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Want to know more about the upcoming My Marsh Classic? We've got 8 things you need to know! Let's start with the basics: The My Marsh Classic is a three-day, all caddied, 54-hole stroke play professional tournament. It is also one of the newest tournaments on the Symetra Tour and features one of the largest purses too! The My Marsh Classic is a chance for the young female golfers of the Symetra Tour to show off their skills and for you to see golf up close. The Symetra Tour is known as the Road to the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association) because helps to prepare young lady golfers for spot on the LPGA Tour. 

1. When is all the action? The My Marsh Classic is taking place May 28- June 3. From May 28- 31, pro-ams, volunteer training and other activities will be taking place. The rounds of the tournament will begin on Friday, June 1 and continue until the finals on Sunday, June 3. View the full schedule on the tournament website. 

2. Location, location, location! The tournament will be held at The Hawthorns Golf & Country Club. This normally private club will open its doors to the public for the My Marsh Classic. The course was designed by Arthur Hills and has hosted other tournaments ranging from US Open qualifiers to the NCAA Division III Championship.  

3. You have a chance to play with the pros! If you register for the Pro-Am event on May 31, you and your team will be paired with one of the Symetra Tour professionals for the day. Each team will play 18 holes in a scramble format and all will be eligible for contests and prizes throughout the day of play!  

4. Do you have a young one who is interested in learning the basics of golf? Bring them out to the FREE Junior Golf Clinic on May 29! LPGA pros will be teaching the basics in a hands-on format that's appropriate for kids ages 6-15. Registration is appreciated and junior golfers need to bring a club with them.  

5. The My Marsh Classic is truly a family event, especially with the addition of the Conner Prairie Craft Corner. This area is perfect for younger kids to get excited about golf. Kids will be able to make crafts like clay golf balls and then have them signed by LPGA golfers! 

6. There will be two Hamilton County locals competing in the My Marsh Classic! Brittany Kelly is from Fishers, Indiana and attended Ball State University where she gained the skills to be qualified for the LPGA Symetra Tour. You can follow her journey through the tour, including her involvement in the My Marsh Classic, by following her on Twitter and Facebook. Also participating is Aimee Neff from Carmel, Indiana. After winning the 2007 state championship in Indiana, she went on to win the 2011 Big Ten championship. Her impressive school careers have lead Aimee to now be in her second season with the Symetra Tour!  

7. You can pick up your tickets to the My Marsh Classic at ANY of the 70 central Indiana Marsh Supermarket locations. Not only does this make buying tickets super convenient, but for each ticket purchased at Marsh Supermarkets, 10% of the proceeds will go to the Muscular Dystrophy Association! There are also several options for discount tickets including active military and students, and kids 16 and under are FREE with the purchase of an adult ticket. What a great, affordable family event!  

8. Now that you know all about the My Marsh Classic golf tournament, we're sure that you just can't wait to get your hands on some tickets! Well you are in luck- we've got a great golf package that you could win just for commenting on this blog post! Simply comment below and tell us why you're excited for the upcoming My Marsh Classic and you'll be entered to win 4 three-day passes to the My Marsh Classic tournament that can be used June 1-3 AND 2 certificates to Purgatory Golf Club that are good for 18 holes of golf with a golf cart included. It's the ultimate give away for a family who loves to golf! We will pick a winner on Friday, May 18, so comment away!  

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It's mid-May in Hamilton County which means the summer fun getting ready to begin! This week you can treat your mom to a special Mother's Day, learn how to create your ultimate outdoor living space, vote for your favorite Hamilton County ice cream shop and summer attractions and more! For even more great events, check out our online calendar of events.

1. For all of you procrastinators out there still needing to make plans for Mother's Day, check out our 8 Great Ideas for a lovely Mother's Day in Hamilton County. For very last minute gifts- head to the Mother's Day Sale at Old Picket Fence from May 10-12 or stop by Gallery 116 for an artsy present she'll love. 

2. Cook out season has arrived! Get all the information you need for creating your perfect outdoor entertainment space at the Indiana Design Center's Outdoor Living and Grilling Experience. This free event will have grilling demonstrations, high tech outdoor gadgets and more!  

3. There are only a few more Nickel Plate Arts classes left in their pilot season, so make your class reservations today! Coming up on May 19, Bonnie Ramirez will teach Intro to Precious Metal Clay where you can learn Precious Metal Clay that hat starts as clay and is magically transformed into copper! Another great class coming is Hearth Cooking where students will learn the art of cooking over an open fire at Conner Prairie. After learning several cooking techniques, the class will be able to enjoy the fresh-cooked lunch that they have prepared! Another art class option is the Rug Weaving Workshop at Tabby Tree Weaver this weekend where acclaimed weaver Jason Collingwood will teach his craft.  

4. If you have not yet explored the Carmel Arts & Design District, you are missing out! Take the time to explore galleries like Renaissance Fine Art and Design and Art Splash. Or stop in a fun shops like Pillow Talk and Simply Sweet Shoppe. The perfect time to do this is during the Second Saturday Gallery Walk this Saturday! 

5. The My Marsh Classic golf tournament is fast approaching, while out shopping grab some tickets at one of the 70 central Indiana Marsh Supermarket locations. There are tons of opportunities to receive discounted tickets too! Active military tickets are$2, student tickets are $5 and kids 16 and under are FREE with the purchase of an adult ticket. 

6. Spend the day enjoying art in Noblesville. Check out the new exhibit "Forms and Function" at the Hamilton County Artist Association's Birdie Gallery. Next stroll to the square for a downright artful sandwich creation from Uptown Café. Then make your way around the Historic Noblesville Square stopping in shops and galleries like Artists on the Square, Karisma and more. 

7. Have you ever played golf in Hamilton County? Now is a great time to start with a Stay & Play package! With 8 courses and 15 hotel options, the combinations are endless and you're sure to find the package that's right for you. It's the perfect getaway for a group of old friends or even makes for a unique bachelor party.

8. Get your votes in for The Best of Indiana contests! Several Hamilton County favorites are up to win Indiana's Best Ice Cream Shop. Cast your vote today for Alexander's on the Water, Bub's Burgers & Ice Cream, Handel's Homemade Ice Cream & Yogurt in Carmel and Fishers, the Old Custard Stand, or Orange Leaf in Carmel and Fishers. In addition to voting for your favorite summer treat spot, you can also vote for your favorite Indiana summer activities! Again, several Hamilton County attractions and activities have made the list including: Conner Prairie Interactive History Park and Symphony on the Prairie, the Indiana Transportation Museum, Klipsch Music Center, and last but not least, Indiana's Premier Golf! Go to the Best of Indiana page to cast your votes. 

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It's only a week and a half away, and planning is necessary for a lovely Mother's Day! Bring your mom to Hamilton County where she can sample tasty teas, ride the rails, shop ‘til she drops and more. Please keep in mind that reservations are needed for many of these events, but like mom always says: the early bird gets the worm! For even more things to do in Hamilton County, Indiana, check our calendar of events page.

1. Order up a beautiful flower arrangement from Seven Sisters Florist in Cicero. There are several springy options on their website, including a treat tower that includes fruits and chocolates!  

2. Would your mom rather plant her own flowers? Seeing as May's theme at Conner Prairie is gardens, it's fitting that they are having a Mother's Day Plant Sale! The plant sale is from May 11-13 and will feature herbs, flowers and even heirloom tomatoes. Not only will your purchases benefit mom's garden, but a portion of the proceeds will also help feed the hungry in Hamilton County. 

3. Take mum out for a spot of tea! The R.L. Wilson House will host its Mothers Day Tea on Mother's Day. There will  be five courses with tea pairings and desserts from Heavenly Sweets! Another tasty option is the Mother's Day High Tea on May 12 at the Ruby Pear Tea Parlor. Both teas require reservations. 

4. This is the first year the Lutz's Steak House in Noblesville will be serving on Mother's Day! Treat your mom to a lovely meal from their special Mother's Day menu.

5. Do you have a mom who loves to shop? Take her for a fun evening of shopping at Clay Terrace's Mom's Nite Out on May 10. The first 300 attendees will receive a special gift and there will be other fun activities like makeovers!

6. For something completely different, try the Indiana Transportation Museum's Mother's Day excursion: "La Bella Donna". Board a train in Noblesville's Forest park and take a scenic ride along the rails all the way to Tipton. Then enjoy a buffet lunch at the Tipton Elks Club before returning.

7. How many times will you be able to say you took your mom to brunch in a barn for Mother's Day? You can add at least once by attending Rita's Backyard Garden Center & Tea Room's Mother's Day Brunch. There will be unique brunch offerings in an equally unique setting.

8.  For sporty moms, Prairie View Golf Club is offering special deals on Mother's Day. Moms get to play 9 holes of golf for free! Dads can golf for $30 and kids for $15. After a round or two, grab a delicious three-course meal in the clubhouse from Albatross Grille for only $25. Please call the club for tee times and reservations.  

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The next time you are in Noblesville, Indiana, be sure to stop in the Noblesville Visitors Center. Not only can you get the latest information about things to do in Noblesville and throughout Hamilton County, Indiana's 8 Great Towns, you also will get a visual treat from the Hamilton County Artist Association! This month the center features art by local artist, William Duncan.

William Duncan has been an active painter since 1990 creating works of art in a contemporary style. His landscape paintings include a special emphasis on exciting color. He has studied under contemporary masters Tony Couch, Skip Lawrence, Don Andrews, Christopher Schink and Frank Webb. He is a member of the Hamilton County Artist's Association along with the Indiana Artists Club, Hoosier Salon and Watercolor Society of Indiana. His works have won a number of merit and purchase awards and his paintings are in several of private collections. He lives in Noblesville with his wife and two cats, Oliver Hardy and T. C. Steele. 

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You know what they say, April showers bring... May fun in Hamilton County! As we prepare for May, take time this week to enjoy the rest of what April has to offer with these 8 Great ideas. For even more things to do in Hamilton County, Indiana, check our calendar of events page.

1. Support local businesses in new, exciting ways! Today Noblesville is hosting a cash mob which is similar to a Flash Mob, but instead of singing and dancing, Cash Mobbers join together and each spend $20 minimum at a local business. The "victim" store was announced this morning on the Noblesville Chamber website, Facebook and Twitter pages. This time is Heavenly Sweets is the target of the mob that begins at 4pm!  

2. Unwind with some artfully crafted wine. Relax at the wine bar in the Chateau Thomas Winery Fishers location where there is live music every Friday and Saturday night. Or steal a seat under a bright purple umbrella on the patio at Shiraz Wine Experience and Art Café in the Carmel Arts and Design District. They have nifty wine dispenser machines that allow you to try samples or purchase your favorite wine by the glass! 

3. Do you fancy a cup of tea? This Thursday the Carmel Arts Council is hosting an English Silver Tea to benefit their scholarship fund. Or if you'd prefer to enjoy tea on the go, stop in at Noble Coffee & Tea or TeaBuds Brewing Co.

4. Tickets are now on sale for the My Marsh Golf Classic! The tournament will take place in just over one month at The Hawthorns Golf & Country Club in Fishers. Daily, weekly and V.I.P. tickets are available for purchase at all 70 central Indiana Marsh Supermarket locations, The Hawthorns Golf & Country Club, and the Hamilton County Sports Authority.

5. Plan a date night with your other half! Catch one of the shows premiering this weekend at the Center for the Performing Arts like the Actors Theater's "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change" or the Civic Theater's "Guys and Dolls".  

6. Help celebrate Arbor Day by attending a tree-planting event. Fishers Parks is hosting a tree planting at Brooks School Park on Friday. Westfield Parks is also hosting one on Saturday at Freedom Trail Park where there will also be trees and shrubs for you to take home and plant in your own yard!  

7. Have your kids always been curious about music? On Sunday, take them to Carmel Symphony Orchestra Presents: Family Fun! at the Palladium where they can enjoy symphony favorites and partake in the "instrument petting zoo." After the concert, treat the kids to a sweet treat from Simply Sweet Shoppe or a classic custard from The Old Custard Stand.

8. Get growing- May is garden month at Conner Prairie Interactive History Park! Learn about the plants and flowers that cover the grounds and even help plant a few. On May 5 and 6 the Herb Society of Central Indiana will conduct special presentations and on May 26 and 27, there will be wildflower walks across the prairie. 

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Whether you prefer running, walking or gardening- it's time to get outside in the lovely Indiana springtime! For locals and visitors alike, here are 8 great ideas for spending your weekend in Hamilton County, Indiana. For even more ideas, check our online calendar of events!

1. Calling all runners and walkers! The 2nd Annual Carmel Marathon is this Saturday and late registration is still open until Friday. The event includes a full marathon, a half marathon, the Key Bank 8k, and a 1-mile Family Fitness Walk. If you're not into running, you can cheer on the top three winners at the 11 am awards presentation on Center Green near the Palladium.

2. Learn about the War of 1812 this weekend at Conner Prairie Interactive History Park. This special event will commemorate the Bicentennial of the war and feature reenactors who will bring historic battles to life.  

3. Need to get your furry friend out of the house or are you looking for your own dog to care for? Head to Clay Terrace on Saturday to celebrate man's best friend at Dog Day. There will be pet rescue and adoption agencies and other pet friendly activities!  After all the excitement of Dog Day, head to a Hamilton County park for a nice stroll with your pup.  

4. Seeking some thrills and chills? Head to the Carmel Community Players' production of the thriller, Rebecca. The play follows a young wife who is seeking the truth about her husband's previous wife who met an untimely death. If real life spooks are you're your style, sign up to participate in a Noblesville ghost walk that is both historical and scary.

5. Eat some tasty pizza (almost) guilt free! From April 23-April 29, Mellow Mushroom in Carmel will be donating 10% of your purchase to the Multiple Sclerosis Society. What a great way to enjoy a family meal while benefitting a great cause! 

6. Speaking of going green, April 22 is Earth Day! Attend Cicero Cleans Up this Saturday and help Cicero get spiffed up. Another great way to celebrate is by using green transportation like your bike. The Noblesville Rotary is hosting a bike tour on Saturday that will stretch for 10 or 5 miles depending on your route.

7. It's time to start planting your garden for spring and summer! Start by attending Westfield's Tree Selection & Planting Workshop on Saturday. It's a free workshop that will help you pick the right tree for your yard and learn properly plant it. Next get your flower beds under control with a trip to a local garden shop like Rita's Backyard Garden Center or Garden Thyme at the Old Schoolhouse.

8. We want YOU to be able to ready your garden for spring and summer too. Comment on this blog with your favorite spot for viewing flowers in Hamilton County- it could be a park or an attraction like the fields at Conner Prairie or something else, just be creative! We'll pick one lucky commenter to win a $75 gift certificate to Garden Thyme at the Old Schoolhouse!

This contest is now closed, congrats to Beth Brown who has won the gift certificate! 

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On Thursday, Hamilton County gained an important asset that will help make the earth a little greener. Hamilton Town Center in Noblesville unveiled electric vehicle charging stations to help meet the needs of mall visitors from near and far. The three chargers are able to partially charge customers vehicles as the shop or dine at Hamilton Town Center, or catch a movie at the nearby Hamilton 16 IMAX. Simon Malls plans to add similar vehicle charging stations to other properties in Indiana, including Clay Terrace in Carmel. With 1 million electric vehicles estimated to be on the road by 2015, these charging stations will be a great resource for visitors and locals alike!  Check out more photos on our Facebook page!

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This week and weekend are packed with events and cool things to do in Hamilton County's 8 Great Towns! Below are some suggestions, but as always there are more events available on Hamilton County, Indiana's calendar of events.

1. Don't worry, be happy! Bobby McFerrin will be happily making his way onto the Palladium stage Thursday evening for a great performance. If you're looking for more reasons to be happy, the iconic Bill Cosby will also be performing at the Palladium and he's sure to make you smile. Check the Center for the Performing Arts website to see if tickets are still available for either show. 

2. Hamilton Town Center is going green. This Thursday the mall will become one of the first retail properties in Central Indiana to offer electric vehicle charging stations. An unveiling ceremony will be held with speakers from key organizations like Simon Property Group and Duke Energy.  

3. Take part in Conner Prairie's award-winning program, Follow the North Star. Be transported back in time as visitors participate in a powerful reenactment that allows them to experience what it was like to be a fugitive slave seeking independence. Reservations are required for this emotional program that takes place April 13-14, 20-21 & 27-28.

4. Does spring have your creative juices flowing? Hamilton County has some creative outlets for you! Nickel Plate Arts and Gallery 116 both offer an array of classes for different skill levels. If you'd rather just gaze upon or purchase lovely art there are options for that as well. Birdie Gallery currently has the "Indiana on My Mind" exhibit, the Carmel Arts & Design District Gallery Walk is this Saturday, and this Friday's Art in Fishers Town Hall will feature work by HSE students. Also Artists on the Square will be celebrating their 3rd anniversary and opening their new addition Square Boutique this Friday!

5. For being 175 years old, Carmel looks pretty spiffy! The Carmel Clay Historical Society and the City of Carmel are teaming up to commemorate this special anniversary with a gala that will feature Carmel native Steve Inskeep as a speaker. This fancy affair will have a cocktail hour and dinner as well. Ticket information can be found on their website. 

6. Catch a theater performance! Twelve Angry Men debuts at the Belfry Theater this weekend and Sara Juli will take to the Studio stage to perform her one woman show "The Money Conversation". 

7. Something old and something new. Take something old to be appraised at the Antique Appraisal held by the Carmel Clay Historical Society. Then try something new- the first-ever Tea at the Museum at the Museum of Miniature Houses.  

8. OPA- It's time for a Greek Easter feast! Cooking Greek is hosting a Greek feast to benefit the MammAGraphics team for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Not only will there be Greek delicacies like lamb, but there will also be activities like a silent auction and dancing. Cooking Greek will also be unveiling some new exciting things on their menu.

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The next time you are in Noblesville, Indiana, be sure to stop in the Noblesville Visitors Center. Not only can you get the latest information about things to do in Noblesville and throughout Hamilton County, Indiana's 8 Great Towns, you also will get a visual treat from the Hamilton County Artist Association! This month the center features art by local artist, Penny Roberson.

Penny Roberson studied Fine Arts at Indiana University, Bradley University and the Herron School of Art. After a professional career in Art Education, she now paints full time at home in her Quail Wood Studio in Westfield, Indiana where she lives with her husband and three cats. Penny paints landscapes, still life an figures in oil in the style of the American Impressionists with a special interest in the prairie flowers and natural beauty of Hamilton County.

She is an exhibiting member of the Hoosier Salon and the Hamilton County Artists Association. Other regular exhibitions include the professional division of the Indiana State Fair and the Nature's Inspirations exhibit at Cool Creek Nature Center. Her work is in private collections and can be seen at her website: www.pennyroberson.com. 

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Looking for things to do during your stay in Hamilton County, Indiana? We've got large and small events going on year round! Here's a great list of upcoming events to add to your summer calendar. For even more things to do in Hamilton County's 8 Great Towns, visit our calendar of events.

1. Become immersed in history during Civil War Days at Conner Prairie Interactive History Park. On both May 19 and 20, reenactors will recreate a 1860s battle and visitors will have the chance to learn about the war from both the Union and Confederate sides.  

2. The ever-increasing list of summer concerts at Klipsch Music Center is sure to have at least one show that you'd love to attend! The lineup ranges from country super starts like the Rascal Flatts to rock icons like Kiss and Motley Crue. Check here for a complete concert list that's updated as new shows are announced. Also, if you'd like the chance to WIN Brad Paisley tickets- enter our contest! 

3. From May 28- June 3, the My Marsh Golf Classic will take over the Hawthorns Golf and Country Club in Fishers. The tournament is part of the Symetra Tour where professional women golfers from around the world compete to qualify to earn their LPGA Tour Card. It will be a great time for families and golf enthusiasts to see great golfers in action! 

4. Join artists and art lovers at Nickel Plate Arts Weekend from June 1-3. This multi community event will bring together artists in Eastern Hamilton County for a weekend packed with activities like the Hamilton County Artist Association Plein Air Paint Out and a preview of the new Nickel Plate Arts Judge Stone House. 

5. This mid-July festival is sure to heat up the stage with bluegrass tunes! The Sheridan Bluegrass Fever has two days of fun. On day one three bluegrass bands will perform into the night. On day two there will be workshops and performances galore! It's a must attend for any bluegrass lover. 

6. All aboard! The WFMS FairTrain is a local favorite run by the Indiana Transportation Museum during the Indiana State Fair in August. The train transports visitors from the Fishers Train Station to the Indiana State Fairgrounds daily beginning at 8:30 a.m.  

7. The 2012 BMW Championship is coming to Carmel's Crooked Stick Golf Club from September 3-9. Daily tickets just went on sale at the beginning of the week and weekly tickets are also available. Spectators will be able to see golf pros like Tiger Woods and Hunter Mahan practice and play in the tournament.  

8. What annual event brings thousands of visitors to Atlanta, Indiana? The New Earth Festival! Over 600 art, craft, antique, and food vendors will descend upon the small town of Atlanta for this great festival that will be held September 22-23. 

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