Jasper County is set to host a range of community events and activities this autumn, including the fifth annual "Scairport" at the Jasper County Airport, scheduled for Saturday, October 24, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Families are invited to the county airport for a unique trick-or-treat experience, receiving treats from airplanes. The event will also feature fall crafts and other activities. Food will be provided by Maria’s Mexican Restaurant. Registration is not required for trick-or-treaters. Pilots interested in participating are invited to fly in and can register online.
Another significant community health initiative, the Jasper County Wellness Walk, will begin on Friday, October 2, and continue for six consecutive Fridays through November 6. Hosted by Franciscan Health and Jasper County Purdue Extension, each walk will start at 10:30 a.m. at Brookside Park in Rensselaer and last approximately one hour. Participants will receive a brief wellness lesson before embarking on a one-mile walk. The Wellness Walk is open to all residents, with on-site registration available each week prior to the walk. Snacks and water will be provided. For inquiries, Betsy Coffing can be reached at [email protected] or (765) 423-6909.
Art and culture events are also prominent in the county's fall schedule. The annual Jasper County Art League show, titled "America The Beautiful," is currently on display through November 8 in the Fendig Gallery. Members are celebrating America's 250th anniversary with this America-themed exhibit. The gallery is open on Tuesdays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The Prairie Arts Council (PAC) will present its "Arts All The Time" workshops at the Carnegie Center this fall. The series will commence with a Wet Felted Witches Hat workshop led by Kristi Yapp on October 17, with specific times to be announced later. On October 24, Dr. Victoria Merrill-Washington will lead a Loom Knit Hat workshop from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the same location. Additional information can be obtained by contacting [email protected]. The PAC is also seeking vendors for its annual Holiday Show & Sale, scheduled for November 19, 20, and 21 in the Lillian Fendig Gallery. Application forms are available online or at the PAC office, with a submission deadline of October 13.
Community meetings and gatherings are scheduled throughout October. The Jasper County Historical Society will convene on Tuesday, October 20, at 6:30 p.m. at the historical museum. Eleanor Black will present a program on the Hoosier Chronicles and its utility for research. Refreshments will be available, and guests are welcome. The Jasper County Library Board will hold its meeting on Monday, October 12, at 6 p.m. in the Wheatfield Library’s meeting room; these meetings are open to the public. Additionally, the DeMotte Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Boo Bash at the Fairchild House on October 20 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Families are invited to bring a Jack O’ Lantern for a chance to win a bucket of candy, with judging conducted by local families and friends.
Looking ahead, the Jasper County Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) has scheduled its 2026 meetings for August 13, October 15, and December 10, to be held via Zoom. Access information will be provided closer to these dates, and the public is invited to attend. Information filed by covered SARA Title III facilities in the county can be reviewed during regular business hours at the Emergency Management Agency office, located at 2590 W. Clark St. in Rensselaer.
Several ongoing community groups and services are available to residents. The Alive & Fit weight loss group meets every Tuesday morning at 10 a.m. in the Rensselaer Library’s meeting room, welcoming all ages. The Carnegie Quilters group is seeking new members of all experience levels; they meet every Wednesday at the Carnegie Center in Rensselaer. For details, Norma Kahler can be contacted at (219) 863-5353.
VFW Post 1279 in Rensselaer hosts a monthly Texas Hold’Em tournament on the last Saturday of each month. The Post also holds a fish fry every Friday night in its building, with drive-thru and carry-out orders available by calling 219-866-7845.
For support services, low-cost home-delivered meals through Meals-On-Wheels are available in Jasper and Newton counties. Information or meal delivery orders can be placed by calling (219) 756-3663 or by visiting the organization’s website. The Rensselaer Fire Department is accepting applications for volunteer firefighters, offering all necessary training and personal protective equipment for free. No experience is required, but applicants must be at least 19 years of age, reside within six miles of the city limits, and demonstrate dedication. Applications are available at the first station, Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Narcotics Anonymous Support Group meets on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. at the Nazarene Church Fellowship Hall in Rensselaer; this is a closed meeting. Birthright of Rensselaer is operating at normal capacity at 331 S. College Avenue, open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., with curbside service also available. Further information can be obtained by calling 866-4555.
