INDIANAPOLIS (WOWO): Indiana celebrated its birthday Friday. 

Governor Mike Pence and First Lady Karen Pence hosted dignitaries and hundreds of school kids for the 199th Statehood Day in the Statehouse Atrium. The Governor told kids they should be thinking about how to make their mark on Indiana in positive ways. He cited the contributions of Abraham Lincoln and Madame CJ Walker. 

The event served as the formal lead-up to Indiana's bicentennial next year. The state is spending $50 million-plus on bicentennial-related activities, including a bicentennial plaza at the Statehouse and an inn at Potato Creek State Park.

Indiana became America's 19th state on December 11, 1816.