Public Square site for several family-friendly events Friday

The downtown Public Square will be busy Friday with family-friendly events.

The annual Government Day lunch begins at 11 a.m. on E. Washington St. and runs until the hot dogs are gone. City officials will hand out 400 free lunches that include a hot dog, chips and a drink.

Shelby Senior Services’ annual Strawberry Festival also is Friday in downtown Shelbyville (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.). Strawberry Shortcake and Ice Cream is $8 with proceeds going to Shelby Senior Services.

On the northeast quadrant of the Public Square, there will be a DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) presentation that begins at 11 a.m. The Pledge of Allegiance will take place at 11:05 a.m. followed by the playing of the Star Spangled Banner.

DAR officials will then explain the America 250 Initiative.

There will be a reading of the Declaration of Independence at 11:20 a.m. followed by a presentation of the A250 Lantern.

Veterans in attendance for the ceremony will be introduced at 11:40 a.m. The presentation of the Liberty Bench follows at 11:45 a.m.

At 11:50 a.m., there will be a reading of the names of the Revolutionary War veterans buried in Shelby County.

Taste of Shelby County takes over the downtown area beginning at 6 p.m. Food, drinks and entertainment are all scheduled for the event that concludes at 10 p.m.

Food and drink vendors include:

• Baked by Beth (homemade desserts)
• Bourbons and Brews (wines and brews from across Indiana)
• Dayton’s Family Affair (tenderloins, Philly cheesesteaks, fried cheese and more)
• Flame Kissed BBQ (pulled pork BBQ, chicken wings)
• King Gyros (Greek and Mediterranean cuisine)
• Kona Ice (shaved ice)
• Lemon Shake Up Specialties (homemade lemon beverages)
• Mel’s Catering (BBQ ribs, fried chicken, catfish)
• Pizza Fix (wood fired pizza)
• P’noy K’bob (Filipino specialties)
• Queen’s Café & Dining (specialty tacos, Quinos shrimp bowls and more)
• The Snack Hub (homemade guacamoles and salsas)
• Snowie of Indy (snow cones)
• Spegal’s Prime Cuts (fresh grilled steaks and shrimp)
• Whip It Ice Cream (soft serve ice creams and sundaes)

There will be several entertainment options as well:

• Barnyard Pantry Pals
• Art on the Circle (kids coloring)
• For Pete’s Sake Irish Folk Music
• Darrin Glessner Memorial Car Show
• Bounce House Course
• Penny Lane Photo Bus
• Haystack Search
• Mime performances
• Yard games and other kids fun and activities

Big Skies will take the main stage later Friday for a free concert.

All of Friday’s events are free to attend. Food and drinks, other than the Government Day lunch, must be purchased.

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