The Town of Hope has gone through a series of improvements over the past several years and they will be able to show those off starting tonight at the 49th annual Hope Heritage Days — the biggest event of the year for the town and one of Bartholomew County’s largest annual events, drawing 20,000 to 30,000 people.

Chuck Caldwell, one of the organizers of Hope Heritage Days, said upgrades around the square have meant a big difference for the event.

“Updating the power, it has allowed us to have quite a bit more power in the square, so the booths are not tripping circuits and stuff,” Caldwell said “We also have done the addition of the clock.”

“We have put in ground terracing for the bandstand. Which is really nice, it allows a stepped view for a little better view when you are watching.”

Town Manager J.T. Doane praised the work of volunteers in their efforts to spruce up the foliage around the town.

“Both of our Hope signs — the one on South (State Road) 9, Randy Paetzel and his family have just done a phenomenal job on that sign and getting it ready. The sign on the North 9, Jonna Shepherd was a huge part of getting that cleaned up. And of course Linda Cleland and Barry Anderson both were instrumental in getting some things planted around that and just maintaining our flowers around the square.”

Caldwell said the annual event draws 20,000 to 30,000 people, depending on the weather and this weekend’s weather should be perfect.

Events kick off tonight at 6 p.m. on the Town Square and run through Sunday. Fireworks are at 9:30 p.m. Saturday and the parade hits the bandstand at 2:30 p.m. Sunday.

For a complete event schedule, go to hopeheritagedays.org