Photography Provided by Amy Payne & the City of Fishers
After being canceled last year, Spark!Fishers is returning with even more ways to get involved in the celebration. The event is hosted by First Internet Bank and begins June 22 through June 26.
“This year, we’re pulling the activities out across the week of June 22,” says Sarah Sandquist, Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Fishers. “We decided to split up the activities to encourage spacing and social distancing.”
This year’s theme is Hometown Heroes.
“We want to honor Fishers residents who served our community and our country throughout the past year,” Sandquist says. “Our theme honors those from the US Armed Forces, to those who worked the front lines directly with COVID-19, public safety officials, teachers, doctors, nurses and medical staff who had a tremendously busy year dealing with the pandemic. This event honors all of those people who helped to get back to a place where we can have this celebration.”
The activities kick off June 22 at 7 p.m. with a concert at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater.
“The Tuesday night show is part of our Tuesday night concert series,” Sandquist says. “The Midtown Madmen will perform. Their song list includes songs from the ’50s and ’60s.”
On June 23 at 7 p.m., attendees can participate in a 5K run.
“I’m excited to have a different kind of 5K,” Sandquist says. “It will be family-friendly. We have a half-pint race for kids. It’s hosted in partnership with Geist Half Marathon and Fishers YMCA. It will be nice to have in the evening, so it’s not too hot for participants.”
Car enthusiasts will love the Spark!Fishers Car and Art Show around the Municipal Complex June 24 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
“We previewed this event in 2019, and it was very successful,” Sandquist says. “We had about 65 cars at the show. Tons of people were interested in coming to view the cars and participate. So, we wanted to expand this event and offer it almost as a standalone event. But still under the family of Spark!Fishers. Throughout the years with planning Spark!Fishers, we’ve tried to celebrate and incorporate art into the festival. We feel like this collaboration of art and cars will be a lot of fun for everyone. It takes place on the central green right in front of City Hall.”
The artwork at the event showcases local Fishers’ artists and other surrounding communities.
“We have a variety of art that will be on display along with some artisan crafts,” says Tom Rich, Fishers Arts Council president. “Our featured artist is Gary Dausch, (who creates) automotive fine art. He will have prints as well as apparel in a mobile gallery. We have about five to six artists who specialize in car racing or car-themed art and photography. In total, we should have about 25 to 30 artists and artisans displaying their art and crafts. We also will have two artists, Greg Clack and Walt Thacker, painting at the show. All of the artwork, apparel and artisan items will be for sale. This is a family-friendly event. There will be plenty of items to purchase for the whole family.”
Calling all ’90s music lovers. The Friday night concert on June 25 at 8 p.m. is the Grammy-nominated band Spin Doctors best known for their two hits, “Two Princes” and “Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong.”
“We’re excited for a high-energy show with such a recognizable band,” Sandquist says. “They have a few hits everybody will be waiting to hear along with some of their new music.”
The week culminates with the Spark!Fishers Street Fair, parade and fireworks at dusk on June 26.
“We’ll have the Farmers Market in the morning, but that’s not officially part of Spark!Fishers,” Sandquist says. “Starting at 3 p.m., we’ll have music on the amphitheater stage. There will be local vendors with food and art. Community groups will have tables to share information. There will be a kids’ zone with inflatables, and we’ll even have a Ferris wheel right on 116th Street.”
The parade route changed this year to ensure spacing and safety.
“The parade goes right through the middle of the festival,” Sandquist says. “In previous years, we’d see a mass exodus of people leaving the street fair to go see the parade. Now people can stay where they are and still see the parade.”
The evening concludes with fireworks.
“We’re so happy to be back this year after not having the event last year,” Sandquist says. “The event is very well spaced out, and we have plenty of space. We’ll have hand washing stations throughout the area. We’re looking forward to a great year.”
All the events are free to attend. For more information, visit sparkfishers.com.
Comments 1
Hi, I wanted to see how/who would need to be contacted to be in the parade?