Wabash County H.S. Seniors
Scholarship Opportunity
Every year, due to the generosity of the Melba Johnson Custer Educational Endowment, the Paradise Spring Board offers one $2500 dollar scholarship for college to the student who writes the best essay about the Paradise Spring Historical Park. The Guidance Department at each H.S. is emailed the application, the prompt for that year and information with all the instructions. Homeschooled/on-line/or alternate school students are also eligible to apply. For more information, contact your H.S. Guidance Counselor or call Deanna at (260)571-2879. The deadline for 2026 is Mar. 31st.
Previous Winners:
2021 - Rebecca Bruss, Kendra Kline, Erin McGouldrick, and McKenzie Roth 4 $1000 scholarships
2022 - Only 2 essays received - one winner Ethan Espeset
2023 - Board decided to only award ONE $2500 scholarship - winner Japheth Niccum
2024 - Winner of $2500 scholarship - McKelvey Espeset
2025 - Winner of $2500 scholarship - Addison Brubaker
PARADISE SPRING EVENTS
Treaty Festival at Paradise Spring
downtown Wabash
October 23rd & 24th!
2026 marks the 200th year anniversary of the signing of the Treaty at Paradise Spring that opened this area to settlement. Our Board has been working to make this milestone extra special!
last update 2/19/26 KEEP WATCHING FOR MORE 2026 UPDATES
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During the summer and early fall of 1826, a site was found and preparations made to invite the Miami, Potawatomi and other nations to negotiate for a Treaty that would allow for a canal to be built through this area. The Treaty with the Miami Nation was actually signed Oct. 23, 1826 so we have chosen the dates of Oct. 23 & 24th for the time to Commemorate this momentous occasion. Dozens of Living History participants will camp near the cabins to help recreate the atmosphere of the early Treaty Grounds. On Friday evening, we are also inviting those of Miami or other native heritage to join us for special ceremony.
Friday night Oct. 23 hours are 4pm-8pm
Saturday Oct. 24 hours are 9am-8pm.
Paradise Spring Historical Park is located at 351 E. Market St. in downtown Wabash.
​​​Enjoy ham & beans and cornbread for free will donation by the cabins.,
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We are also seeking more pioneer food vendors.
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Interact with militia, traders, woodwright and wood carvers, broom making, spinning and weaving; musicians, singing and dancing.
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And this year, some students from OJ Neighbour Elementary school will join us to share their re-enactment activities!
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Hot dogs, ice cream, water and t-shirts for purchase at pavilion.
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For more information about Pioneer Village at Paradise Spring Historical Park, please contact Deanna Unger at 260-571-2879
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Special thanks to The Melba Johnson Custer Educational Endowment.
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​ Together we are sharing the stories of our past with the future.
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VENDORS:
1. Period centers around 1826 Treaty at Paradise Spring;.
No fee for period Vendors; must dress in period costume
2. Seeking non-profit food vendors to add to atmosphere
3. Blanket vendors welcome!
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​VOLUNTEERS:
Join the fun and help make a difference, volunteers are needed throughout the day. Please consider volunteering to help with the day and the festivities.
Living History:
Would you like to be a part of the living history portrayers? Contact Deanna Unger for more information.
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Open House at Settler's Cabin (down the hill) near River Trail
2nd Saturday April-Oct
9:30am-noon
Wabash Marketplace First Fridays
The Paradise Spring Board has joined Wabash Marketplace and will be participating in some First Friday events.
To Be Announced - keep watching!
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Wabash River Defenders
July
The Wabash River Defenders is a watershed initiative which acts to restore and remove debris from the Wabash River in Wabash County, Indiana. Since 2011, WRD has kicked off their annual river clean-up event in July at Paradise Spring Historical Park. Since that time, they have removed more than 125 million pounds of tires, scrap steel, construction materials, and other debris from the Wabash River.
Wabash Cannonball Chili for Charity
October
The largest chili cook-off east of the Mississippi River is held at Paradise Spring Historical Park each year. Visit the park between 12 pm - 4 pm to try more than 100 chilis and vote for your favorites. All proceeds from this event are donated to local charities. 2023 was the 20th anniversary of this event.
Old Fashioned Christmas
Celebrate an Old Fashioned Christmas in the cabins at Paradise Spring Park in Nov. during "Jingle Jubilee" and December during Lights in Paradise!
Paradise Spring Annual Meeting
The Paradise Spring Board Annual Soup Supper will be Feb. 25th, 2026 at the Wabash County Museum. Following the meal and the recap of the 2025 events at Paradise Spring, Alec Guenin, archivist and Wabash County Historian at the Museum will talk to us about early education in Wabash County. Musical entertainment will be provided by Lorynn Hunt. Both Alec and Lorynn are some of our "younger" Paradise Spring Board members and we truly appreciate them! Plan to join us Feb. 25, 2026! RSVP to Deanna at (260)571-2879; no charge - donations welcome for Cabin Maintenance at Paradise Spring!
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4th Wednesday
February25, 2026!
