Around the Table

The Cass County Community Foundation is inviting the community to gather Around the Table as it celebrates the opening of two transformational new community spaces designed to bring people together for generations to come.

Made possible through a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc, and the generous support of local donors, businesses, and community partners, The Pavilion and The Kitchen were created to strengthen local entrepreneurship, celebrate cultural diversity, expand educational opportunities, and provide a welcoming place where community comes to the table.

Throughout the week, the Foundation will host several special receptions recognizing downtown neighbors, educators, project partners, donors, and community supporters whose vision and collaboration helped bring the project to life. The celebration culminates with a free Public Celebration and Ribbon Cutting on Saturday, July 25, welcoming the entire community to experience these exciting new spaces.

“Some of life’s most meaningful moments happen around a table. Around a table we celebrate, learn, laugh, share food and traditions, welcome new neighbors, and build friendships. That simple idea inspired the creation of The Pavilion and The Kitchen—a place designed to bring people together,” said Deanna Crispen, President & CEO of the Cass County Community Foundation. “For more than two decades, we’ve believed that when people gather around a table, conversations happen, ideas are shared, relationships are built, and communities become stronger. These spaces were designed to be where that happens for Cass County.”

The Pavilion is a flexible outdoor venue that will host concerts, festivals, farmers markets, cultural celebrations, educational programming, nonprofit events, and community gatherings throughout the year. To help bring that vision to life, the Foundation recently hired Chef Ryan Bolhuis of Grand Rapids, Michigan, to lead operations and programming at the facilities.

“We were extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to hire Ryan Bolhuis to lead the operations at the facilities. His expertise and dedication will ensure these resources serve Cass County for generations,” said Luke Gangloff, CCCF Board Chair.

Adjacent to The Pavilion is The Kitchen, a licensed incubator kitchen and a demonstration kitchen created to help food entrepreneurs, nonprofits, educators, and community organizations turn ideas into opportunities. Equipped with professional-grade equipment, The Kitchen will support business startups, workforce development, culinary education, and local food initiatives while serving as a welcoming place where people from every background can gather, cook, learn, and celebrate together.

“It has been an incredible honor to be part of bringing this vision to life. This represents one of the most transformational community investments in recent Cass County history, creating places where people can gather, learn, create, and celebrate while strengthening our community for generations to come,” said project consultant Vicki Byrd.

“Every meal shared, every recipe tested, and every conversation has the potential to spark something bigger. It is a place to build skills, gain confidence, and take meaningful steps forward, supported by free resources and education. This is a place where entrepreneurs, families, and communities can grow side by side, rooted in the power of food,” said Ryan Bolhuis.

The public celebration will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at The Pavilion & The Kitchen, 411 E. Market Street, Logansport, Indiana. The free event will feature the official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, foods from around the world, live entertainment, local vendors, cultural performances, and opportunities to explore The Pavilion and The Kitchen.

“Our hope is that people don’t simply think of these as buildings,” Crispen said. “We hope they become places where memories are made, businesses are launched, cultures are celebrated, neighbors become friends, and everyone feels they belong. This is truly a place where community comes to the table.” For more information about the celebration, visit www.casscountycf.org or call 574-722-2200.