July Special Events

Welcome to summer in Washington County! It’s the perfect time to explore all the things Washington County has to offer! Whether you're craving a quiet walk or bicycle ride along the Monon Trail, the roar of race cars, or shopping and dinner out on the town we have it all.
 

‍Mural Unveiling - Pekin Park

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The Pekin Community Betterment Organization invites the public to a special event celebrating the unveiling of the Shelter House Mural at the Pekin Park, painted by artist Kayla Troutman and inspired by the IU Rural Placemaking Studio students from IU Bloomington.

Contact: Shelby-lain Whitaker, Pekin Community Betterment Organization
P: 812-620-0205 or Email: pekin4thofjulycelebration@gmail.com

‍Explore the Monon South Trail - Now Open

‍The Monon South Trail section through Salem is now open for walking and cyclists! This section is 2.7 miles in length, all of which is paved. In addition to the trail segment, the Monon South Trail team dedicated the Salem Boxcar earlier in the year. The boxcar will serve as a trailhead landmark for the Monon South Trail in Salem for years to come. Park your car at the Boxcar Trailhead parking area. 

Phase 1A of the project was completed in June 2025 and opened approximately 20 miles of trail through Borden, New Pekin, Salem, Saltillo, Campbellsburg, Orleans, and Mitchell. 

‍Art on the Bricks - July 18th

Washington Co Farmers Market Opening Day - Saturday Mornings

Discover small-town charm and big flavor at the Washington County Farmers Market—an authentic, local shopping experience happening every Saturday from May through early October in Salem, Indiana.

🕣 Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Washington County Justice Center, 801 S. Jackson St, Salem, IN

🍖 Local Meat & Fresh Flowers

🌱 Plant Starts, Perennials, Annuals, Herbs, Vegetable Plants

🪴 Planters Large & Small

🍞 Yeast Rolls, Cinnamon Rolls, Breads, Sweet Breads, Muffins

🍓 Jams, Apple Butter

🌿 Microgreens 

🎨 Handmade Crafts

‍Southern Indiana Music Festival - Bubba Bash - July 26th

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Mark your calendar for the Southern Indiana Music Festival - Bubba Bash. This will be an epic event. Seating will be festival type, bring your lawn chairs. Tickets will be $20 Concessions and beer/ wine coolers will be available. The last Bubba Bash was held in 1997, next door at the Salem Speedway.

Rusty Bladen will return as the headliner for this event as he was in 97!! His style of Homegrown rock and roll will be something you don’t want to miss!

PRESTEEGE WORLDWYDE is a local band, featuring some of the best musicians anywhere, playing rock/ country music.

Matthew Blevins will open the event with his unique style of acoustic music and the hits of today and the past!

Mark your calendar for Saturday, July 26th at Salem Motorsports Park!

For more information contact Mark Bubba Abbott - 812-620-2015

‍Bike Night on the Salem Square - July 26th

‍Just a chance to everyone to wind down from the benefit/Charity ride of the day or just to meet up and just meet other bikers in the area. All motorcycles welcome. Bikers tend to park on the East (shady) shady side of the square. There is plenty to do at this event. You have several things to do within walking distance from the venue. Also, this is a kid friendly event. So if you have you kiddo with you, bring them out. Food Truck: Schocke's Food Truck will be serving up the BBQ.

‍Washington Co Historical Society Genealogy Club - July 29th

‍Genealogy Club Meeting
Featuring Guest Speaker Stephanie K. Rockey, Washington County Clerk of Courts

Date: Monday, July 29 - Time: 6:00 PM
Location: John Hay Center, 307 E Market St, Salem, IN

About the Event:

Stephanie K. Rockey, Washington County Clerk of Courts and County Election Administrator, will present on how to use court and clerk records in your family history research. Her presentation will include:

An overview of court records, probate files, guardianship cases, civil and criminal records, marriage licenses, voter registrations, and more

How to access these records in person and online

Tips for finding meaningful clues to your family’s past in legal documents

Whether you’re just starting to explore your family tree or are a seasoned researcher, this session will provide practical tools and insights to help you unlock your ancestors’ stories using local records.

 All are welcome! This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with others interested in genealogy and local history in Washington County.

We hope you will join us as we launch this exciting new community resource.

Please let us know if you plan to attend, or simply come and bring a friend!

Judy Lynn Harper
Washington County Indiana Genealogy & Family History
judylynnharper@gmail.com | 812-620-7287