NEXT 175th MEETING - THURS MAY 3: The next Celestine 175 Meeting will be Thursday May 3 at 7pm in The Happy Hour Basement. Meeting will focus on finalizing events details, logistics and promotion of our 175th (June 28 through July 1, 2018).
BROTHERS OF THE BRUSH: Next meeting is Wednesday May 2 at 7pm at the Celestine Community Club - food/meal & drink will be available. The meeting is optional and not required for someone to be entered in the competition.
OUR FEST IS TWO MONTHS AWAY! We are in the home stretch of our preparations. Word of mouth is the best promotion of our event. Please start telling your friends, family and co-workers about why they need to spend a lot of time in Celestine for our fest weekend! Our website CelestineIndiana.com and facebook.com/celestineindiana are great places to point them for information.
BOWS & BUNTING: Time to start putting up your festive decorations to show our spirit for the 175th!
TIME TO VOLUNTEER: An event of this size needs the help of EVERYONE who is able to help. You can state your preference by filling out the form at www.celestineindiana.com/volunteer-sign-up. Or call to volunteer: Hamburger Stand: Curt Matheis (812) 639-9552, Dinner Stand: Allen Thewes 812-630-8890, Beer Garden: Ryan Hasenour 812-630-4210.
OFFICIAL 175th SCHEDULE AVAILABLE: The official schedule for the 175th celebration has been printed and posted online! The brochure schedule is available at the entrances of church and at local businesses. The entire schedule is available on CelestineIndiana.com both on the home page and also on the SCHEDULE section.
175 GRAND MARSHALS ANNOUNCED: Congratulations to the children of Victor & Viola Sander, Don, Jim, Ron and Martha Goepfrich. At the recent Celestine Museum Day, Community of Celestine Inc. announced the results of the voting by the attendees of the monthly Celestine 175 meeting. The voting came from a list of 11 nominees. The Grand Marshal's will be recognized at opening ceremonies and will be featured in the parade at the Celestine 175th celebration.
CELESTINE CLEAN UP EFFORTS: All hands are needed to make our community even more beautiful for upcoming festivities and our 175th celebration of the town. There are several upcoming work sessions and your help is needed! Please call to let the coordinators know you are willing to help! St. Celestine Church Grounds Clean Up Connie Mathies 812.639.9552. Cemetery Clean Up & Improvements Doug Merkel 812.630.2793.
Sunday, May 6th Adopt-A-Highway with the Celestine Park (Damon Thewes 812.309.9698) – meet at the Park at 9:30 cleaning highways and local roads in & near Celestine
Elderly or need an extra hand to enhance your property prior to our 175th? Or, want to assist with these special projects? Please call Nancy Schroering at (812) 827-1917. If we have enough help May 6th we may start on these projects.
5K RUN/WALK + FREE KIDS FUN RUN: Sat., June 30. Registration begins at 7:15am in the Happy Hour basement with race beginning at 8am. Registration forms are available on the website and at the entrance of church. Kids run is free and will begin after the 5K race at 9am. Kids run sign ups will take place prior to the start.
WATCH LEGACY NIGHT ONLINE: Video from both St. Celestine Legacy Nights are available for viewing on CelestineIndiana.com under the UPDATES section. The April “Our Priests” was highlighted by a memorable portrayal of Celestine founder Fr. Joseph Kundek by Dr. Mark Ginter, along with heartfelt remembrances from Fr. John Brosmer, Fr. Tony Ernst and Fr. John Boeglin. The February “Our Churches” told the history of the previous St. Celestine churches.
AAA MIDWEST TRAVELER ARTICLE: Celestine 175 is featured in the current May/June issue of the AAA’s Midwest Traveler Magazine sent to their 600,000 Midwest members. The article talks about the big draws of our fest and the community’s German heritage.
CELESTINE SENIOR KING & QUEEN VOTING UNDERWAY: The winner will be selected by public voting for $1 a vote. Voting slips can be obtained at the entrances of St. Celestine Church, parish office, Annette’s Hair Design by Annette Tuell, and several events leading up to the 175th celebration. Money must accompany submitted ballots.
CELESTINE 175 CASH RAFFLE: We need your help selling tickets! Grand prize is $5,000 with another $5,000 available in 14 other smaller amounts. Tickets are $5 each or $20 for 5 tickets!. They are available at all Fest planning meetings (1st Thurs. of the month), at all 175th events or by contacting Denise Buechler at dmbuechler@gmail.com or @CelestineIndiana on Facebook.
175 QUILT RAFFLE: At the 175th there will be quilts raffled off using a wheel (License #146092), like at the St. Isidore Shoot. Nine quilts will be raffled off Friday night and nine will be raffled off on Saturday. One special quilt was chosen as “Best of Show.” Raffle tickets will be sold for this quilt. Tickets are $1 a each or 6 for $5. If you have questions, call Angie Hochgesang at 812-634-1565.
NIGHT & DAY PARADE ENTRY FORMS: The Celestine 175 celebration will feature two separate parades. On Thursday June 28 a night parade will be presented at dark starting at the Celestine Park, moving past the Elementary School, around the west entrance of St. Celestine Church and back to the Park. A daytime parade will be held on Sunday, July 1 beginning at 1pm that will move throughout the Celestine community. Entries must be returned by June 14. Entry form is available on CelestineIndiana.com.
FASHIONS OF YESTERYEAR: The entry form is available now on CelestineIndiana.com. If you are interested in learning more about the Fashions of Yesteryear please contact Breanne Hasenour at 812-639-0412 or Kara Glendening at 812-639-4567. Come join us in celebrating fashions from 175 years ago on Thursday, June 28 at 7:30pm on the Main Stage. Categories: Little Tikes- Ages 0-7, Lads & Lassies- Ages 8-15, Worker’s Attire, Sunday Best, Family Album. If you would like email updates please send your email to bhasenour@hotmail.com or theglendenings@gmail.com.
APRIL 5 2018 175th PLANNING MEETING RECAP
Approximately 75 people in attendance
Grand Marshal Nominations - 11 Nominees included: Donnie Sander, Fr. John Boeglin, Fr. Eugene Schmitt on behalf of the priests of St. Celestine, Vic & Viola Sander Children (Jim, Donnie, Ronnie & Martha Goepfrich), Ronnie Sander, Lorette Humbert, Merkel Family Descendants, Leonard & Mary Heeke, Kenny & Norma Schnell, Ray & Aileen Lueken, Tony Buechler. Marshal voting results were announced at Museum Day, the Vic & Viola Sander Family
Fashions of Yesteryear - Chad encouraged people to dress up and show your heritage. The next time will be 25 years away, don’t miss a chance to do something memorable!
Night Parade is not limited on entries, all are welcome to enter.
Ron Sander reported his team has a large number of farm exhibitions planned. They expect to demonstrate something different every half hour.
Bradley Lynch appeared on behalf of the fireworks presentation. He gave some overviews on what is being planned. Will be our biggest and best fireworks show ever.
Craft show getting close to the maximum of 15 booths that will be accepted.
Chad reported everything is a go for hot air balloons with 5 coming in total, 3 will offer tethered rides.
Fr. Boeglin is looking for a wagon/float for the Germans to ride on, please contact him.
Fr. Boeglin is in need of food donations for the Germans to eat during Friday’s Patoka Lake houseboat excursion he has planned.
Fr. Boeglin invited anyone who wants to travel with the Germans on their excursions and after the fest are welcome and should contact him.
Kelly Goepfrich gave a report on the many different ways we will be advertising.
Tom Heeke reported that donations are coming in very strong and that everyone in the community should thank those businesses and individuals in person for their support of our town!
Clara Frome History Book Update - April 30 is deadline for content. Print date is mid May.
Beyond the Calendar Photo / Recipe / Calendar Book - First draft has gone off to printer. High School girl scout team has put hundreds of hours into this book and it will be awesome.
Brandon Brosmer is working on a Special Postmark with the logo of the 175th.
Last meeting before 175th Thursday June 7, 2018
DEADLINE THIS WEEKEND: QUEEN, JUNIOR QUEEN, LITTLE MISTER & LITTLE MISS PAGEANTS: The Celestine 175 Celebration will feature a pageant with 3 different age categories! The Pageants will be held Sunday, June 24 at 4PM on the Dubois Middle School Stage. Entry forms are now available on CelestineIndiana.com. Entry forms and fee must be submitted by Monday, April 30. Age categories: (ages as of June 24, 2018): Queen - young ladies 15-19, Junior Miss - young ladies 10-14, Little Miss and Mister - boys and girls ages 5-9. Here are answers to some common questions: "I am not a beauty queen". This pageant is not looking for the next Miss America. We are looking for someone who best represents the town of Celestine. We want to celebrate YOU being you! "Do the Little Miss and Mister have to speak alone?" Yes, they will have to answer questions independently but they will never be on stage alone. They will always be in a small group with their peers. "Do I have to go out and buy all new outfits?" You will have several outfit changes but most likely you will be able to find something in your closet or borrow from a friend. (No you will not have to wear a swimsuit). "Will I be busy the whole fest!" NO! There will be jobs sprinkled here and there but this is a special time and we want everyone to get to enjoy the fest/celebration with friends and family. "Can I still be in the pageant if my family is gone on vacation during practices?" Please contact Ashley Seger if this is your hesitation. We want everyone who wants to be a part of this, to have the opportunity. We will try and work something out. Please contact Ashley Seger with any questions 812-630-4924 or Ashley.seger25@gmail.com.
175 MERCHANDISE UPDATE: In-stock merchandise include canes (NEW item), license plates, glassware, apparel, hats, Christmas ornaments and more! Now also accepting pre-orders for women’s tank tops in classic or racerback style (NEW item). Please contact Joan Steffe at 812-482-6051 to order / pick-up. Pictures and pricing of all items available at www.celestineindiana.com/merchandise. NOTE: Pictures of new items will be posted when available
Centennial Vest & Suspender Pre-orders: Please contact Joan Steffe at 812.482.6051 to place an order.
History Book Pre-Orders: Celestine 1993 (First 150 Years), Celestine 2018 (Past 25 Years) or a bundle of both books & Beyond the Calendar a collection of Photos, Perpetual Calendar and Recipes can be ordered by completing the order form available at celestineindina.com and sending St. Isidore Parish Office. Please note there will only be 700 copies of Beyond the Calendar available.
175 Official Logo Wooden Outdoor Stencil Pre-Orders: Size is customizable for your space. Contact Derek Schaefer at 812.549.7768 for size and pricing.
CELESTINE 175 CAR CRUISE: Saturday, June 23, 2018. Celestine (Jaycee) Park: 90 N Celestine Rd S, Celestine, IN 47521. Register at the park at 1 PM EST, leave the park at 2PM EST, return to the park at approximately 6PM EST. Route features all paved roads. $10 per person. All cars, trucks, jeeps, motorcycles, and any other type of road legal vehicle welcome. We will be giving a ticket to each paying rider for a chance for prizes at the end of the cruise. Food and refreshments will be available after the cruise. A HAY RIDE will be leaving from the Celestine Park at 7PM EST. Call or text Allen for more information at (812) 827-3400. Not responsible for accidents. Flyer available at CelestineIndiana.com
CELESTINE 175 CAR SHOW: Saturday, June 30, 2018 at Celestine (Jaycee) Park: 90 N Celestine Rd S, Celestine, IN 47521. Registration from 8 A.M. to noon, entry fee is $15 per vehicle. Dash plaques for the first 100 entrees! Trophies will be given to: Top 5 2008 & newer, Top 30 2007 & older, Top Unfinished/Rat Rod, Best Ford, GM, & Mopar, People’s Choice. Awards to be given out at approximately 2:30 PM EST. Food & refreshments will be available all day. Call or text Allen for more information at (812) 827-3400. Not responsible for accidents. Flyer available at CelestineIndiana.com
BABY & TODDLER PHOTO CONTEST: The Celestine Elementary PTO is offering a photo contest for babies and toddlers. The entry fee is $20, entries must be received by June 14. To enter, mail a 5x7 photo with parents names, child's name, address, email address, and phone number written on back of photo to chairperson Stacy Brosmer - 988 N Robert Dr - Celestine IN 47521. The categories are: 0-12 months, 1-2 years, 3-4 years. Prizes will be awarded to the child with the most votes in each category. Photos will not be returned. Voting will take place at the Celestine 175th.
DODGEBALL TOURNEY: Start gathering your teams for the Celestine 175 Dodgeball Tourney! It will be held on Friday, June 29. First game begins at 7pm at the Celestine Elementary Tennis Courts. There will be 6 people per team with a $30 entry fee per team for the double elimination tourney. Team must include at least one player from the opposite sex. Cash prize awarded to the 1st and 2nd place teams in each division, which are “12 and under” and “13 and up.” Deadline to enter is by 5:30pm on Friday, June 29. To register call/text Teresa Betz 812-827-3366 or Cheryl Mehringer 812-630-1354. Each participant is required to sign a waiver of liability before competing.
BAKE OFF: Free to enter! Adult Categories (age 15+) include Yeast Bread & Rolls, Cakes & Cupcakes, Cookies & Bars, and Pies. Kids’ Categories (ages 3-14) include Cakes & Cupcakes, Cookies & Bars. Entries must be made from scratch and include a short description (i.e. brownies with nuts). Judging will be based on appearance, flavor, and texture. All entries are to be turned in at the Celestine Elementary kitchen on Wednesday, June 27, between 5 and 8pm. Questions? Call Helen Beyke at (812) 678-2434.
GERMAN VISITOR UPDATE: 20 from the Wagshurst area of Germany arrive on Wed, June 27, 2018. Host family assignments have been made. The host families and their guests are: Fr. John Boeglin—Werner Stueber; Edwin & Judy Betz—Jutta Lippert & Gabriele Schindler; Jeremy, Teresa, Peyton, and Zachary Betz—Thomas Mußler & Nico Schuett; Clara Fromme—Bernhard Danner & his wife Daniela Danner; Charlie & Rose Ann Glendening—Anton Huber & his son David Huber; Bill, Angie, & Celeste Hochgesang—Klaus Eckstein, his wife Birgit Eckstein, & their son Luca Eckstein & Sarah Eckstein (unrelated); Bill & Betty Kleinhelter—Berthold König, his wife Rosa König, and their son Raphael König; Bernie & Diane Knies—Manfred Rothfuss; Larry, Tammy, Sara & Hannah Mehringer—Fridolin Huber & his daughter Veronika Huber; and Bob and Cheryl Schnell—Sabine Lampert. Teresa Hopf also volunteered to host and will help with transportation and food. Many thanks to all the host families.
Our German visitors will be introduced on stage at the fest opening ceremony on Thursday evening and will ride on a float in the parade on Sunday afternoon. They will be at the fest at other times as well. Six who are members of Wagshurst’s much larger brass band are scheduled to play at the 8:00 am Mass at St. Celestine on Sun., July 1. Thanks to Northeast Dubois High School for the use of their band instruments.
All plan to depart on Monday, July 2. Fourteen will travel in rented vehicles to Chicago, via Indianapolis and Shipshewana; Fr. Boeglin plans to accompany this group, driving his own car. Five others will fly to Las Vegas, and one plans to fly to Los Angeles.
BEYOND THE CALENDAR & 175 HISTORY BOOK ORDER INFORMATION: Beyond the Calendar The 170 page perpetual calendar with photos of the Celestine area and events along with recipes has been taken to the publisher. Only 700 copies are being printed. There will not be a second printing! Get your pre-order in today. The Celestine: 2018, the 175th History Book is also available for pre-order. It will give a history of events and activities in the community over the past 25 years and serves as an addendum to the 150th History book (which is still available for order also). Order forms are available at www.celestineindiana.com/merchandise/
JOIN THE CELESTINE INDIANA EMAIL MAILINGLIST: Visit www.celestineindiana.com/mailinglist to sign up for the official Celestine Indiana email mailinglist. We will send out this newsletter and other important updates on a very occasional basis.
CELESTINE ELEMENTARY TOURS: As part of the 175th Celebration, Celestine Elementary teachers and staff will be offering tours of the historic school on Friday June 29th and Saturday June 30 from 6:30 to 8 PM. This will be a great opportunity to revisit the school that so many youth have attended for over 75 years!
STATE CONGRESS RESOLUTION: Indiana State Representative Shane Lindauer (who represents the community of Celestine) has presented a resolution recognizing the 175th anniversary of the founding of Celestine. The resolution has passed. State Senator Erin Houchin presented the resolution which was also passed in the State Senate. The text of the resolution is available on CelestineIndiana.com and Representative Lindauer intends to present a ceremonial version in person at our 175th.
CELESTINE 175 DRONE FOOTAGE: You have never seen Celestine like this! In celebration of the 175th BC Baggett and Indiana Drones have put together a gorgeous video of the Celestine community along with footage from the Fire Department Tractor Pull & St. Isidore Shooting Match at the Celestine Community Club.