Guests Eric Helms and Jeremy Scarrette join host Lindsay Darnell on Inside Richmond: The City's Pulse for a powerful look behind the scenes of one of Richmond’s most cherished traditions.

Each Independence Day, Glen Miller Park lights up with a dazzling fireworks display—but surprisingly, it's not hosted by the city. For 81 years and counting, American Legion Post 65 has been the driving force behind this beloved community event.

For many, it’s more than just fireworks. It’s a rare chance to unplug and be present with family. As Eric Helms from the American Legion puts it, “It’s a time where you can get your family together all at once and enjoy an evening together, because it doesn’t happen a lot. Phones are down… Nobody’s looking at their phones.”

But the magic doesn’t happen overnight. It takes months of planning, technical precision, and serious fundraising. Jeremy Scarrette of Scarrette Pyrotechnics calls Richmond’s show “the most difficult shoot we do” out of the 30–35 shows they handle annually. What makes it unique is its thoughtful design for viewers on Roosevelt Hill—combining high-flying bursts with low-level effects in a seamless, rhythmic experience.

The cost of creating that magic? Between $25,000–$30,000—covered entirely through community donations. Some shells cost as much as $750 for just a few moments of brilliance. And this year, the American Legion is still working hard to fill the funding gap ahead of the July 5th show.

The festivities kick off at 2:00 PM on Friday, July 5th, at Glen Miller Park, with food trucks, community fun, and live music from G-101-3 starting at 3:00 PM. Jeremy also teases a brand-new surprise element never before seen at Richmond’s show.

Want to keep the tradition going? Donations can be made directly to American Legion Post 65 at 109 North 6th Street.

As one grateful resident told Jeremy, “You saved my family.” A powerful reminder shared on Inside Richmond: The City's Pulse of how shared moments of wonder can bring our community closer—year after year.

Discover the heartbeat of Richmond’s local food scene in this engaging conversation hosted by Lindsay Darnell, Community Development Coordinator, as she sits down with Hannah Snoddy, Coordinator of the Richmond Farmer’s Market. What began 50 years ago as a handful of farmers on a street corner has grown into a thriving community hub featuring over 40 vendors every Saturday at Jack Elstro Plaza.

Hannah shares insights into the market’s producer-only policy, which guarantees that everything you buy is made or grown by the person selling it. Many vendors prioritize sustainable practices, demonstrating a shared commitment to environmental care and future generations. Lindsay and Hannah also explore impactful programs like SNAP Double Dollars, which doubles the value of EBT benefits, and the upcoming Farm to Pantry initiative, which will transform excess produce into meaningful food support for local families.

Go behind the scenes as Hannah describes the unique challenge of vendor selection—what she calls “human Tetris”—and how the team works to maintain a balance between farm-fresh goods and artisan offerings. Upcoming events include Kids Farmers Market Day on June 7th and the Tuesday Twilight Markets beginning in July, featuring live music, food trucks, and a relaxed summer vibe.

What shines most in this episode is the sense of connection the market fosters. Shoppers build real relationships with vendors who remember their names, their stories, and their favorites. It’s a kind of commerce rooted in community—a far cry from the big-box store experience.

Whether you’re a loyal visitor or a curious first-timer, Hannah’s passion for local food and community building is sure to inspire. Join us every Saturday from 9 AM to noon at Jack Elstro Plaza or on Tuesday evenings this summer from 4–7 PM. As Lindsay reminds us, just showing up makes a difference—because every visit is an investment in the people who make Richmond special.

To learn more about our Parks & Recreation Department and the Richmond Farmers Market, visit:
👉 https://www.richmondindiana.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation

Join host Lindsay Darnell as she welcomes Mayor Ron Oler and Public Operations Director Matthew Keller to share Richmond’s exciting progress and community transformation.

Spring has arrived, bringing monthly park cleanup days where neighbors can make a real difference at sites like Middle Fork Cove. “The parks are only as good as everybody who takes care of them,” says Mayor Oler, encouraging residents to get involved.

Last week’s Earth Day event saw 200 sixth graders planting trees they’ll watch grow for decades — a powerful symbol of Richmond’s long-term vision.

Lindsay also highlights the city’s unique partnership with IU East students, whose analysis revealed a 50% surge in Richmond’s median household income over the past decade, outpacing cities like Terre Haute and Muncie.

Mark your calendar for May 23rd! The Depot District Summer Kickoff Party will celebrate the near-completion of Loop Phase 2 and debut Richmond’s new Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area, where you can stroll with a beverage and explore local businesses. The first 100 kids get free bicycle helmets — don’t miss it!

Matthew Keller shares the success of code enforcement teams, who have already removed 27 tons of trash, 315 tires, and over 150 shopping carts in just three months. Meanwhile, the airport terminal project is gaining momentum, with potential grant funding covering up to 95% of construction costs.

From an eighth grader serving as “Mayor for a Day” through the National Civics Bee, to long-range planning shaping the city’s future, Richmond is thriving through community-driven progress.

Interested in joining the team? Visit www.richmondindiana.gov to explore employment opportunities and be part of the city’s exciting future!

Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes at your local government? Guest Karen Chasteen, Richmond's City Clerk for the past 22 years, joined host Lindsay Darnell on Inside Richmond: The City’s Pulse to pull back the curtain on one of the most vital yet often misunderstood municipal offices.

Far from just taking meeting notes, the City Clerk’s office serves as the beating heart of local government operations. “We have 200 years of history in my vault,” Chasteen shares, highlighting how her team has worked to transform those historical archives into accessible digital records that citizens can browse from home. This commitment to transparency is just one aspect of the office’s wide-reaching role in supporting Richmond’s governance.

From preparing materials for City Council, Board of Works, and Richmond Power and Light meetings to processing the resulting documents, the Clerk's office ensures smooth and efficient government operations while keeping the public informed.

What truly sets the office apart is its daily connection with residents across all walks of life. Need a bus pass, parking permit, or to register your pet? The Clerk’s office handles it. They also collect ordinance violation payments and help connect those in need with social services. One unexpected duty? Chasteen has officiated over 2,000 weddings during her tenure.

With modest fee updates after 25 years and a small but dedicated three-person team maintaining constant availability, the City Clerk’s office continues to serve with heart and history. Visit them on the second floor of the City Building, call 765-983-7232, or explore their services online at richmondindiana.gov/departments/clerk.

Ever wondered how cities like Richmond find the money to fund essential projects—without asking taxpayers to pay more? The secret often lies in strategic grant funding. In this episode, Audrey Shake, Grant Administrator for the City of Richmond, joins host Lindsay Darnell, Community Development Coordinator, to pull back the curtain on how it all works.

Audrey takes us behind the scenes of the city’s grant process—from digging into research and identifying opportunities, to writing compelling proposals that align with both community needs and grant priorities. Her work touches nearly every department and fuels projects that make a lasting impact across the city.

Audrey shares the data-driven strategies Richmond uses to stand out in the competitive world of grant funding, especially when advocating for disadvantaged communities. Her passion for improving Richmond shines through in stories of recent wins—like a $159,789 grant to inventory city trees and plant 100 new ones in underserved neighborhoods. This initiative not only beautifies the community but also brings environmental benefits like shade for pedestrians, cooler homes, and more walkable neighborhoods.

You’ll also hear about Richmond’s innovative Transitional Housing Support Grant—an initiative that provided $120,000 to three local organizations helping individuals recovering from substance abuse find safe, stable housing.

Whether you're interested in local government, community development, or just want to understand how impactful projects get funded, this episode offers valuable insights into the thoughtful planning and partnerships that power Richmond forward.

Mayor Oler joins host Lindsay Darnell to dive into Richmond's ambitious dual initiatives aimed at reshaping the city's future—a comprehensive branding effort and a crucial refresh of the Richmond Rising comprehensive plan. For the first time in its history, Richmond is creating a unified brand that genuinely reflects its current identity, moving beyond outdated references like the "Rose City" or the "Gateway to Indiana."

"The city, as far as we can tell, has never had a comprehensive, holistic, or citywide brand that truly unites its identity," explains Mayor Oler. He draws a distinction between the logo that has adorned City Hall since 1969 and the need for a brand that communicates Richmond’s values and aspirations.

The comprehensive plan refresh serves as Richmond's strategic roadmap for the next five years, tackling everything from zoning and infrastructure to economic development and sustainability. What makes this update particularly significant is its response to post-COVID lifestyle shifts—such as remote work and increased home deliveries—that have fundamentally changed how people interact with the city.

Both initiatives are driven by community input, with surveys gathering citizen perspectives on priorities and perceptions. The branding effort is set to conclude in August, feeding directly into the comprehensive plan to create a cohesive vision for Richmond’s future. As projects like the redevelopment of the Elder Beerman site take shape and Mayor Oler prepares for his State of the City address on March 14th, there's a strong sense of momentum. As the Mayor puts it, "The city's having a rebirth."

Don't miss this insightful conversation about the strategic efforts shaping Richmond’s identity and future. Visit www.richmondindiana.gov for employment opportunities and to participate in upcoming surveys that will help define the next chapter of Richmond’s story.

Join host Lindsay Darnell on Inside Richmond: The City's Pulse as we dive into Richmond’s exciting transformation with Mayor Ron Oler. Explore the city’s rebranding journey, from community workshops to strategic consulting, all aimed at shaping a vibrant, forward-thinking identity. Discover how Richmond plans to attract young families and graduates, ensuring a thriving future for generations to come.

Mayor Oler shares his deep connection to Richmond and the vital role of community input in this bold initiative. Learn how traditional media and social platforms are being leveraged to reach every demographic, and hear about creative ideas—like city-marketing blimps—that could redefine Richmond’s image.

Your voice matters! The perception survey is your chance to influence how the city is shaped, reflecting both the heart of Richmond’s residents and the aspirations of future newcomers. With a goal of 33,000 responses, your input is crucial. Take the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RichPerception

Subscribe to Inside Richmond: The City's Pulse and stay engaged by watching the latest episodes on the City of Richmond’s YouTube playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiDRkUoj17wgaG7fGs6c9MGp8VbK-ZTTR

Be part of this transformative journey—your story shapes Richmond’s future!

Ever wondered what it takes to bring a winter festival to life? Join me, Lindsay Darnell, as we explore the frosty excitement of the Richmond Meltdown Festival! From ice carving to a chili for charity event, we’ll uncover all the magic happening from January 30th to February 1st. Discover the festivities that promise fun for the whole family and learn how you can participate in this enchanting celebration by heading over to richmondmeltdown.com. Let the winter wonderland warm your heart with its unique activities, including the thrilling ice cream eating contest and a grand firework display!

But that's not all—we're also diving into something pivotal for Richmond’s future, the Comprehensive Plan Refresh. This initiative is your chance to shape our city’s growth. We need your voice to ensure Richmond's long-term development aligns with our community’s vision and needs. Get involved by taking our Shaping the Future survey, available on our social media. Rank your priorities for connectivity, quality of place, and infrastructure to help us guide future projects and secure essential grants. Let’s strive together to reach our goal of 1,000 responses, ensuring Richmond’s bright future for generations to come.