Sheridan residents gathered to celebrate the town and look toward its bright future. (Photo provided)
Submitted
On Wednesday, April 15, Sheridan Main Street, Inc. held its annual celebratory dinner for all things Sheridan. All evening long, Sheridan’s pride, progress, and strong sense of community were put on full display. The evening was a reflection of the year’s accomplishments, but also a time to look toward the future.
The event itself brought together residents, business owners, and community leaders to celebrate the town’s continued growth … because Sheridan is growing! All evening long, guests experienced a “Taste of Sheridan,” which featured a diverse menu from local businesses, proving that Sheridan is expanding its horizons. Contributions of food, drinks, and treats were made by Gosia’s Rustic Kitchen, Sip Happens, The Planted Prairie, Greek’s Pizzeria of Sheridan, Wilson’s Farm Market, and The Bountiful Board, all local Sheridan businesses.
The keynote speaker for the evening was Denny Spinner. Spinner is the former mayor of Huntingburg, Ind., and former executive director of the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs and the IU Center for Rural Engagement. Spinner spoke about his time as mayor of Huntingburg, which has only a slightly larger population than Sheridan. Specifically, he emphasized his dedication to revitalizing Huntingburg’s Market Street Park. Spinner noted that he had a willingness to do the hard work, and he wanted his hometown to feel like the movies. He wanted to have the “There is no place like home” feeling that Dorothy got in The Wizard of Oz.
Heidi Kienholz, the Promotions Chair for Sheridan Main Street, Inc., continued with Spinner’s momentum. She highlighted all of Sheridan’s recent and ongoing accomplishments, particularly taking note of the most impressive one to date.
The Sheridan Main Street Art Alley project is officially underway. The original fundraising timeline of $50,000 within 60 days was smashed out of the park by the Sheridan community. The goal was met in an impressive 46 days and continues to grow.
This huge achievement stands as a testament to Sheridan’s strong community. No matter what, the town of Sheridan will always come together.
Kienholz closed her excitement-filled speech with a final statement that captured the theme of the night: “We are a small town doing big things, and as Mr. Spinner said, ‘There is no place like home.’”
Sheridan Town Council President Silas DeVaney closed the night by echoing the strong foundation Sheridan has instilled through the generosity and unity that is at the forefront of the community. He recognized multiple individuals, specifically those who invest their time, energy, and passion into shaping the town’s future.
Altogether, the evening reinforced the vision statement of Sheridan Main Street, Inc., which is “Strengthening the Sheridan legacy in ways that cultivate opportunities for prosperity in our community.” That motto seems like it is no longer a vision for the future, but a fact of the present. Sheridan is growing, is prospering, and continues to be a model of community.
There is truly no place like home in Sheridan.
Photos provided
