GREENFIELD — Some are calling it Riley Festival Light. The event’s true name, however, is “Hometown Together,” a seven-day remembrance that Greenfield is the birthplace and hometown of James Whitcomb Riley, Indiana’s poet laureate.
From Oct. 3 through 10, the Riley Festival Association, Greenfield Main Street and the James Whitcomb Riley Boyhood Home and Museum are partnering for a weeklong event designed to celebrate Riley’s Oct. 7 birthday, have some fun and bring folks downtown.
In a promotion that lasts throughout the event, local businesses have collaborated for some shopping fun and a chance for gift card prizes. To join in, stop by one of the participating businesses (see sidebar) for a “shopping sheet game card.” Visit at least 10 of the listed establishments to get a sticker for your game card. No purchases are necessary, but those who do spend some money will receive a playing card from each business they buy from. Shoppers can collect as many playing cards as they want, but only five can be used to make a winning poker hand.
Shopper cards and poker hands should be turned in on Sunday at the Courthouse Plaza after 2 p.m. for a chance to win prizes. In addition to gift cards, the highest poker hand presented will receive $150, second highest card hand $75, and third highest card hand will get $25.
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As the unofficial kick-off for the week-long event, the James Whitcomb Riley Boyhood Home and Museum, 250 W. Main St., will host its annual birthday party for the honored poet beginning at 11 a.m. on Oct. 3. Like all birthday parties, cake will be served, with a side of Riley poetry. Tours of the Riley Home will be available from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at a cost of $4 for adults, $3.50 for seniors, $1.50 for children and those under five are free.
On Oct. 9, from 2 to 9 p.m., Greenfield Main Street will host a rain-or-shine Main Street Harvest Market on the Courthouse Plaza. The rain or shine event will feature approximately 10 vendors selling everything from clayworks to candles to homemade soaps. Debra Smith, Executive Director of Greenfield Main Street, worked to keep the number of vendors down for COVID-19 safety reasons.
“We are asking vendors and visitors to please wear a mask and maintain social distance,” Smith said. “We will provide hand sanitizing stations as well.”
Many of the local businesses plan to stay open late that on Saturday night for last minute shoppers wanting to get their cards stamped or collect playing cards.
The Cajun Broiler food truck will be on hand, but organizers are encouraging attendees to consider local restaurants as well.
On Sunday, in addition to the awarding of prizes, the culminating event on the Courthouse Plaza will also include games, children’s activities and music with DJ Tony Seiler from the Greenfield Music Center. Other entertainment will include Darry Hood and Haley Jonay.
For more information, visit rileyfestival.com.
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Businesses, churches and individuals came together to support “Hometown Together.”
Businesses participating: Andree’s Floral Designs, Costa’s Grill, Downtown Cuts, Ella June’s Boutique, Family Bike Chain, Francis & Fern Boutique, the Gilded Nest, Greenfield Banking Company, Greenfield Chocolates, the Greenfield Grind, Greenfield Music Center, Highsmith Guns, Joyner Homes, J.W. Riley Boyhood Home and Museum, J.W. Riley’s Emporium Antique Mall, Lincoln Square Pancake House, McCleerey’s Sporting Goods, Mueller Auto Body, Nutty Mutt Bakery, Organic Robot Design, Pass Time Fabrics, RealLife Church, Riley Park Tire, Signarama, Something New at Tiffany’s Salon, Team Image, Tour of Italy Café and the Wooden Bear Brewery
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