State’s Bicentennial Torch Unveiled

The Bicentennial Torch Relay will run 52 miles through Elkhart County on Tuesday

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Indiana Governor Mike Pence and Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann unveiled the flagship bicentennial torch Friday as part of the kickoff of the Indiana Bicentennial. The torch was designed by Purdue University engineering students and is one of three that will be used in the bicentennial relay throughout the state.

Purdue students also designed the other two torches to be used in the relay. One is a children’s torch for the younger torch-bearers and one that will carry a flame a high rates of speed.

“For Purdue to be involved is absolutely fitting,” said Timothee Pourpoint, project manager and associate professor of aeronautics and astronautics at Purdue. “We’re a top engineering school in the country and the world. For us to design it is a great honor.”

The torch unveiled at the Statehouse is a functional prototype of the flagship torch. Once completed, the torch will weigh nearly five pounds and stand around two feet tall. It will be made entirely of an aluminum lithium alloy from Alcoa Inc.’s Lafayette plant.

The bicentennial relay begins in September and will cover all 92 counties. For more on the Indiana Bicentennial torch relay, click here.