Area residents enjoy Government Day lunch, Strawberry Festival

The City of Shelbyville provided a free lunch. Shelby Senior Services dished out strawberry shortcake. And Mother Nature provided a beautiful day to kick off a busy weekend in Shelbyville.

Hundreds arrived in downtown Shelbyville Friday to enjoy the free lunch. Mayor Scott Furgeson spent the time circulating around the area greeting residents and enjoying the smiling faces.

“I think just the amount of space where people can feel free and get together and relax,” said Furgeson when asked what he enjoyed about the downtown space that can be closed down to traffic and create a safe place for pedestrians. “There are people sitting over here on the benches and people standing at tables. It’s a nice space where people can enjoy and gather.”

Street department commissioner Shane Peters (photo) was in charge of grilling 500 hot dogs for the lunch. Residents of all ages stood in line for a meal and enjoyed sitting around the Public Square, which will host Taste of Shelby County tonight.

From 6 to 10 p.m. there will be food and drink vendors at the Public Square along with entertainment options including live music.

“When (former) mayor (Tom) DeBaun and those that came up with this idea, this was the idea … to have a gathering space where people can get together and enjoy each other,” said Furgeson of the downtown renovation project.

There are now several events held on the Public Square throughout the calendar year.

“It’s important because it gives people a chance to get out and meet people they don’t know. It’s a chance for people feel included in our community,” said Furgeson.

The Shelby County Fair begins Monday at the fairgrounds. On Saturday at 2 p.m., there will be a fair parade to serve as a kickoff to the much-anticipated fair week.

The Shelby County Post is a digital newspaper producing news, sports, obituaries and more without a pay wall or subscription needed.