CUMBERLAND — The eighth annual Cumberland Arts Goes to Market marks Indiana’s bicentennial with stations about Cumberland and state history.
The event, set for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m Aug. 20, will combine its traditional vendors and entertainment with a history-themed tour of the festival’s grounds, which stretch down Saturn Street from Cumberland First Baptist Church to Cumberland City Hall. The festival focuses on local history this year because of its designation as an Indiana Bicentennial Legacy Project, said church staff liaison Wyatt Watkins.
Legacy projects, happening across Indiana, are intended to recognize the best of the Hoosier state as it celebrates its 200th birthday this year.
Those who attend the arts and crafts festival will be invited to pick up a tour card, leading festival-goers to historic stations throughout the festival. The first 300 visitors to complete their tour cards will receive a commemorative festival keepsake, a handmade medallion with Indiana and the state colors. Those who receive the keepsake may choose between a magnet, tree ornament or wearable medallion, created by Sarah Watkins, Wyatt Watkins’ daughter, he said.
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Visitors can shop at more than 90 art, craft and farmer’s market vendors and see seven history stations highlighting Indiana heritage. Bagpipers will lead attendees to the stage where Sally Perkins of Storytelling Arts of Indiana will weave a tale of Cumberland history with a local tie to John Dillinger, Wyatt Watkins said.
Perkins’ theme will be “When Cumberland went rogue,” and will unravel odd stories of Cumberland’s past, from tales of grave robbers to theories as to why John Dillinger chose the town as one of his hideouts from the law, Watkins said. In addition, entertainment will include Irish and German music, local choirs and dancers performing historic dance styles, he said.
To cap off the festival, officials will bury a 50-year time capsule, not to be disturbed until 2066. Those who attend the Arts Goes to Market event will have the opportunity to write down their hopes and dreams for the future.
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Cumberland Arts Goes to Market
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 20
Where: one block south of E. Washington St. between Cumberland Town Hall, 11501 E. Washington St., to Cumberland First Baptist Church, 116 S. Muessing St., Cumberland, IN 46229.
Where to park:
1. West entrance parking at Meijer, 11351 E. Washington St.
2. East entrance parking in grassy area between Saturn Street and Pennsy Trail (enter from stop light at Muessing St. and E. Washington St.)
3. Handicapped parking area on the corner of Saturn and Munsie Streets.
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9 a.m. Warren Central High School Choirs
10 a.m. Indianapolis Liederkranz German Brass Band
11 a.m. AngiCat from Silly Safaris
12 p.m. Story Telling Arts Storyteller Sally Perkins
12:30 p.m. Victorian Era Ballroom Dancing
1:15 p.m. Mike Pace, Delaware Nation, Demonstration
1:30 p.m. The Irish Airs
2:30 p.m. Haley Jonay
3:30 p.m. Ceremonial Burial of Cumberland 2066 Time Capsule (Honors Park)
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