Good morning, Lafayette.

Friends & family surprised longtime Crestview Court resident Dave Thompson with a 66th birthday party at Heritage Health Care as he recovered, with many coming from around the state to honor his role in uniting neighbors in Lafayette.

Old classmates, college friends, and former colleagues gathered to celebrate his lifelong ties and the strong community bonds he helped build.

Last week, Centier Bank cut the ribbon at its new downtown branch at 201 Main Street + it relocated from its old Columbia Street location; community leaders joined the ceremony + the branch now features a community room for meetings.

Downtown Lafayette stores are preparing for Shop Small Saturday as they organize special promotions and unique local gifts to boost business this weekend.

Urban Huntress owner Taylor Conrad and Main Street Market’s Sarah Czjakowski say shopping small supports local artisans and strengthens the town’s economy—businesses anticipate a lively event.

Glen Acres Elementary celebrated the Lafayette Bicentennial with a birthday party that featured activities—games, cake, balloons, gift bags and a giant birthday card signed by students and staff.

Officer Jason Schatzer arranged a Spanish-speaking lunch meeting for a student who speaks mainly Spanish—attended by his friends and staff from Lafayette Sunnyside Intermediate School and catered by La Tapatia and Fredy's Tortas Mexican Food.

The Lafayette Fire Department shared Thanksgiving cooking safety tips, warning that frying turkeys must be drained and done outdoors to prevent rapid fire spread, and stressed that keeping children away from the kitchen and using smart burner devices (which turn off automatically) are critical measures to reduce risks. The department also advised planning an accessible escape route to ensure everyone can exit safely if a fire starts.

The West Lafayette Fire Department honored firefighters Drew Snider and Tyler Sterns for their service and commitment—Snider served 11 years and Sterns completed his one year probation, marking their dedication to public safety.

Jaraan Cornell, a state champion from South Bend Clay and Purdue standout, will be honored in the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame on March 18 as one of 17 inductees—he is remembered for his buzzer-beating three-pointer in the 1994 state final and for setting records at Purdue before he died on June 6.

Purdue football will face No. 2 Indiana in Friday's 100th Old Oaken Bucket game as the team, led by transfer linebacker Mani Powell, seeks to rebuild its program after a 66-0 loss last season.

Coach Barry Odom challenged his players to give their best to set a new foundation for future success — the game remains a crucial chance to start fresh.

LUM Turkey Trot 5K Run

1:30-2:30 p.m. — 2541 Cumberland Ave, West Lafayette, IN — Registration fee applies — Celebrate Thanksgiving with a fun and inclusive 5K that welcomes all ages and abilities.

Santa at Bennett's Greenhouse

11 AM – 3 PM — Bennett's Greenhouse — Free entry — Celebrate the holiday spirit with a magical visit from Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus amid blooming festive cheer.

Purdue Christmas Show

12:00 – 1:30 PM — Elliott Hall of Music — Tickets required — Experience a holiday tradition with performances by the Varsity Glee Club and Purduettes.

Purdue Christmas Show

2-3:30 p.m. — Elliott Hall of Music — Cost info not provided — Celebrate the festive season with delightful performances at Purdue's annual Christmas show.

The Winter Makers Market 2025

11:30 AM – 6:30 PM — The Union Club Hotel at Purdue University — Cost TBD — Explore unique crafts and local creations this winter at a festive market.

A Christmas Carol - A Live Radio Play

2:30-4:00 p.m. — Lafayette Theater at the Long Center — Ticketed event — Experience a timeless holiday classic brought to life as a live radio play.

Help Hounds Live Performance with Jon St. Bourbon

6-9 p.m. — People's Brewing Company & Taproom — Free entry — Help Hounds returns with Jon St. Bourbon for an evening of Americana tunes in a cozy brewery setting.

Christmas Eve Pancake Walk/Run 5K

1-5 p.m. — 500 Sagamore Pkwy W, West Lafayette, IN — Registration fee required — Enjoy a festive 5K run/walk followed by delicious pancakes on Christmas Eve.