Hug-A-Hoosier shows fans and tourists Hoosier Hospitality

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Hugging Hoosiers gathered downtown Saturday to welcome fans and tourists into a hospitable city.

An open call to local residents to come downtown Saturday afternoon to provide a positive experience for newcomers was a pleasant change from the stressful political atmosphere in the city of late.

Dozens of Hoosiers gathered at the intersection of West Street and Washington Street with signs, smiles and hugs.

The guidelines for anyone wanting to participate in the “Hug-A-Hoosier” campaign included bringing welcoming and positive messages and a willingness to hug a stranger. Participants were asked to leave their political beliefs and bad attitudes at home.

The welcoming crowd, who planned to give away hugs until 9 p.m. on Saturday, was a refreshing addition to the NCAA festivities.