2023 Events
Elkhart County Down Syndrome Support Group Calendar
2023
Here are some of our planned events for 2023. For updates and changes, please check back regularly here or on our Facebook page. Many of these events take a lot of effort, so please do your part by volunteering your time on setup, cleanup, and other tasks. Contact our president Missy Newcomer to find out how you can help, or if you have ideas for other activities for fun, education, or family support. Other events may be added throughout the year.
March:
Canceled!!! Bowling: Sunday, March 19, 2:00 to 4:00 pm. Due to a scheduling error by the bowling alley, this event is canceled.
At Signature Lanes off CR 17 in Elkhart. This is always a fun event. The group will pay for bowling shoes, lane rental, and snacks.
Art activity: Fri, March 24, 6:00 to 7:30 pm
At Young at Art on the second floor of the Painters Guild building. This 2-story building is located on the east side of the parking lot behind the Farmers Market at 212 W Washington Street in Goshen (note: there is not an elevator). Enter through the door on the north side of the building. Art teacher Amanda Wagner will be leading art activities.
Our group will pay the fee for this class. We will probably be doing some painting to music so wear old clothes. Those who attended in February had a great time!
Please RSVP to Shelley Tucker at 574-320-3300 by 5 pm on Wednesday, March 22 so our teacher has an idea of the supplies she will need.
April:
Mixer - Pizza & Dancing: Saturday, April 22, 5:00 to 8:00 pm
At Shelly & David Tucker's house, 701 Danbury Drive in Goshen. Please RSVP to Shelly as the date approaches at 574-320-3300. Sounds like a lot of fun!
May:
(Possible) Mini Golf
June:
(Possible) SS Lily Pad Cruise: on Saturday, June 17 or 24
Taking off from the Frog Tavern on Lake Wawasee in Syracuse. The date and time for this 2-hour Saturday evening cruise have not been set yet, so check back for more details. Due to boat capacity limits, this event will require an RSVP.
July:
Disabilities and Special Groups Day at the Elkhart County Fair: Monday, July 24, 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
At The Elkhart County Fairgrounds in Goshen. This is not an ECDSSG event but a number of our group take advantage of free admittance and sensory-friendly carnival rides from 10:00 am to Noon. You can also receive 4 free carnival rides to use from 1:00 pm to closing. Individuals must pre-register for free entry and tickets by filling out the registration form here. More information on the day can be found here. This year, the ECDSSG may have a table set up with the other booths for Disability Day.
August:
Annual Family Picnic: Saturday, August 5, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
At Cook Station Park in Millersburg. This is a great location for a picnic, and the group will be renting a giant water slide for kids of all ages, so bring your swimsuit and a towel. This is always a good time, at a location where you can let your kids run free. Please bring a side dish or dessert to share. Our head chef Ken will be cooking up burgers, brats, and hot dogs, and the group will provide drinks and paper supplies. Please bring a side dish or dessert to share.
September:
Potawatomi Zoo lunch and outing: Sunday, September 10, 1:00 pm to ?
At Potawatomi Zoo in South Bend. We will meet at the entrance at 1:00. The group is covering admission costs and two ride tickets for each person (there is a carousel and a train ride!). This is a small, kid-friendly zoo with many quality exhibits. Check back for more details.
October:
Haunted Hustle (new name!): Saturday, October 28, starting at 8:30 a.m.
At Abshire Park in Goshen. This annual running event is our main fundraiser and uses the Pumpkinvine Trail for a variety of walks and runs (up to a half marathon). We need a lot of volunteers, raffle items, sponsors, and runners to make this popular run successful. Every family is needed! Information will be posted here and on the ECDSSG Facebook page as the date gets closer, but put this date on your calendars NOW! ECDSSG members: to receive scholarship money for 2024, you need to sign up to help with this event or raise $500 in donations (feel free to do both!). More details will be added later.
December:
Annual Family Christmas Party: Saturday, December 2, 4:00 to 7:00 pm
At the Berkey Avenue Mennonite Fellowship, 2509 Berkey Avenue in Goshen. This is usually our best-attended event of the year. Our group will have the main part of the meal catered (probably chicken and several sides). Members are asked to bring another side or dessert. We will provide tableware and beverages. There will be music for dancing and Santa will visit!
Reservations are not required but a post on our Facebook page (here) as the date draws nearer, with the number of your family members who will attend will help us with our planning.
Past Events This Year
February:
Art activity: Fri, February 3, 6:00 to 7:30 pm
At Young at Art on the second floor of the Painters Guild building. This 2-story building is located on the east side of the parking lot behind the Farmers Market at 212 W Washington Street in Goshen (note: there is not an elevator). Art teacher Amanda Wagner will be leading art activities.
Our group will pay the fee for this class. We will probably be doing some painting to music so wear old clothes.
Please RSVP to Shelley Tucker at 574-320-3300 by 5 pm on Wednesday, February 1 so our teacher has an idea of the supplies she will need.