The year 2012 marks the 175th anniversary of the founding of Broad Ripple in 1837. The Broad Ripple Village Association, in partnership with the Broad Ripple Gazette and other community groups, is busy planning activities for the anniversary, including a celebration weekend on April 20-22, 2012, thought to be the actual founding date. Festivities will include a Images of Broad Ripple photo scavenger hunt from April 17 - 21, 2012; the 175-Yard Duck Dash race of rubber duckies on the canal on April 21, 2012, and a birthday party for the community on April 22, 2012. Watch future issues of the Gazette for details.

As an anniversary kick-off, we're holding a Caption the Old Settlers photo contest. The photo (above) was taken in 1883 at a gathering of some of the original settlers of Marion & adjoining counties at Kerr's Woods, what is today Broad Ripple Park. Let us know what you think they were thinking or saying. The winner will received a prize donated by a Broad Ripple merchant. Send your caption to: contest@broadripplegazette.com or PO Box 55973, 46205 by January 20. The winning caption will be printed in the February 3 issue.