Hot air balloons again will glow Thursday, June 6, near Richmond Rose Garden.
Stormy weather predictions have led organizers to reschedule it on Tuesday from its previously scheduled date of Wednesday, June 5.
Rose garden volunteers are organizing the seventh annual 1st BLOOM and GLOW fundraiser for the community, which celebrates the 32nd year of the garden at Glen Miller Park.
The 1st Bloom refers to the beginning of the rose blooming season.
Those with tickets can visit food stations around the garden from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Food tickets are $25 per person and are sold in advance.
Tickets provide gourmet hors d’oeuvres from local caterers Fechers’ Panache, Corner Café at the Leland, The Cordial Cork, Reid Health’s Café at Twelve Hundred, Maria Mitrione’s Catering and Radford’s Meat Market & Deli, as well as Starbucks beverages, soft drinks and water.
Tickets are available at the Wayne County Convention & Tourism Bureau’s Old National Road Welcome Center, 5701 National Road E., and Wayne County Foundation, 33 S. Seventh St., both in Richmond. The welcome center is open from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sundays.
Live easy-listening music by Wayne County musician Pat O’Neal will add to the ambiance.
The glow refers to a hot air balloon glow that also will take place that evening adjacent to the garden on the former golf course in the 2500 block of East Main Street. Several hot air balloons will be glowing at dusk (shortly before 9 p.m.) Admission is free to the balloon glow. Guests should bring their own chairs if seating is desired. The event’s rain date is June 6.
Vendors will offer refreshments including ice cream, soft drinks and water as well as children’s activities outside the garden for an additional cost.
Local businesses, organizations and individuals are sponsoring the balloons and contributing toward the event’s other expenses.
Donations are accepted throughout the year for the rose garden’s maintenance, such as buying roses for planting, improving lighting and upgrading irrigation. Contributions may be sent in care of Wayne County Foundation marked for the Rose Garden Fund, 33 S. Seventh St., Richmond, IN 47374. For more information about the fund, call (765) 962-1638.
The Richmond Rose A.A.R.S. Garden is open 365 days a year, and no admission is charged for visiting the garden. The garden is wheelchair accessible. Visitors experience the beauty of the flourishing garden that highlights more than 100 varieties of All American Selections Roses. In addition, blooming annuals, perennials and ornamental trees add an interesting texture.
The garden was founded in 1987 and continues to be funded by donors and maintained by volunteers. More volunteers are always welcome.
Learn more about the garden at richmondrosegarden.com or get updates on Facebook (search for Richmond Rose Garden Inc.)