Santa Claus, Indiana: America's Christmas Hometown AND Lincoln's Indiana Boyhood Home - where else can you find such distinct family fun in one area?

Spring is in the air...finally!

On a day like today, when it's in the 60's, bright and beautifully sunny, how can you not think about spring? I'm certainly ready to dust off the short-sleeves and put away the winter coats and sweaters, that's for sure! 

I like to think about fun things to do and places to visit when the weather gets nice like this and I'm so fortunate to be in the position I'm in - I get to help others find fun things to do and legendary places to visit with their families all summer long.  Soon, the roads will be full of families heading to Holiday World & Splashin' Safari or checking in at Lake Rudolph Campground & RV Resort, not to mention hiking the trails through Lincoln State Park and Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial! There's just so much to do here!

Do you have a favorite destination or family vacation spot? 
I'd love to hear about it!

Start thinking spring and planning for the summer now... I mean, April is right around the corner, (next week even!) so it's time to pack up the camping gear or load up the family car and head out for some fun in the sun!

Oh, and don't forget to stop by and say hi! :)

Think Spring in Southern Indiana

What does March do? If April showers bring May flowers, what does the month of March do?

I think that March marks the beginning of “thinking spring”!

I’m ready for warm weather, beautiful blooms, green grass and so much more! The Spencer County Visitors Bureau is thinking spring so much that we’re almost ready for the summertime. Not really, but we’re definitely ready for the warm weather and all the fun that it brings to the area. I’ve posted a few pictures to help you think of happy thoughts and spring time before the temperatures rise even more…

With an area fortunate enough to be the home of Lincoln’s boyhood, which includes a National park AND a State Park, plus the Lincoln Amphitheatre.  We’re also the home of Santa Claus, Indiana, where we get to celebrate Christmas all year long, and not to mention the world's first theme park in the United States - Holiday World & Splashin' Safari.

 

This year Spencer County will celebrate the 75th Anniversary of Santa’s Candy Castle and the Rockport Lincoln Pioneer Village – what a way to spend the year! Keeping checking legendaryplaces.org for upcoming events or get the latest updates on Facebook or Twitter so that you don’t miss a thing. If you have any great photos to remind us of spring time in southern Indiana, please post them for everyone to enjoy!

THINK SPRING THINK SPRING THINK SPRING