Mayor Greg Ballard has declared Friday, Oct. 24 to be "Indy Loves FFA Day."

If you've been around downtown Indianapolis in the past couple of days, you've seen the blue jackets - all 54,000 of them. Each October, for the last 3 years, and for the next several, the National FFA Convention has made its home in Indianapolis. They fill our streets, our convention center, our hotels and our restaurants with a blue sea of  corduroy jackets.

From the release:

“These students from across the nation are among the best and the brightest and we are so pleased to have them here in Indianapolis,” Ballard said. “This organization is committed to education, community and to improving the world in which we live.”

Mayor Ballard has also called citizens to don blue and gold, the official FFA colors, and recognize the students visiting Indianapolis.

Read more from the release here.
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The National FFA is Indy's largest annual convention, leaving behind an estimated $40 million in economic impact. [About the equivalent of hosting an NCAA Men's Final Four.] That's big business.

But this group leaves behind more than dollar bills.

FFA students spend time throughout their visit making our community a little better than when they arrived. During last year's convention, I had the opportunity to serve as a site leader for the FFA National Days of Service. I spent 2 days with a group of students on a home site with Habitat for Humanity. We worked hard - painting, hanging siding and installing cabinets. And never have I encountered such a hardworking and respectful group of teenagers.

This year, I've spent some time reaching out to FFA students through the social community, Facebook [Join my Indy Loves FFA group!]. I've seen many discussions among students, chatting about their excitement for the convention and meeting up with friends. I found one post said, simply: "It's about the people."

That's a pretty good summation.

Welcome to Indy, FFA!