The Old State Bank is now open for tours on Wednesday evening from 4-8pm and Saturday mornings from 9-11am.  On display now are the Fort Knox II artifacts on loan from the Indiana State Museum.  These artifacts provide an idea of life on the Indiana frontier as soldiers.  The featured artifacts are a ball and chain, military buttons from the regiments who were stationed at Fort Knox II, as well as glassware, transfer ware and other period plates and pottery.   Admission is $2 for Adults and $1 for children.

It’s Back to School time and that means it’s time to start planning a Fall Getaway!  Why not stay close to home this year.  Southern Indiana has outdoor recreation, history, golfing, festivals, agritourism and lots of family fun!  Visit http://www.southernindiana.org/ to see all that Southern Indiana has to offer.

This weekend Downtown Main Street will be filled with fun!  Today is the first day of the downtown merchants sidewalk sales.  Merchants will have their sale items outside from now through Saturday.  Saturday is the Knox County Chamber’s Watermelon Festival.  The day begins with the 5K run and ends with the Miss Watermelon Pageant.  In between those two events the day is full of fun filled activities including a baby/toddler contest and a pet contest.  Free watermelon all day long.

You are invited to the Old Town Players Theatre and Arts Center for a new (and old) style of dancing, Contra/Colonial Dancing.  Contra Dancing is fun and a great way to meet new friends and singles, couples and families can all participate!  Free admission in an air conditioning venue with practice is offered to newcomers prior to dancing.  For more information contact http: www.vincennesdancers.com

Knox County is featured in the July/August issue of Midwest Living magazine.  That’s right five Knox County venues were highlighted in the Out and About-Comfort Food Trail of Southern Indiana .  Prairie Acres Farm Market, US-41 farm stands, the Big Peach, Apple Hill Orchard, Dot’s Custom Cakes and Catering.  Visit these locations and check out all they have to offer.

Since 1809 families have enjoyed the sights and sounds of the Knox County Fair.  The Fair officially opens at 6:00pm on Monday, July 18 and runs through Saturday, July 23.  This year is sure to include 4-H exhibits, baby and queen contests, tractor pulls and the infamous demolition derby!    As always there will be a variety of great food to please everyone!  Come one, come all to the Knox County Fair.

This weekend the wheels will be in motion at the Wheatfest in Wheatland, Indiana.  July 8-10 the town will hold their annual festival featuring a car show, parade, 5k run and fun for the whole family! 

The bicycles will be in motion at the ”Tour for the Cure” on Saturday July 9th beginning at LincolnHigh School.  The ”Tour” is throughout Knox County.  All proceeds benefit GSH Breast Care Center and the Evansville Affiliates of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Celebrate the 4th of July! This weekend Bicknell is hosting the Freedom Bash on Saturday July 2nd at Northside Park beginning at 5pm.  Food, inflatables and music by the Jones Gang.  Fireworks begin at dark. 

Vincennes will host the Happy Birthday America Celebration downtown on the 4th of July.  A carnival will be open at 5pm on the city parking lot on the corner of 3rd and Vigo Streets.  Parade begins at 7:30pm, Aday Laytr will play at the Riverfront Pavilion after the parade, and fireworks begin at 10pm.

The Old Northwest Territory Art Gallery has a new display featuring the winning photographs of the Rendezvous Photo Contest.  Check out these unique images and all of the updates at the gallery located at 317 W. Main Street, Vincennes.  Gallery hours are:  Tuesday – Friday, 12 – 5 and Saturday, 12 – 3.

The Old Oaken Days Festival begins on Friday, 6/24 and runs through Sunday, 6/26.  A favorite for locals and visitors alike!  New this year is D.J. Miller, a rising country star.  For a complete schedule of events visit http://www.oaktownindiana.org

Open you hearts, open your home, and discover America all over again!  Council on International Educational Exchange is seeking host homes for international exchange students in Knox County.  North Knox, South Knox, Vincennes Lincoln, and Vincennes Rivet High Schools would all welcome exchange students if safe and loving host homes can be found.  English speaking students will arrive in August for the 2011-2012 school year.   They have their own spending money and excellent health insurance.  Host homes can be a single adult or a family, with or without children.  The exchange student can share a room with a same sex host sibling.  The host family participates in selecting the student who will best fit in with their activities and interests.  For more information visit www.ciee.org/highschool  or contact Cindy Mineo at 812-890-7585, cindywithciee@gmail.com.   ciee is non-profit.