Howdy, Hoosiers. The time has come for another Hump Day Update, where I tell you what I’ve been up to, keep you up‑to‑date on the campaign, and give you a glimpse of what’s planned for the immediate future.
Last week started with the Tippecanoe County Data Center meeting, where it looked like the committee was mostly tightening up language ahead of the big meeting on the 16th. Nothing major happened, but it’s clear that the next meeting will be the one to watch.
Over the weekend, I attended the 60th annual Little Italy Festival in Clinton, Indiana. I had planned to put out a video, but between a plumbing issue on Labor Day and my daughter breaking her arm yesterday, I wasn’t able to finish it in time. So, I want to share the transcript here and fold it into this update:
Hi, I’m Joshua Brant, I’m running for Indiana State Senate District 23, and I hope everybody had a great Labor Day weekend. I know me and the family did, having driven down to attend the 60th annual Little Italy Festival in Clinton, Indiana.
In my first clip here, I talked a bit about the festival’s history, because it really is something special: Decades of Italian heritage, community pride, and people who pour their hearts into keeping it alive.
And in this next clip…
Yeah, I had to poke a little fun at the politicians who show up just long enough to take a picture and disappear. That’s not me. I came back the next day with my family to actually enjoy the festival like a member of the community.
We spent time around the Four Seasons Fountain, one of the three fountains dedicated to Clinton’s cultural heritage. I couldn’t track down all of them, but the ones we did see made for some great family photos.
The festival itself was full of energy: Live music, dance groups of all ages, grape stomping, contests, the pageant, and of course… the food. Tippecanoe is definitely missing a truly authentic Italian restaurant, so getting to eat at Gerrie’s was a real treat for all of us.
Unfortunately, I didn’t make it to the final day because of a plumbing issue at home, but I’m grateful for the time I did get to spend here. Thank you to everyone who works so hard to put on this amazing festival. I loved it, my family loved it, and I can’t wait to come back next year.
As for my daughter, she’s doing better today. She fell off some playground equipment during recess and landed on her hand in just the wrong way, causing a clean break right at the wrist. We spent several hours in the ER yesterday getting X‑rays and having it set back in place. It wasn’t fun for her, but she’s been in much better spirits today while resting at home.
Tonight, I’m planning to stop by Know Eatery in Lafayette for their open mic night. Public speaking is something I’m always trying to improve, and I’m hoping a little exposure therapy will help me get more comfortable in front of a crowd.
Tomorrow, I’ll be attending a seminar by State Representative JD Prescott to hear his proposal for eliminating property taxes. I’m skeptical, but I’m also open to listening and learning more about the idea. Then on Friday, I’ll be at the 9/11 25th Anniversary Memorial Service at the Klondike Branch Library to pay my respects.
The weekend is shaping up to be busy. On Saturday, I’m hoping to stop by Bridgeton for their Milling Days Festival, though I won’t be able to stay long because I need to be in Rosedale by noon for the Mission K9 Warrior Fundraiser hosted by American Legion Post 290. After that, I’m aiming to catch what’s left of the Parke County Bluegrass Festival. And on Sunday, I’ll be attending the Backyard Bytes event in Rockville to discuss data centers with the community.
After all that, I plan to start hitting the pavement again and begin canvassing in Covington as we head into the busiest stretch of the campaign.
Until next time, District 23, have yourselves a better‑than‑great weekend. I’ll be thinking about ya.
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