GREENFIELD (WISH) — WISH-TV’s “Focus on Family” took the show on the road as part of the station’s WISH You Were Here summer series, broadcasting live from Depot Street Park in Greenfield for “Come Together,” a concert tribute to the Beatles.
Co-hosts Tim Spears and Phil Sanchez welcomed viewers to join in on the excitement with a full lineup of interviews celebrating the community.
Greenfield Parks and Recreation Spotlight
Julie Patterson, assistant director of Greenfield Parks & Recreation, joined a live segment at Depot Street Park to promote the Summer Concert Series and highlight Greenfield’s vibrant park system. She shared details about the park’s railroad-themed design, local trails like the Penzey Trail, and unique spots like Beckenhold Park’s Rainbow Bridge. Julie also mentioned popular community events like the Turkey Day 5K, Hancock Half Marathon and the new Holiday Lights.
8-22-25 WYWH Julie Patterson
8-22-25 WYWH Adam Wilson
Greenfield Birders
Adam Wilson with Greenfield Birders talked to us about the growing birding community in Greenfield. He described birding as an active and often competitive hobby involving identifying and listing bird species. Adam and his wife have logged nearly 1,500 bird species globally, with over 150 spotted locally in Greenfield parks. He highlighted Thornwood Nature Preserve, Beckenhold Park, and Brandywine Park as top birding spots, inviting people of all skill levels to join their social bird walks held twice a month from April to October.
Riley Boyhood Home & Museum
Marissa Purcell, curator of the Riley Boyhood Home & Museum, hared insights about James Whitcomb Riley, the famed “Hoosier poet” once as nationally recognized as a modern-day celebrity. The museum highlights his life, poetry, and legacy, with tours available Tuesday–Saturday. Visitors can also rent Elizabeth Ann’s Kitchen event space. Upcoming events include extended hours during the Riley Festival (Oct. 1–5) and the Jack-O-Lantern Festival (Oct. 25–31). Riley’s work remains a powerful introduction to poetry, especially for children.
8-22-25 Marissa Purcell
8-22-25 David Esler
Executive Director Hancock County Boys & Girls Club
David Elser, executive director of the Hancock County Boys & Girls Club, shared how the organization provides a safe, supportive space for kids in Greenfield, especially during critical after-school hours. With over 120 children participating daily, the club offers a wide range of activities—from cooking and STEM to sports and art. A few club kids also joined the segment, sharing their favorite programs like Kids Kitchen and Makerspace.
Hancock County Tourism
Brigette Jones, executive director of Hancock County Tourism, shared highlights of local attractions and upcoming events in Greenfield. She spotlighted the Flat 50 bike ride, drawing nearly 1,200 riders annually, and emphasized Hancock County’s charm—blending small-town feel, historic revitalization, and Hoosier hospitality. With 80+ locally owned restaurants, the area is a hidden gem for food lovers. Bridget also previewed fall events, including the Riley Festival—the state’s largest four-day craft fair—which will celebrate 100 years of Riley Park with parades, games, music, and special appearances.
8-22-25 Brigette Jones
8-22-25 Elen Kuker
Greenfield Parks & Recreation
Elen Kuker with Greenfield Parks & Recreation shared insights about the city’s 11 parks and 445 acres of green space, highlighting the popular summer concert series held at Depot Park. She emphasized strong community support, dedicated staff, and top-notch production that make the concerts a great family-friendly experience. Ellie also recommended Thornwood Preserve as a hidden gem for nature lovers, with its trails and nature center. The event promises a fun evening with music and plenty to do in Greenfield.
8-22-25 Jayvin Hill
Helping Hands Home Care
Jayvin Hill with Helping Hands Home Care explained how Helping Hands provides personalized care services for seniors and disabled individuals, offering help with nursing, homemaking, transportation, and more—all tailored to each person’s needs. They make the process easy by coming to clients’ homes and assisting with paperwork and phone calls. Known for their caring approach, they’ve been a valued part of the community’s summer events, spreading their message and support.
The Depot Restaurant
Marlee Thomas visits ‘The Depot,’ a popular Greenfield restaurant housed in a former grain elevator. Owner Thomas Moore discusses the family-focused culture, crediting his staff as the heart of the business. He explains the restaurant’s history, its mix of bar food and cocktails, and its unique interior that preserves original elements like railroad ties and beams. The Depot has become a tourist destination, seating up to 250 people with additional patio and beer garden space. Thomas highlights their famous ribs as a must-try. Several staff members introduce themselves, emphasizing the team’s dedication. The lively atmosphere, packed crowds, and community appreciation reflect the restaurant’s ongoing success.
8-22-25 The Depot Restaurant
8-22-25 Mayor Guy Titus
Mayor Guy Titus
Greenfield Mayor Guy Titus, who has led the city for about a year and a half after a 40-year career with the local power company, discusses the community’s growth and redevelopment. He highlights upcoming projects, including a mixed-use development with apartments and retail, and emphasizes the city’s focus on revitalizing its long-neglected downtown. Mayor Titus credits the city’s affordable utilities, safe neighborhoods, and strong schools as key strengths that make Greenfield attractive to residents and newcomers. He also praises community events like the concert series for bringing people together and showcasing local pride.
Organic Robot
The segment highlights community pride in downtown Greenfield through a conversation with Charles Vedders, owner of Organic Robot Designs, a local artisan screen printing and embroidery shop. Vedders explains how his business supports local causes by live-printing shirts at events, with proceeds benefiting community groups like the Friends of the Hancock County Public Library. He describes the screen-printing process, the shop’s growth over the past four years, and the strong sense of community in Greenfield. Vedders also notes the town’s balance of small-town charm downtown with modern amenities near the interstate, crediting recent redevelopment projects for revitalizing the area.
8-22-25 Charles vetters
8-22-25 Madison Ritchison
Greenwood Parks and Recreation
Madison Richardson, programs and events specialist with Greenfield Parks and Recreation, shares details about the city’s busy event calendar. She highlights the popular Friday night summer concert series, which draws thousands to Depot Park and is already booking bands through 2026, including a Queen tribute act to kick off next season. Richardson also announces Riley Park’s 100th anniversary celebration in October, featuring games, food, and even a Ferris wheel, as well as the city’s largest annual event, a trunk-or-treat drawing 6,000–8,000 people. With concerts, festivals, and outdoor movies, Greenfield’s parks department continues to create free, family-friendly events that bring the community together.
Hard Days Night
A Beatles tribute band headlined the final night of Greenfield’s summer concert series, drawing large crowds to Depot Park. The performers, dressed in classic Beatles costumes, shared their love for carrying on the legendary band’s music, noting how it connects fans across generations—from children to seniors. They reflected on the joy of touring worldwide, including playing in Liverpool, and emphasized the thrill of live performance and crowd energy. Despite a few sound check challenges, the band was ready to deliver a high-energy show that had fans lining up early for seats.
8-22-25 Frank muratore
8-22-25 Heather Condra
Greenfield Mainstreet
Heather Kondra, executive director of Greenfield Main Street, highlights the charm and growth of downtown Greenfield, emphasizing its historic homes, locally owned shops, and restaurants. She shares plans for new mixed-use developments, revitalization of older buildings, and enhanced downtown accessibility. Kondra also outlines upcoming fall and winter events, including a September artisan market, the adult costume-focused Booze and Brews in October, and a winter synthetic ice skating rink, all designed to foster community engagement and economic vitality.
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