Nickel Plate Arts to Partner with Hamilton County for 200th Annual Squirrel Stampede
Nickel Plate Arts announced that it will partner with Hamilton County Tourism for the 200th annual Squirrel Stampede. Throughout the month of September, Nickel Plate Arts will be hosting a series of events with exciting art opportunities.
In 1822, an abundance of squirrels invaded the region during their migration south, trampling crops and causing mass environmental destruction. At the time, this was devastating to Central Indiana, but the story has become a part of folklore from Hamilton County’s past.
Many local organizations are getting involved in this year’s event. Kiln Creations, located at 60 N. 9th St, Noblesville, has unleashed 300 Clay Mold Squirrels, along with paint, all over Hamilton County.
“Kiln Creations is overjoyed to be the purveyor of fine ceramic squirrels here in Hamilton County,” said Louise Blazucki with Kiln Creations. “Here’s to hoping these sweet ceramic stand ins act as a talisman and protect your crop and home from being overrun by their furry counterparts!”
If you’re interested in getting involved or receiving a free ceramic squirrel, Nickel Plate Arts is inviting the community to come to the Nickel Plate Arts campus and pick one up (1 per family.) The Clay Squirrels will need a good home, and in order to pick one up they ask that you do the following:
- Attend a squirrel-related event, take a picture with a squirrel (real or window cling), bring in a receipt from a local restaurant
- or dance the Squirrel Stomp for a Nickel Plate Arts staff member
Nickel Plate Arts is also looking for any local writers, poets, painters, photographers, sculptors, or designers of squirrels in the community. If so, bring your art and artisan work to Nickel Plate Arts at the beginning of September and they will look for places to present it.
You must register your work by Aug. 31 at this submission link.
Dates and Times for Art Drop Off:
- Sept. 1 – 12-5 p.m.
- Sept. 2 – 12-5 p.m.
- Sept. 7 – 12-5 p.m.
- Sept. 8 – 12-5 p.m.
- Sept. 9 – 12-5 p.m.
This Squirrel “celebration” also includes an arts initiative sponsored by Hamilton County Tourism. Event partners include the City of Fishers, City of Westfield, Primeval Brewing in Noblesville, Nickel Plate Arts, and the Carmel Clay Historical Society.
Upcoming Events:
- Sept. 10 at Nickel Plate Arts
- 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Enjoy art activities and take home a Clay Squirrel with paints and learn the Squirrel Stomp with local choreographer Gabrielle Morrison.
- 2-5 p.m. – Dance the Squirrel Stomp to music performed by the Moontown Pickle Stompers.
- Sept. 30 at Primeval Brewing (960 Logan St.)
- 6:30-7:30 p.m. – Learn the Squirrel Stomp with local choreographer Gabrielle Morrison
- 7-10 p.m. – Listen, dance, and celebrate squirrels with the local rock band “The Dead Squirrels.” Enjoy some good food, drink, and community inside Primeval Brewing.
Learn more about the Great Squirrel Stampede, community events and local businesses participating throughout the month of September at VisitHamiltonCounty.com/squirrel.