FORTVILLE — One event plus one event equals one bigger, better community celebration.
That’s what organizers of a community resource fair and Fortville’s Treats on Main thought.
Last year, a group of partnering Fortville churches sponsored a resource fair at one of those churches to highlight community resources available to people in need.
In January 2021, that group of churches launched Fortville Area Resource Mission, or FARM. It continues to offer a food pantry inside Fortville Christian Church and works to meet various needs in the community.
Lisa Reynolds, who became FARM’s first director in April, said this year’s event was moved to fall, and the hope was for a more communitywide occasion.
She knew Treats on Main — an event that began six years ago, in which children can visit downtown Fortville businesses and receive a piece of candy — was coming up. So she approached Libby Wyatt, a Main Street business owner, about joining the events.
“She got all excited,” Reynolds said. “It’s like, ‘Let’s do this together.'”
Wyatt said as she and fellow business owners have watched Treats on Main grow, with an estimated 900 children visiting the downtown last year, she and a neighboring business owner had talked about how closing down Main Street might be a good idea moving forward. Then Reynolds called about adding to the event, and it seemed like a great fit. “This whole thing has just worked out so nicely,” Wyatt said.
Organizers have received permission to close the street this year. They are aiming for more of a fall festival feel, with live music, a costume contest, a pumpkin decorating contest and a display of antique cars.
“Families can bring their kids and have a good time,” said Kelly Griffey, board president of FARM. “Fortville’s being remodeled downtown, and it’s a good opportunity to come downtown and see what’s been done.”
Knowing Fortville is a mix of new and longtime residents, they hope to engage young families and also honor the area’s past. Farmers have been invited to show antique tractors. A petting area is in the plans for youngsters to see farm or 4-H animals up close. The town’s parks department will offer hayrides.
Churches will join in with booths, some inflatables for children and Fortville Nazarene’s signature barrel train ride.
Groups serving the community will have booths down the middle of the street with a game children can try or a treat to give them — or both. Reynolds said churches with booths will have both. At least 25 organizations plan to be part of the event; they’ll provide activities but also have information available for those who could use assistance or those who would like to volunteer.
With the booths down the middle of the street, freshly repaved in a streetscape project earlier this year, businesses are still visible to offer treats and highlight their products and services.
Organizers have chosen the theme “Serving Our Neighbors, Engaging Our Community.”
The event will highlight “how many groups make a town be a town,” said Wyatt, also a Fortville Town Council member. “(It’s) just awareness of all the opportunities to get involved, to seek help if you need help — while having fun.”
[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”If you go” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
Treats on Main and FARM Community Fair run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 30 on Main Street, between Staat and Pearl streets, in downtown Fortville.
Downtown merchants and community organizations will provide treats, games and fall activities for children. Live music, a costume contest and hayrides are among the plans.
Churches, ministries and non-profit organizations will offer treats and/or games, as well as information about services they provide and opportunities to volunteer. Groups interested in participating with a booth may call FARM (Fortville Area Resource Mission) Director Lisa Reynolds at 317-203-9606.
[sc:pullout-text-end]
