The Indianapolis flag was designed by Roger E. Gohl. | Photo via Public Domain
Anyone who went to elementary school in the US probably remembers the story of Betsy Ross (although the accuracy of the tale has been questioned in recent years). But who among us can relay the history of the Indianapolis flag?
Spoiler alert: The flag you see hoisted by local businesses and government bodies isn’t Indy’s first flag. The original was designed in 1911 and reworked in 1915 when it failed to make an impact.
After still proving unpopular, the city sponsored a contest in 1962 to create a new flag, attracting entrants with a prize of $50 and lunch with the mayor. The judges received 75 submissions, among which was a striking and simple design by 18-year-old art student Roger Gohl, who was eventually selected as the winner.
The star in the center of Indianapolis’s flag represents the Soldiers and Sailors Monument.
Now here’s where the mystery comes in. Did you know that the flag we see everywhere today wasn’t Gohl’s original design?
His flag was asymmetrical, with the intersection of the lines — which represent Market and Meridian streets intersecting with Monument Circle — offset on the left side of the flag instead of in the middle.
To this day, nobody knows why the lines were centered... or who did it (dun dun dun).
Asked
Asked
Where did the Indianapolis flag rank out of 150 city flags in 2004?
Yoga at the Market | 10-11 a.m. | City Market | Free | Breathe in, breathe out — join a refreshing mid-morning flow right in the heart of downtown.
Catacombs & Comedians | 7 p.m. | Helium Comedy Club | $26+ | Fans of “Dungeons & Dragons” will love this live show featuring four comedians on their own quest.
Thursday, July 31
Storytelling Drawing | 1:30-3 p.m. | Harrison Center | Free | Listen, converse, and create with fellow community members as you exchange stories.
RUN(317) | 7 p.m. | Mass Ave. | $48+ | Lace up your shoes and run through downtown to benefit Girls on the Run, then stick around for a post-race street party.
Game Night Trivia | 7-9 p.m. | Metazoa Brewing Company | $12+ | Grab a round of craft brews to fuel your team to the win.
Friday, Aug. 1
Candlelight: A Tribute to Coldplay | 6:30 p.m. | Scottish Rite Cathedral | $22+ | Listen to Coldplay’s greatest hits as performed by a string quartet — no kiss cams in sight.
Dude Perfect Hero World Tour | 7 p.m. | Gainbridge Fieldhouse | $42 | This group of YouTube comedians will take Indy by storm with bigger and better material than ever before.
Indianapolis Fountains, Statues, and Memorials Walking Tour | Friday, Aug. 1, Sunday, Aug. 3 | Times vary | American Legion Mall | $17+ | Learn the stories and history behind some of Indy’s most famous and recognizable fountains and memorials on this two-hour guided tour.
Saturday, Aug. 2
Stationary Store Day | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Semantics Paper Goods | Free | Celebrate the shop’s second birthday with treats, goodie bags, and free stickers.
Disney Throwback DJ Night | 7:30 p.m. | Indiana Farmers Coliseum | $61+ | “Be Our Guest” and dance your heart out to the throwback Disney tunes — tickets also include state fair admission + a private bar and restrooms.
Clancy’s Hospitality is at it again. The Noblesville-based restaurant group has announced plans to open The Pretender, an immersive listening bar featuring small plates, craft cocktails, wine, and beer. The music-forward spot will be located on Logan Street in historic downtown Noblesville — an opening date is TBA.
Award
Beech Grove has gone for the gold, earning the highest status in Indiana’s Clean Community Program. According to the Department of Environmental Management, the city is the first municipality to earn gold status since the program began in 2021. (IndyStar)
Try This
Accio “Harry Potter” fans. The Coffee Haus at Guggman will celebrate the iconic character’s birthday tomorrow, July 31 with special butter beer-inspired drinks, treats, and vendors. Head to The Green Haus from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. to join the whimsical wizarding fun.
Number
14. That’s how many Banana Dogs — a ballpark concoction cooked up by global sensations The Savannah Bananas — Westfield’s own Joey Chestnut devoured during the team’s tour stop in Philadelphia last weekend. While a Banana Dog does sound delicious, we’ll stick to grabbing ours locally from Garcia’s. (WISH)
The Word
“Juice joint’s bootleg giggle water.” This 1920s-era slang for a speakeasy’s illegal liquor is just one of the phrases you might hear when you attend the Hedback Theater’s Centennial Celebration fundraiser gala this Saturday, Aug. 2. Tickets are $25, with proceeds going toward the historic venue’s preservation efforts. (Hamilton County Reporter)
Drink
In need of a frozen beverage after this heat wave? You’re in luck. Twisted Daiquiris, a new drink-focused mobile shop, is hosting a grand opening celebration this Saturday, Aug. 2 at Public Arts. Stop by from 4 to 7 p.m. to enjoy signature cocktails + mocktails, plus bites from Paul’s Kitchen.
Watch
If you missed this year’s Indy Shorts International Film Festival, have no fear. All of the festival’s award-winning films — including three Oscar-qualifying productions — can still be streamed through Saturday, Aug. 2. BRB while we get our popcorn ready.
Opening
Mediterranean-inspired fast-casual restaurant CAVA will open its newest Indianapolis location at 801 W. 10th St. this Friday, Aug. 1. Want to snag a sneak peek? Register for the chain’s Community Day tomorrow, July 31 to get a first look at the spot + enjoy a free meal.
Sports
What is the best way for the Indiana Pacers to use Jay Huff this season? Go beyond the scoreboard for the biggest stories on the Indiana Pacerswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Travel
It’s time the trip actually made it out of the group chat. The go-to destination for all things girls’ weekend? Bloomington. Think: Shopping, dancing, lake days, and late nights. We’ve done the planning for you — here’s how to do it right.*
Biz
Connect with our 49,100+ Instagram followers by partnering with INDYtoday for a sponsored social post. Choose between our feed or story placements — or why not both? Explore even more advertising opportunities with us + elevate your brand’s reach.
Job
Are you the one we’re looking for? We’re on the hunt for a sales-driven leader to help us land significant brand partnerships at a national scale as a Sales Executive. From a competitive benefits package to 401k matching, we’re a pretty amazing company to work for. Join our team and apply today.
Featured Deal
Psst — You’re making flying too complicated. Sign up for Going and get emailed when flights to your dream destination are up to 90% off.*
Trending
Just dropped: limited edition colors of Bissell’s viral carpet cleaner, the Little Green Machine. Get all the stain-removing, deep-cleaning action in purple or in blue.*
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City Guide
🥾 Happy trails
It’s hard to believe you can find this kind of waterfall in Indiana. Photo via @emschutt
Today is National Climb a Mountain Day, and while Indiana might not be known for its mountainous terrain, that doesn’t mean we can’t get in on the fun in our own way with these hiking trails.
Eagle Creek Park
Want to do some bird watching while you’re working up a sweat? It’s called Eagle Creek Park for a reason — keep an eye out for feathered friends on the Fowl Sanctuary South Overlook Trail + don’t forget to stop by the Ornithology Center.
Southwestway Park Loop
Beat the heat in this heavily wooded park with 587 acres of explorable trails that has also been rated one of the quietest places in Indy. Turkey Run State Park Trail #3, Marshall
What do a suspension bridge, ladders, and a Punch Bowl have in common? You’ll find out if you take this trail — recently named the Midwest’s best hike in Midwest Living.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
It’s officially football season, and while the weather may not feel like it right now, I can’t wait for those Sunday afternoons where I can curl up on the couch with a blanket and heaping plate of Buffalo chicken dip while cheering on my favorite team.
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