What a Fun Labor Day Weekend

(The Times photo courtesy of Betsy Reason)
Flame-grilled has new meaning for Noblesville’s Ralph Lehr Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post No. 6246 Commander Rob Loy (left) and Senior Vice Commander Izzy Menchaca, who cook hot dogs and hamburgers on Sunday, for their annual combined pitch-in luncheon at Morse Beach Park in Noblesville.

Not only was Labor Day weekend fun but it was also a beautiful weekend.

On Friday night, which was a “First Friday,” Noblesville Main Street’s Chocolate Trail and Music and All That Jazz brought out hundreds of folks to the Hamilton County Courthouse Square in downtown Noblesville.

Main Street executive director Kate Baker sat under Main Street’s tent on the north side of the Courthouse, greeting visitors and giving out maps to the Chocolate Trail, where visitors could shop, sample and enjoy downtown merchants. Downtown visitors went from merchant to merchant getting their maps stamped for stopping in.

We saw all ages of folks out enjoying the beautiful evening, from those waiting in line for a table at Grindstone Public House to people shopping at Linden Tree, eating ice cream at Alexander’s on the Square, having coffee at Noble Coffee & Tea, seeking antiques and other finds at The Mix and Logan Village Mall and more.

The Square was bustling with activity, particularly people who filled the lawn on the west side of the Courthouse to listen to the wonderful jazz acts, including the Juan Douglas Trio, that could be heard throughout the downtown.

(The Times photo courtesy of Betsy Reason)
Monday was the last public day of the season for Forest Park Aquatic Center (above) to be open, although there will still be opportunities for Noblesville Adult Swim Team Inc. to practice and there will be a 25th celebration on Sept. 11, and a Noblesville Brewfest to benefit the pool on Sept. 17 in Forest Park.

Saturday morning, the Noblesville Farmers Market goers were up bright and early to shop for fruits and vegetables, freshly made breakfast and more.

The 12th annual Lucky Teter Rebel Run Car Show and Vintage Motorcycle Show had cars rolling in at 9 a.m. to get a good place under the shade trees at Noblesville’s Forest Park. In car show tradition, owners set up their lawn chairs next to their cars and motorcycles so they can chat with interested passers-by who want to talk about cars at the show.

Just looking around at the car show, spectators and car owners could easily see what a good event that organizer and Noblesville Mason Barry Dixon has created as a benefit for the Noblesville Masonic Lodge’s Angel Fund. This show for the community attracted 173 entries on Saturday at the park, where Mikki Perrine and her staff at Ginger’s Cafe were busy during the midday cooking hamburgers, hot dogs and brats for show-goers.

Although it wasn’t an outdoor event, National Cinema Day was Saturday, when tickets were $3 to all movie theaters in and around Hamilton County. We took the opportunity to go see the new “Top Gun: Maverick” movie, starring Tom Cruise, at the Regal Theater in Noblesville, where recliners make it easy to enjoy a movie, just like at home.

Sunday was spent enjoying a pitch-in lunch and fellowship with the Noblesville American Legion and Noblesville VFW at Osprey Pointe at Morse Beach Park in Noblesville, where members cooked burgers and dog on the grill, the food and drinks were plentiful, a deejay played music, kids enjoyed fishing on Morse Lake and more. It was just a beautiful day for the annual pitch-in.

Monday was the last public day of the season for Forest Park Aquatic Center to be open, although there will still be opportunities for Noblesville Adult Swim Team Inc. to practice and there will be a 25th celebration on Sept. 11, and a Noblesville Brewfest to benefit the pool on Sept. 17 in Forest Park.

Also, Monday, we headed up to Cicero to the Red Bridge Park Car Show in its 31st year. The park, overlooking Morse Lake, is a beautiful place to spend an afternoon, especially looking at as many old cars that could pack into the grassy area of the park.

What a great weekend!

Contact Betsy Reason at betsy@thetimes24-7.com.