Torch relay wraps up, Ball State students to produce documentary

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – One of Indiana’s biggest Bicentennial events will live on through a documentary. Ball State students who followed the torch relay across the state are creating a film.

The torch relay celebrated Indiana’s bicentennial. It started September 9 in Harrison County and ended Saturday in Marion County.

The celebration started in Indiana’s first capitol, Corydon. People of all ages watched as Judy O’Bannon, Indiana’s former first lady, lit the torch.

From there the journey began. Designated torch bearers carried the flame as it made its way through all 92 counties, covering 3,200 miles.

People lined the streets to watch, not only celebrating the state’s history but also knowing they’re becoming a part of it.

“I wouldn’t have missed this for anything because it’s never going to happen again in my lifetime. I took picture after picture and video for my grandchildren and their children,” said one woman along the route.

She wasn’t the only one taking pictures. A team of Ball State students traveled along with the torch, documenting the whole trip.

“I have seen so much on this relay path. They have taken us on horses, hovercraft so we got to chase it with a boat behind it. They take it on big trailers, they’ve taken it on horse and buggy,” said Sadie Lebo, a Ball State student.

After five weeks on the trail through every part of the state the relay came to an end Saturday.

A Hoosier Homecoming celebration was held in Downtown Indianapolis.

“My kids and I, we’ve been talking about the 200th year birthday of the state all year long… I was really excited to bring the family so we could have a tangible expression of the birthday,” said Dwaun Watson.

Governor Mike Pence took time off from the campaign trail to welcome people downtown.

There were free activities and tours of the statehouse.

The whole torch relay will be featured in that documentary being produced by Ball State Students. The documentary debuts in December.