HANCOCK COUNTY — Although it doesn’t yet feel much like fall, the towns of Fortville and New Palestine are ready to celebrate the coming cooler temperatures and colorful leaves next weekend with two community festivals.
Calling all cars
FORTVILLE — Fortville’s Cruise on Main pays tribute to the golden age of the automobile with a classic car show and live music from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 10.
In its second year, the goal of Cruise on Main is to bring more people to town and show them that Fortville is growing and changing, organizers said.
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“We want to showcase what we have,” said Kevin Crotchfelt, vice president of the all-volunteer Indiana Main Street group Fortville Action. “We want them to look at all the cars and look at all the new businesses.”
The featured event is the car show, but visitors also can involve all-day live music from the band, Tune-O-Matics, arts and crafts booths and food vendors.
Last year’s inaugural Cruise on Main drew more than 100 cars. Organizers are hoping to top that this year.
“People with classic cars take a lot of pride in their cars, Crotchfelt said.
Those wanting to participate in the car show should plan to register at the event. The $15 registration fee includes a T-shirt, a swag bag and the opportunity to win door prizes, organizers said. A judging committee plans to award trophies to the top 20 cars on display.
Organizers are hoping for good weather for the event.
“There’s nothing better than walking around outside and looking at classic cars,” Crotchfelt said.
Family-friendly fun
NEW PALESTINE — The full line-up of activities and events for the 2016 New Palestine Fall Festival includes a fish fry, live music, merchant booths, a children’s play area, a beer garden, a class reunion and a parade.
The annual New Palestine Lions Club Fall Festival is scheduled for Sept. 8 to 10 at the Lions Club, 5247 U.S. 52 West.
Events kick off at 5 p.m. Sept. 8, when the kitchen opens along with the Kids Zone.
While there will not be any rides at this year’s event, organizers said there will be plenty of games and activities for area youngsters, including a bounce house and other inflatables to keep the young ones entertained.
Food vendors will be on site for those wanting extra goodies apart from the traditional Lions Club Fish Fry, which will be serving fish dinners from 5 to 9 p.m. Sept. 8 and 9 and noon to 11 p.m. Sept. 10.
Merchant booths will be open all three days, and the beer garden will be serving Sept. 9 and 10.
A highlight of the festival is sure to be the hot wing eating contest between members of the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department and Sugar Creek Township Fire Department — set for 7 p.m. Sept. 9.
The entertainment schedule starts at noon Sept. 10 with the New Palestine High School Choir followed by the Hearts Ablaze Cloggers at 12:45 p.m. and the 4 the Light Quartet at 2:30 p.m.
The annual all-class reunion for graduates of New Palestine High School is set for 5 p.m. Sept. 10 and will continue until the festival closes. Organizers said all graduates are welcome.
Bobby Wiggins and the Nebo Ridge Band close out the evening of Sept. 10 with musical entertainment starting at 8 p.m.
Parade applications and booth space are still available for the event at nplions.com.
While entrance to the festival is free, proceeds from food and beverage and activities in Kids Zone go to the Lions Club student scholarship fund. For more information, visit nplions.com.
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New Palestine Fall Festival
When: Sept. 8, 9, 10
Where: The Lions Club at 5242 W. U.S. 52, New Palestine
Highlights: Fish fry, class reunion, live entertainment from the Nebo Ridge Band
Cruise on Main
When: Sept. 10, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Main Street, Fortville
Highlights: Classic car show, live music from the Tune-O-Matics, craft booths and food vendors
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