Wednesday Mornings Before Going to Metamora

You might want to stop at White's Farm. Watch the video for part of the reason why (explained to you by one of Metamora's most talented characters...)

Hibernatory Creativity

When Paul Baudendistel hibernates for the winter, he keeps active by building models - at least, he has for this winter. We felt priveleged to be allowed into his home for a preview of these two models, one of a canal boat (lower photo) and the other of the Metamora aqueduct (top photo.)

Both models are built with open spaces to allow the viewer to see inside the structure to be able to understand how it is structured. The aqueduct, in particular, is amazingly complex. Both models are wonderfully executed.

Paul is not sure yet of what will happen to his work once it is complete. He really would like it used as part of an interpretive center for the canal, but there is no permanent facility on the horizon yet. He did discuss the possibility of setting up some sort of temporary interpretive display on some Metamora property. We shall hope with him.

Back Home Again in Metamora

After being gone from the place of his birth here in Metamora, Roy Kitchen returned home after 30 years in Tennessee, Texas and Arizona.

Roy was a singer/songwriter in Nashville, enjoying some success, recording an album ("Someday Arizona" available by calling 765-265-2272) and getting some radio airtime.

He continued playing as a professional musician while working the oil fields of west Texas.

Roy continued his music on weekends while working as a heavy equipment operator in the open pit copper mining industry in Arizona. Music specialties here included expanding into western swing and top forty country music.

He got homesick for Indiana after 30 years away, and decided to return after learning of an opportunity to purchase a local Metamora water delivery service company. Glad to be back home, Roy can be found many days hanging out in the Smelly Gourmet Coffee Bar on Main Street in between thousand-gallon deliveries practicing music with Metamora's own "Catrina and the Baggy Bottom Boys" Band.

Welcome home Roy!

New Website for Metamora Inn

Be sure to check out the great new website for the Metamora Inn.

Christmas Walk Wrap-Up

The Merchants of Metamora would like to thank all their visitors for a successful Christmas Walk. Though weather seemed to interfere with some of the fun, a fifth full weekend before Christmas was enjoyed by many and helped make the season successful.

Thanks again.

Welcome to Town!

Mr. David Story and family from Cincinnati told us they are purchasing the building in Duck Creek formerly known as "Rachels" and most recently known as the "Side Track Cafe" (which has now moved into the former Duck Creek Palace Restuarant building) to open a new shop this spring.

They will sell religious articles, Mrs. Story's hand-made jewelry, hot sauces and perhaps other items. They will spend the winter months getting the place ready to open, with opening tentatively planned for April 2008.

Their building is number 60 on the Metamora website map.

Welcome to town!

First Weekend of Christmas Walk

Christmas Walk weekends seem a marathon to shopkeepers, with hours from 1o am to 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, but Sunday is a bit better closing at 5 pm. The first weekend of the 2007 Christmas Walk is now over.

Crowds seemed to be a bit lower than expected, but still steady throughout Friday and Saturday, though dampened even more by afternoon drizzle on Sunday.

None the less, the town is beautiful decked out in a wondrous array of laterns on the canal, lights on the buildings bushes and bridges, and the candles on the streets. A great time and place to do some Christmas shopping.

The new "Side Track Restaurant" is now open under the astute cooking skills and guiding hand of Nancy Johnson, a "Taste of Home" field editor, located in the former "Duck Creek Palace" restuarant building. A fine addition to places to dine while visiting historic Metamora.

Getting Ready for Christmas

Today was a gorgeous weather day, 60+ degrees temperature, beautiful sunshine. Probably not many of those kind of days remaining in the year. A number of shopkeepers took advantage of the weather to get out and start putting up their Christmas decorations. Only two weeks left 'til the annual Christmas Walk shopping season begins, Fridays and Saturdays until 10 p.m.

Several new shops in town- at least two in the Duck Creek Crossing area. More variety for you shopping pleasure!

There are now new residents in the Mount Holland house on the north side of the canal in the center of town. They are a large extended family, and are busy restoring this lovely building.

The canal is currently drained for maintenance (dredging) but will be refilled before the Christmas Walk begins.

Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony

Our Christmas Tree lighting ceremony is rapidly coming up. Last year we had nearly 100 people attend. This year promises to be an even better event. The Baggy Bottom Boys band will again lead in singing Christmas carols. The Christmas season will officially be kicked off with a very special guest of honor.

There will be free hot chocolate and snacks, and a fire pit to help you keep warm. Come on out and join us!

Metamora Corn Maze

Just want to let you all know that the Whitewater Canal Trail's 2nd Annual Corn Maze did very well on its first weekend. Very well, considering the unbelievable heat, humidity and competition from Canal Days in Metamora. We doubled our number of visitors from the same weekend last year and expect a great weekend coming up!

This weekend brings cooler weather as well as the grand opening of the Twin Locks section of the trail on Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Metamora Trailhead. WCTI is also hosting the Ohio Canal Society for a tour of locks and canal structures following the ceremony. For those of you who haven't seen the project yet - this is your big chance! It has been very well used already - so worth all of the effort.

The Corn Maze is open every weekend in October from 1 to 5 and all proceeds benefit the Whitewater Canal Trail.

Jenny
Thanks for your support
Mick Wilz
Whitewater Canal Trail Inc.
P.O. Box 126
Brookville Indiana 47012
Work 866-324-7842
Home 765-647-6457
Cell 513-295-4820

Canal Days In The Heat!

The 39th Annual Canal Days festival is in full swing with record temperatures approaching 90 degrees. Usually the October weather is much cooler, but the heat does not seem to affect the desire of either the vendors or the crowds to come out. While no good count is available on the number of visitors to town, many long-time residents and shopkeepers believe this year's crowd has surpassed last year's for both Friday and Saturday. (We'll see about Sunday's crowd today.) The heat is making large demands on the supplies of ice and drinking water, but the vendors and stores are keeping up.

Summer

Crowds flocking to Metamora for the glorious weather and a peaceful, relaxing day of family fun. The photo at left shows a recent wedding that took place on the canal boat.

Spring Has Arrived

Come on out and see the great weather here in Metamora! The beauty is about to explode as the trees green up and the ducks work on conditioning the canal.

The Canal Boat returns to service along with the Whitewater Valley Railroad during the first week of May.

Lots planned for the year. Strawberry Days and Celebrate 1838 coming up the first week in June. The Red Hat Ladies Society will be welcomed by the Metamora Merchants on the 9th of June. After July 4th activities (including the parade in town and the great fireworks show) you might gaze upon a bunch of Mustangs belonging to the Tri-State Mustang Club from West Chester Ohio on July 28th.

On the weekends, you might catch a free concert with Metamora's own Catrina and the Baggy Bottom Boys, a local bluegrass acoustic band who likes to play outside the Smelly Gourmet coffee bar when the weather is nice.

Beautiful Weather Brings Out the Tunes

Metamora's own Baggy Bottom Boys jamming in the street lately. With the warming weather, the toe-tapping music helps lift the spirits. The jam sessions have been happening more frequently lately, usually outside the Smelly Gourmet Coffee Bar on Main Street.

Christmas Walk a big Success

As we draw close to Christmas 2006, the fourth weekend of the Christmas Walk has now been completed. It is generally agreed that this year was a bigger success than last, and the crowds were awed not only by the beautifully decorated and lit town but also by the awesome weather!

There is still a full week till Christmas day, and the questions are rolling in fast from the website about store hours and activities for the remainder of the year.

Some shops will be open during the week and on the weekend through the end of the year, but trying to determine who all will be open is like trying to nail jello to the wall- almost impossible.

So come visit the town and enjoy the beauty and the shops that ARE open.

Henry Ferguson - Mayor of Metamora

The Metamora Economic Development Corporation announces Mr. Henry Ferguson as the winner of the honorary Mayor of Metamora election today. Mr. Ferguson won with 706 votes/dollars collected. Runner up, and already appointed by Mr. Ferguson as the Vice-Mayor of Metamora in his first official act as Mayor, is Crystal Fraley, the four-year old granddaughter of local shopkeepers Roz and Don Fraley. Crystal, whose campaign was managed by Mike McCain, captured 502 votes/dollars.

The unusual election has been going on all summer long in Metamora as a fundraiser to help complete the construction of a new public restroom facility in the village. All together, the election fundraiser generated about $2,300 dollars. This is expected to be enough funds to complete the restroom facility construction and placing in service as soon as the local sewer system construction is complete later this year or early next year. The 12 candidates for mayor each paid a $20 registration fee to get on the ballot, then collected votes which were purchased for $1 each. Metamora is an unincorporated town, thus, the position of Mayor is purely an honorary one, with no legal standing or true responsibilities.

Third place went to “Grandma” Shirley Beyer, a local shopkeeper, and 4th place to Ms. Shelly Walls, a Metamora-loving tourist from Bedford Indiana who has been collecting votes for herself from her customers at the Bedford restaurant where she is a waitress. Both had well over 300 votes. Fifth place went to Whiffy the Skunk, a mascot of the Metamora “Smelly Gourmet” gift and coffee shop, with 221 votes.

The final two-hours of voting took place at the town park in Metamora on Saturday, with live music presented by Metamora’s own band known as the Baggy Bottom Boys. The gala event included free food and drinks donated in part by Pavey’s BP in Metamora, the IGA in Brookville, and Kroger’s in Batesville.

At the end of the voting time, Henry Ferguson was presented the Key to the Village of Metamora by Franklin County Commissioner Lou Linkel in a short but emotional ceremony.

In the photo: Franklin County Commissioner Lou Linkel (left) presents the Key to The Village of Metamora to Henry Ferguson (right), long-time resident of Metamora and now the Honorary Mayor of Metamora.

Autumn Approaching

The car show and soc hop on September 16 was a lot of fun for the participants. Not huge crowds, but still quite enjoyable and some really cool cars there to look at.

The Merchant Association is sponsoring a Scarecrow Contest for decoration of the town, with judging to be accomplished by tourists in town on September 30.

Then the residents and shopkeepers brace themselves for the onslaught of tens of thousands of people for the Canal Days weekend, where visitors will find all sorts of wondrous things offered by the shops and the hundreds of outside vendors. Should be a lot of fun-- we are praying the weather will cooperate to enhance the experience.

Hope to see you then- October 6, 7 and 8.

Metamora Indiana Car Show and Sock Hop

Sept 16 at 4:00. Wander down main street and see all the amazing cars and chat with the owners. Enjoy a 50's dance on the street featuring all your favorite oldies. More info... To register your car print the registration form or email us and will send you the form. Awards, trophies and dash plaques to be given out as well as many other prizes. Call Ron at 1-765-647-3360.
This is a fundraiser for the "I Believe" campaign sponsored by Metamora Economic Development Corporation

Metamora Music Festival Sept 2 - 3

The 2006 Metamora Music Festival founded by local musician Jim Wendel is Labor Day Weekend. This years events are sure to please everyone of all ages.

What better way to spend your Labor Day weekend than in relaxing Metamora. Not only can you enjoy the music scheduled throughout the town, but you can visit the grist mill where you can watch them make corn meal; take a ride on the canal boat pulled by horses and get a history of the canal era; walk around the historical town and enjoy this relaxing, quaint village; do a little shopping and enjoy a wonderful meal.

WORKSHOPS SCHEUDLE Saturday, Sept. 2 (subject to change)
11:00 AM Pete and Sarah Walthery-Harp/Dulcimer/Flute
12:00 noon Tom Shinness-Harpguitarist
1:00 PM Chris Carlisle-Dulcimer
1:30 PM Jim Wendel-Harmonica, Washtub
2:00 PM John Gates-Mandolin
3:00 PM Tom and Missy Strothers-Mountain Dulcimer

PERFORMANCE(subject to change, please check back)Meadow Mainstage
11:00 AM Baggy Bottom Boys
12:00 PM Jim Innis and Flatrock River Boys
1:00 PM Pete and Sara Walthery
2:00 PM Old Friends
3:00 PM Calvary Gospel Quartet
4:00 PM Missy and Tom Strothers
5:00 PM Folkgrass Explosion with John Gates and Harvey Mosteller

GRISTMILL PERFORMANCE
Noon and 2:00 PM Music Americana
American history told through story and songpresented with the support of: The Whitewater Canal State Historic Site Indiana Arts Commission

6:00-9:00 PM EDT EVENING CONCERT Meadow Mainstage
Jim Innis Flatrock River Boys
Shawnee Valley Dulcimer Society
Old Friends
Calvary Gospel Quartet
Baggy Bottom Boys

Sunday, Sept. 3
PERFORMANCES Metamora Gristmill
Noon and 2:00 PM Music Americana
American history told through story and songpresented with the support of: The Whitewater Canal State Historic Site Indiana Arts Commission

Beginning at 12:30 Performances(subject to change)

For More Information Call:
Jim Wendel at 765-629-2662
Al Rogers at 765-647-2194

Mayor Campaign Status

The Mayor of Metamora Campaign is underway. Henry Ferguson continues to lead the election currently with 222 votes, but Crystal the 4 year old girl is catching up rapidly with nearly a hundred votes, and Grandma Shirley, grandmother of ten, not too far behind Crystal. Whiffy the skunk is catching up with 74 votes.

Remember, ANYONE can vote- even YOU. Votes are $1 each, and you are encouraged to vote early and often. You can cast your vote(s) at several places in town (see the large posters in the windows) or on the web at www.MetamoraIndiana.com/Mayor.htm.

All proceeds from the election are for a new Public Restroom facility on the east end of town, and then the "I Believe" campaign to raise funds for the Whitewater Canal Corridor Interpretive Center. Super causes that will preserve our heritage for our kids! Please help by giving - er, donating - uh, VOTING!

Bluegrass Music "Baggy Bottom Boys"

Some local musical talent has been getting together and jamming in the evenings after the shops close. They are calling themselves the "Baggy Bottom Boys". Guitar, mandolin, fiddle, banjo, acoustic bass and some pretty good singing might be heard Wednesday evenings at the gazebo in town if you happened to pass by.

Not quite ready for Nashville yet, but they're having a lot of fun and making some toes tap...

Summer "I Believe" Fundraising Campaign

The planning is shaping up for the fundraising events this summer designed to help us purchase the MacLyn Campground property on US 52 for the purpose of developing an Interpretive Center for the entire Whitewater Canal Corridor Region, consisting of several counties in Southeast Indiana and probably a couple of counties in Southwest Ohio.

A big project- nearly a million dollars are required for the project, but we have identified a grant that will cover 80% of the purchase price, and have secured commitments for some significant chunks of our 20%. We still need to raise on the order of $20,000.

July 4th will be a big day in Metamora with the parade getting underway about 6:00 p.m., the Ducky Derby at about 6:30, a stage show at 8:30 pm consisting of the Mayor of Metamora candidates debate and maybe some live music, followed by the annual fireworks show at dusk.

The 2nd Annual "Metamorons Actors Guild" Dinner and Show is scheduled for two nights this year, August 4 and 5, at the Depot Restaurant in Metamora. This is a fundraiser dinner at $30 per ticket (call 765-647-3360 to make your reservation or email copperron@aol.com ) and a live stage show/variety/comedy show with local Metamora talent. Last year's show was such a success that it was planned for two nights this year.

September 16 will see the 2nd Annual Car Show and Soc Hop. This year the show will take place on the streets of the town itself, and many more cool cars are expected. Show starts at 3:30 pm, food and dancing starts at 5:00 pm while judging of cars goes on. Awards presented at 9:00 pm.
Call 765-647-3360 or 4328 for more info.

You can be the Mayor of Metamora Indiana!

You can be the Mayor! Metamora is going to elect an honorary Mayor as a fundraising event for the "I Believe" Southeast Indiana Whitewater Canal Corridor Regional Interpretive Center.

There are no residency requirements to run for Mayor. In fact, there are only TWO requirements to get on the ballot: You must 1) be breathing, and 2) have no more than four (4) legs!

Did you ever want to be the Mayor of your own little town in the Midwestern U.S.? How about putting up your daughter, friend, or your favorite pet (not more than four legs, please)? And not just any town, but the wonderful historic village of Metamora! All you have to do to register to get on the ballot as a candidate is go to www.MetamoraIndiana.com/Mayor.htm and sign up yourself or your friend(s), paying the $20 registration fee with your credit card or Paypal account.

Registered candidates will receive a very nice frameable certificate stating they are on the ballot for the Mayor of Metamora in 2006.

Voting for yourself or other candidates can be done online also from the Mayor election web page. Just like in small town politics the world over, money talks! All votes are purchased for $1 per vote. VOTE EARLY AND OFTEN! Get your friends, family and co-workers to vote for you, and you can actually be elected as honorary Mayor. You need not be present at the final voting event in early August to win, and duties of the person elected are whatever the Mayor wants them to be.

All funds received will be used first to finish the new Public Restroom Facility on the east end of the historic district, then all remaining funds raised will be used towards the $1 million purchase price of the property for the Whitewater Canal Corridor Regional Interpretive Center near the middle of town.

So get in on the fun, help a wonderful cause, and start by registering yourself as a candidate now through the web by going to http://www.MetamoraIndiana.com/Mayor.htm. Your certificate will be mailed to you.

Current candidates include Bonnie, the horse that pulls the carriage ride in town, Grandma Beyer, grandmother of ten, Crystal, the three-year-old daughter of a local shopkeeper, Whiffy, the skunk mascot of a Metamora coffee bar, and Sheri Riggs, a local shopkeeper.

Make yourself the next candidate!

Please note: Only for those who wish to participate: There will be a formal public introduction of all registered candidates on the June 3/4 weekend in Metamora, and a candidates debate on the July 4 weekend (candidates may have a human or adult campaign manager speak for them if desired).

Ready For Visitors

Metamora is greening up quite nicely as we head deeper into springtime! The Grist Mill is now open, and the Canal Boat is back in service after a winter "hanging out" in Gordon's Lock.

Horse Controversy for Metamora Mayor

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Steve Collier
President, Metamora Economic Development Corporation
Post Office Box 95
Metamora, Indiana 47030
(765) 647-4328 (Daytime except Mondays)
(812) 623-1114 (Home)
stevecollier@suscom.net
http://www.metamoraindiana.com/


CONTROVERSY OVER HORSE FOR MAYOR LOOMS BETWEEN STATE AND METAMORA

Metamora, Indiana – May 1, 2006 – In the first-ever election for honorary Mayor in this small historic town in Southeast Indiana, candidates must meet only two requirements—they must be breathing, and they must have no more than four legs. Jerry, the Belgian draft horse that pulls the state-owned canal boat down the state-owned canal for tourist rides, meets those two requirements. But some think that it would be a conflict of interest for a state employee to hold the only public office in the town. So the question facing the State of Indiana today is whether or not a draft horse is truly considered a state employee.

This small historic canal town and tourist village is conducting an Honorary Mayor election as a fundraiser for additional public restroom facilities and for the construction of a Southeast Indiana regional Interpretive Center. Since this is an honorary position, there are no residency requirements for the job of Mayor. Anyone who meets the two requirements can run for the office. But, as is frequently the way in small-town American politics, there is always someone trying to stretch the rules- such as, in this case, running Jerry, an employee of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, for Mayor in the town in which he works.

With Candidate registration just beginning Saturday, the only candidates currently on the ballot are Bonnie, the horse that pulls the carriage ride through the scenic town, and Whiffy, the skunk- mascot of the Smelly Gourmet coffee bar on Main Street in Metamora.

It is believed there will be several other candidates on the ballot, which only requires a $20 fee to register—and gets the candidate a nice frameable certificate stating they ran for Mayor in the town. Other possible candidates include one of the town’s ducks (who better to deal with the duck poop issue?), a fish (which brings up the question about whether or not the thing fish do with their gills is actually “breathing”), and several humans including possibly Trapper the local chicken hypnotizer known for hypnotizing his rooster into thinking it’s a duck. But since the job is open nationwide to anyone with $20, its hard to tell who might materialize as the election continues through the summer.

And in any case, its hard to tell which candidate might win the election- voting will continue through the summer as the campaign progresses, and electors are genuinely encouraged to “vote early and often”. As is usually true, but frequently denied, in all elections, all votes are purchased – in Metamora’s case, for $1 each. Voting commences June 3 and continues through August.

But the overriding issue at the moment seems to be whether or not Jerry’s candidacy will be allowed by the state of Indiana, and would it violate Indiana’s conflict of interest laws by Jerry’s running as Mayor while he is a state of Indiana employee in the town.

No response has yet been obtained from the Indiana Secretary of State of Department of Natural Resources (Jerry’s boss) offices.

Anyone can buy their way onto the ballot, and cast their votes, with their credit card by going to www.MetamoraIndiana.com/Mayor.htm



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