Memories of a Recovering National FFA Convention Addict - Part II

Memories of a Recovering National FFA Convention Addict - Part II

FFA members will tell you, because they should know from their Greenhand days in Ag I that the National FFA Convention has had three homes...Kansas City (1928-1998), Louisville (1999-2005) and Indianapolis (2006-2012) and back to Louisville in 2013.

 

In 2007, it was my second convention in Indianapolis and it brought back memories of a time gone by...more specifically memories of my first convention in Kansas City. See in Kansas City there was a downtown atmosphere that was enjoyed (albeit perhaps no longer a safe atmosphere in 1998), but a downtown feeling nevertheless. With the arrival in Indianapolis, the National FFA Convention once again had that feeling. In the second installment of my blog, I went out and about throughout downtown Indianapolis to explore with the help of my longtime friend - Ms. Ginny Berg!

 

Ginny & Myself

 

FFA members will tell you, because they should know from their Greenhand days in Ag I that the National FFA Convention has had three homes...Kansas City (1928-1998), Louisville (1999-2005) and Indianapolis (2006-2012) and back to Louisville in 2013.

 

In 2007, it was my second convention in Indianapolis and it brought back memories of a time gone by...more specifically memories of my first convention in Kansas City. See in Kansas City there was a downtown atmosphere that was enjoyed (albeit perhaps no longer a safe atmosphere in 1998), but a downtown feeling nevertheless. With the arrival in Indianapolis, the National FFA Convention

 

My Views: Touring Downtown Indianapolis

 

Georgia Street in downtown Indianapolis is officially, for this week at least, "FFA Way" as the 80th National FFA Convention gets underway Wednesday afternoon.

 

 

FFA members from across the country proudly wearing those world-recognizable blue corduroy jackets are beginning to fill the streets. Members, advisors and guests are eagerly anticipating the kickoff session featuring keynote speaker, the inspiration and take-notice Dr. Rick Rigsby. You'll want to check the blog later because I'll be blogging about the first general session at convention!

 

Ask your FFA advisor about past convention trips and I'm sure one of the topics they'll mention is going to the downtown area of Kansas City. The downtown experience was lost in translation when the convention found a new home at Freedom Hall in Louisville in 1999. Lucky for us, we've captured a moment from yesteryear and the downtown element is back! We couldn't ask for a better, more beautiful and full of like place than Indianapolis.

 

Side Note: I returned to Indianapolis in October 2011 for my eleventh convention and I can attest to the fact that there was nothing quite like being in downtown Indianapolis again...it was quite simply amazing!

 

Do you have questions about what to do between sessions? Where do you go when you're looking for a quick bite to eat? Or just curious about what places to visit around Conseco Fieldhouse? Fortunately for you FFA members, I braved the refreshing cool weather with my pal Ginny to find some of the hottest spots in town! So read on and let Tour Guide Josh show you around some of the coolest places in town!

 

Destination #1: The American Super Hero Museum

Located at 20 W. Louisiana Street, less than three block from Conseco Fieldhouse, you can set your inner-child free and take a tour through the history of Batman and Superman all in one place. The Super Hero Museum has memorabilia items: action figures and costumes worn by Superman from Kirk Alyn to Dean Cain. Tickets are priced at $5 per person and the museum is open from 11am-8pm. Check it our right after one of the General Sessions. You'll be glad that you did!

 

Destination #2: Union Station/Crowne Plaza Hotel/Pan American Plaza

If you're looking for a great place to take some group pictures, or if you're like I was in high school and had to have pictures for your FFA scrapbook, then you will want to make sure and stop here! The Crown Plaza is located in the heart of downtown right next to Union Station, formerly an operating train depot. You can tell by the accompanying pictures of the windows and ceiling that it is almost like stepping into Notre Dame Cathedral and I can guarantee that you have never seen anything like it before if you're from the farm or rural area, like me. Take advantage of the beautiful artwork. An interesting fact: some rooms at the Crowne Plaza are actual, restore train cars that have been converted to hotel rooms. Experience what people of yesteryear felt when they would take the train across the country in anticipation of convention.

 

If you're looking for a little fun to go along with the weather here in town, then the ice skating rink in Pan American Plaza will be right up your alley. Here's some downtown trivia for readers: Do you have any guesses as to why Pan American Plaza is named this? Post your guesses in the comment section below and I'll post the answer in a future blog!

 

Destination #3: COLTS! COLTS! COLTS!

While enjoying yourself around the Pan Am Plaza stop in and pickup some World Champions Indianapolis Colts apparel at our favorite retail store: Hat Worlds & Lids, which is open from 10am-7pm.

 

Make sure to tell them Josh sent you!

 

Don't forget to take a few pictures of the RCA Dome since this is the last year it will be standing. There are plans to take the Dome down before the 2008 convention and if you're a Colts fans then you don't want to miss this opportunity!

 

Destination #4: I'm Hungry

While traveling through Union Station, I had the opportunity to speak with five of the 2007 National FFA Officer candidates. They shared with me some of their favorite places to go to eat in the downtown area. If you're from the south and want some home comforts, then Brady Revels, a national officer candidate from Florida, suggest a stop at Chick-Fil-A for a nice glass of sweet tea. According to Revels, it is the only sweet tea he's found in Indianapolis since his arrival. Another fellow candidate from the Minnesota Association, Sangeetha Gummadi, suggested the world-famous Steak'n Shake for all your dining needs and if a hunger pang strikes at 2:00AM, the Steak'n Shake is open 24 hours a day. Sangeetha suggested the two flavor side-by-side milk shake! A trip to Indy would not be complete if you didn't stop by the Hard Rock Café for a quick picture or even a trip to the gift shop.

 

FFA members, remember to stay safe out there on the streets of Indianapolis. Travel together in groups, follow the street signs and steer clear of alleys at all times! Stay safe and stay awake during those general sessions.

 

Until next time, members and readers, remember BLUE JACKETS...BRIGHT FUTURES!