This year’s State Line Heritage Days kicked off Wednesday and will continue through Saturday in downtown Union City, with Most photogenic baby and Pampered Pets Contest with voting at Jo’s Corner Florist, 313 N. Columbia St.
The 13th annual Summertime Photography Show at the Historic Arts Depot 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday and 4-7 on Saturday. Awards will be given out on Thursday.
The board walk on Pearl Street opens each day at 4 p.m. with games, entertainment, free blow-ups for the children, Putt Putt Golf, Archery, Dunk Tank, basketball, Soft Fast Pitch.
Each evening the infamous “Randy Players” will provide an entertaining “melodrama.” This is always a crowd-pleaser and sure to entertain. Don’t miss it. The grand parade is Saturday at 1 p.m. A fun week for all in downtown Union City.
Monday, The Preservation Society will be hosting author Andrew Olsen. His recently published book “The Bee Line Railroad” is the topic. This railroad was significant in the history of rail connection through Union City. Olsen’s talk and visual presentation will be of great interest to railroad and local history fans. The talk and lunch are free. Please make reservations by calling Ted Leahey at 765 964 5370 or Cindi Aukerman at 765 964 3341.
The Preservation Society of Union City Indiana-Ohio will host its annual Garden Tour on Aug. 27 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. The rain date will be Aug. 28. Tickets are $10 per person and are available at the City Building at 105 Columbia in downtown Union City and at the Antique Mall.
There is an exciting line-up of homes for the tour that this year features gardens, decks, pools and ponds. As always you will have an opportunity to get ideas for your own gardens and homes.
The homes of Luciano Banda and Sergio Banda are situated facing the Indiana Ohio State line just two blocks south of Chestnut Street. At the corner of South Street and State Line, you will find unique plantings and a welcoming fountain at the home of Lucio Banda. On all sides, visitors will find a beautiful array of plants. The patio has carefully laid stone work and leads you back to South Street.
Next at the home Sergio Banda, just one block to the north of Luciano’s home you will see plants surrounding the home. At every turn there is one more surprise from the baskets hanging from the tree in front to the stone and metal work in the beautifully planned gardens. Think of the view from the porch in early morning light as you look out on the flowers leading up to and surrounding the home.
If you enjoy the sounds of water and nature, the Hufford home at 218 S. Plum is the spot for you! The garden, pond and deck are a labor of love and reflect the hours of work that have made each corner of this hidden garden a surprise. The coy pond, the decking, stone work, and the plantings transport the onlooker to another place in time. The sounds of bubbling water and chirping birds in the trees create a perfect spot for relaxation and imagination.
Leaving town west on Highway 28 just beyond Jackson Pike, just a short distance on the right you will find the Durbin home. As you drive up to the white home with the elevated porch, you will imagine living in the South. Once you have parked in the long paved drive, to the west of the home, you will see the gazebo situated on the pond. Don’t be surprise if you hear the sound of horses that are in the stables and the ring just beyond the pond. Who wouldn’t want to have lunch at the gazebo or maybe a mint julip or sweetened iced tea as you gaze on the beautiful rural landscape. Lovely plantings surround the home and grounds.
When you arrive at the intersection of Jackson Pike and 28 on the southwest corner at 1602 Jackson Pike up a long winding drive, you will find yourself at the Gelhaus home. As you slip through the gate at the back of the home, be prepared for one of the most beautiful pools in the area. Sorry, no skinny dipping! Whether by early morning, midday or a starlit sky at night you will feel transported and can take in the beauty of water and sky. In addition the home is surrounded by carefully manicured plants.
