2013 Groundhog Open

Mayor Tom Henry put out a challenge to Allen County Commissioners for a game of golf at the second annual Groundhog Open to raise funds for downtown beautification. The Mayor’s team is playing during the first round of the golf tournament and encourages the public to join in the competition.

“This is a great way to support efforts to enhance downtown as we continue to showcase our downtown as a destination place,” said Mayor Henry. “I look forward to the challenge with the Commissioners. I’m confident my team will have a great day of golf next month!”

“The Groundhog Open is a tremendous way for the community to show its support for downtown as a fun, clean, and beautiful place to be,” said Commissioner Therese Brown. “ Tell the mayor make sure to bring some popcorn so he can enjoy the putting show the commissioners’ team is going to put on that day.”

The unique event takes place February 7 on an 18-hole course laid out between the Grand Wayne Center, Embassy Theatre/Indiana Hotel and the downtown Courtyard by Marriott. The indoor mini-golf course is designed by hole sponsors and will provide a challenge to even the most experienced golfer. In addition, the Groundhog Open is a reminder of the outdoor fun that lies ahead on local golf courses once winter passes.

Proceeds from the event help support the year-round flower planter program throughout downtown. Cultivated and watered under contract with the Parks and Recreation Department, the four-season maintenance of the downtown planters averages about $400 per planter each year. The extraordinary popularity of the floral streetscape with downtown employees and visitors has led to requests for expansion of the program. The fundraising event is hosted by the Fort Wayne Downtown Improvement District and the Fort Wayne/Allen County Economic Development Alliance.

The Groundhog Open will feature four flights of golfers throughout the day, participants will enjoy an 18-hole golf putting tournament, t-shirts, contests and prizes. An award ceremony with live music and dinner for all the golfers will immediately follow the tournament at 5:30 p.m. Individuals or four-person teams may sign-up on-line at www.groundhogopen.com. There are spots available for more teams.

Karl Bandemer, event chairman and Senior Development Officer for The Alliance, started the Groundhog Open as a way to enlist support from the private sector for downtown beautification. Fort Wayne Newspapers and St. Joseph Hospital are leading sponsors for the event. For more information, contact Karl Bandemer at 469-2700 or www.groundhogopen.com.