Photo Galleries

The annual Van Buren Volunteer Fire Department Fish Fry, in Carbon Saturday, Sept. 19, is always a busy place, and it was no different this year despite the COVID-19 pandemic. With a large crowd in attendance, the drive-thru lines were bustling, which kept the fryers hopping. But there was always time to stop and wave. Even Sparky, The Fire Dog, took time to wave while out visiting with people. The fire department uses funds raised during this event to purchase necessary equipment.

Clay County supporters of President Donald Trump gathered on the lawn of the courthouse Saturday morning. Carrying flags and with a cardboard cutout of the president, the supporters waved to traffic on US 40, with many motorists honking their horns during the event.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1127 reently planned a day of fun activities supporting the WAR DOGS fundraising event. Local auxiliary members served a special breakfast and lunch menu throughout the day until the feature event started around 12:30. That’s when fun really began, and the pies started flying. It only cost $5 to push a cream pie into the face of a bartender, officer, or volunteer who wanted to give their all in support of the WAR DOGS. The U.S. War Dogs Association was established in 2000 as a non-profit organization. The U.S. War Dogs Association consists of former and current U.S. Military Working Dog Handlers and supporting members. With the creation of Chapters, the Association spreads across the U.S., and together they are Remembering, Supporting, and Honoring our Nation’s war dogs and their handlers, past, present, and future. Those wanting to learn more about WAR DOGS can log onto www.supportourpaws.com. Monetary donations can be dropped off at VFW Post 1127, located at 303 South Depot, Brazil, until June 2021.

Brazil Mayor Brian Wyndham talks with the participants in the ninth annual Mayor's Ride in support of the Clay County Human Society Saturday afternoon. Registration started at City Hall at 2 p.m., and kickstands went up at 3 p.m. Participants received a T-shirt, and there was food, and live entertainment afterward at American Legion Post #2.

Clay City residents celebrated Labor Day 2020 at Goshorn Park n Sunday, Sept. 6th. There were lots of people in the park enjoying the weather and being outdoors. Food was plenty, as many were enjoying the Clay City Lions’ Club drive-thru Chicken Breast and Tenderloin Dinner from 4-8 p.m., and the Clay City Band Boosters served Eel Ears and other goodies until the fireworks started at 9:30 p.m. See more pics in a Photo Gallery online at www.thebraziltimes.com.

A new business in Brazil may appeal to the creative talent in each of us. Lori Crowder has opened D&L Creations Paint Studio in Crowder Plaza next to Crowder Lawn and Garden on State Road 59 South in Brazil. The emphasis is on attending classes and paint parties and creating an object of art to take home with you, whether that is painting or ceramics, Lori said. “This is something I have always wanted to do,” Lori said. “I got into crafting a few years ago and I just wanted to bring something to Brazil, for people to come out and paint. On Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., the public is invited to go and learn how to create something beautiful. Take out kits are also available. “It’s a kind of therapy,” Lori said. See the photo gallery for more photos.

Brazil resident Eric Jensen, who accidentally organized the “Cruising Brazil” Saturday night, was unable to be found among all the people who showed up for a trip back to nostalgiic days of "bopping around town. Jensen posted the idea on Facebook and idea just “grew legs and took off.” It was unclear how many people showed up to participate in the fun, or just to watch the cars go by, but there were hundreds of cars and two lanes of bumper-to-bumper traffic to watch the during fun event. Many of the parking lots along US 40 in Brazil became small car shows as more vehicles of all kind pulled over and people walked around to look at them, and talk about the "good old days." Engines roared, horns honked, people waved and yelled greetings to those they knew, and cameras and phones were everywhere recording the family event. Many people enjoyed the event so much, they want to do it again, and bring their friends next time.

Members of the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Center Point Community Fire Department, the Posey Township Fire Department, Clay City/Harrison Township Fire Department, Poland Volunteer Fire Department and the Cory/Perry Township Fire Department assemble Friday afternoon to escort 9-year-old Keaton Jackson as he returns home from Riley Children’s Hospital following treatment for cancer. Jackson has been battling cancer for about two years, but on Friday he was told he was now cancer-free.

Rodgers CPA Group LLC, 112 West National Ave., Brazil, held a grand opening celebration Tuesday, Aug. 18. Members of the Clay County Chamber of Commerce and other local businesses in the community stopped by to wish the new business good luck. The CPA firm will provide payroll, bookkeeping, business and individual income tax preparation, business and non-profit consulting and tax preparation service Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. (Extended hours will be available during January-April. Learn more at rodgerscpasgroup.com.)

On Saturday, Dan and Gloria's dream of opening a home for homeless female veterans became a reality when "A Place Called Hope" opened in Clay City, serving the entire state of Indiana.

Although it was a dreary Saturday (Aug. 1) for the Yesteryear Tractor Show at Goshorn Park in Clay City, a trio of youngsters showed off their love of steel farm equipment in the gazebo as the rain fell. The number of items on display was smaller than usual, but a curious crowd still stopped by to take in the vintage farm equipment (some made here in Indiana), lawn and garden implements, a few classic cars and trucks, and even a few snowmobiles. Due to COVID-19 the annual awards ceremony and luncheon was not held. Event organizers are determined to be back next year with a bigger and better event that showcases items from Clay, Putnam, Owen, Green, Vigo, and Parke counties, and beyond.

Brazil Times Reporter Ivy Jacobs stopped by Forest Park Friday (July 31, 2020) to talk to Linda Ray about some of the changes in the annual Strawberry Festival. The event has moved to the Pavillion/Cow Palace in the park, which allows for a new drive-thru service, local vendors, all-weather seating and better social distancing for COVID-19, and a stage for live music. Entertainment provided by local Elvis Tribute Artist Eric Brown. Funds raised during the fundraiser supports various local projects and the annual Christmas Celebration.

Members from Dick Johnson, Jackson, and Center Point volunteer fire departments joined Posey Township Volunteer Fire Department for extrication training at firefighter Jeremy Elwell’s property located at the intersection of U.S 40 and County Road 300 West Sunday afternoon. Members of the Brazil STAR Ambulance were standing by to provide re-hab for firefighters in the intense heat. “We attempted several techniques and ended it with ‘Crack the Egg’ technique,” said Posey Fire Chief Cody Barnard, who oversaw the event with Safety Officer Earl Hutcheson. “It didn’t work as planned, but that’s why we train.” Due to safety issues, Posey Township Fire Department provided close up photos of certain elements of the training to The Brazil Times for this gallery of photos.

The sun was shining, and there was a cool breeze for the crowd gathered at the Saline City, Indiana Truck Tractor Pull Saturday, July 25. The annual event is usually held n the Sping but was rescheduled due to COVID-19. The event was held in memory of event announcer Bill Mishler, who passed away in June. Mishler’s family was present to receive a plaque in his memory, and Bill’s brother Jim sang the National Anthem before the event began. Enjoy these photos taken by Times Reporter Ivy Jacobs.

Max and Honey’s You Pick Flowers and Pumpkin Farm opened Friday (July 24), and is a family-owned farm located in northern Clay County. Owner Valerie Smith said the unique flower shop located on the family-owned farm is named after her grandparents, Max and Honey. Valerie lives on the farm with her husband Derek and the couple’s four children, who are helping out at the new business. Among the 20 flower plant varieties to choose from, the pumpkin patch will be available in the fall, along with lots of fall activities. Max & Honey’s You Pick Flowers is located at 12783 North Private Road 385 East, take North County Road 1300 East to NPR 385 East, turn south, and follow the signs. Learn more by logging onto https://www.maxandhoneys.com/

The Clay County 4-H Fair is under a cloud this year — the threat of coronavirus that hangs over the entire world, or so it seems. For that reason, the fair events have been largely closed to the public and shows have been divided into sessions this summer and in the fall. Here are photos The Brazil Times has been able to take and to obtain.

On Saturday, Northview High School graduated its Class of 2020 in three separate programs in order to practice safe distancing. See the story in the news section.

On Saturday, July 18th, the Class of 2020, Clay City High School, held its annual commencement int he Eel Dome. Here are photos taken at the ceremony. Please also see the story in the news section.

The Famiy Worship Center, 8157 North County Road 425 West, Brazil, was a busy place Saturday during the vendor fair in the parking lot. Members of the community parrused the vendors, crafters, and food trucks while enjoying the sunny weather. The fundraiser is being used by the church to support various projects in the coming year, said Pastor Larry Richmond. Some visitors wore face masks and practiced social distancing during the welcomed return to what felt like a “normal” event in the community during the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Enjoy these photos taken by Times Reporter IVY JACOBS at the event on July 11, 2020.

Due to the Coronavirus the number of days were fewer, there was no carnival and the crowds were smaller yet everyone seemed to have a good time at the Brazil Rotary Club's 85th annual 4th of July Celebration.

With frequent rain showers and dreary skies overhead, volunteers and firefighters at the Center Point Volunteer Fire Department served fish dinners and smiles to a long line of hungry supporters Saturday night during the annual benefit. Although COVID-19 and the construction of the new firehouse created some unusual problems to tackle, organizers said the two-lane drive-thru was a success. It is estimated that more than 400 cars waited for up to an hour to pick up dinner.

Forest Park was filled with “amazing grace” as people gathered for song and worship during the First Christian Church’s Sunday service on June 28. The soggy weather didn’t stop people from bringing their lawn chairs to the Cow Palace for worship and to meet their neighbors, many for the first time since COVID-19 forced churches to close to help stop the spread of the virus. More than a hundred people, inside the park pavilion and many more sitting in their cars in the parking lot and scattered around the park enjoyed the event. Enjoy these photos taken during the event.

On Thursday night, Launch Academy held a social distancing graduation program in the pavilion at Forest Park.

As the temperatures rise and people are looking for something to do after being in self-isolation as part of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Forest Park Pool is a busy place. A couple a new program is available: Aqua Fit - ($2 for YMCA members and $5 for non- members) Monday 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m., and Wednesday 5-6 p.m. Friday, June 12th from 7-11 p.m. will be Movie Night. Tickets are being sold in advance for $5. Check out the park pool Facebook page for more information.

Students, teachers, and administrators across the nation are struggling with the end of a school year without being there during COVID-19, but many have found unique ways to share camaraderie and wish each other a great summer. The staff at Meridian Elementary got out the markers to create signs and took their "goodwill wishes" for students and their families Friday afternoon during a drive-by parade.

On Thursday, Northview High School seniors picked up their caps and gowns at Northview High School.

If high school prom night wasn’t the experience hoped for, then the 2nd Chance Prom at 101 West (formerly known as the Renaissance Reception and Conference Center) on Valentine’s Day helped local residents change that memory. Light snacks, a cash bar, photographer and a DJ provided the entertainment while those in attendance got in the spirit and danced the night away with someone they cared for. Event organizers Linda and Ric Jeffries, along with their son JT, enjoyed the evening and hope next year’s event will be even better. Brazil residents Rick and Deanna Swearingen celebrated their anniversary and Valentine’s Day during the 2nd Chance Prom Friday night. The couple leads one of the special dances at the event presented by RJs Formalwear. The crowd hit the floor for some line dancing, and a couple of staff members of The Brazil Times staff also stopped by to enjoy the event.

Please enjoy this look back of the favorite photos of 2019 ARCHIVE FILES at The Brazil Times, and keep an eye out for Monday, Dec. 30th edition for the YEAR IN REVIEW.

It’s time for Christmas to glow again. For many, it’s been an annual holiday tradition to pile the family in the car and drive around looking for homes featuring lavish light displays during the month of December. The Times’ staff members have been out taking pictures of interesting displays to share with readers. Which one do you like? Yours, or one you know about, not pictured here, then post one to share with others.

The Clay City shops along the main street were bustling with activity as the ever-growing Chocolate Walk took place. Event organizers said most of the tickets sold out within 10-14 days when released for sale. More organizations were involved this year, and there were lots of new activities, including games, to do during the three-hour event. The young at heart were able to visit with Santa Clause, Mrs. Clause, and the family pet, as well as the Grinch, and take pictures.

For 20 years, the Brazil Police Department's Shop With A Cop helps ensure children have the best Christmas possible. The annual event begins at Riddell National Bank with children meeting Santa and having their pictures taken before enjoying refreshments, watched a Christmas movie, and mingled with members of law enforcement officers and volunteers before going shopping at Walmart. Enjoy these photos taken by Times Reporter IVY JACOBS.

On Friday, November 29, the 2019 Christmas in the Park Lighted Parade was held in downtown Brazil, Indiana. Included are photos of the parade. A video of the Facebook Live broadcast is available on this website.

This year's Snowflake Pageant was held Sunday afternoon at North Clay Middle School. Here are some photos of the event. Return here to see more ...

Here is a selection of photos that were taken on or around Veterans Day to honor those who sacrificed so much for our country.

Local residents had lots of opportunities to get their spooky on this Halloween season. Here are some of the pictures the Times Reporter Ivy Jacobs took this year at the Community Trunk or Treat, York Chevy Trunk or Treat, Towne Park & Exceptional Living Trick or Treat event, and the Harvest Barn at Brazil Nazarene Church.