HANCOCK COUNTY – Art, music, food and fun is lined up for local communities this summer.
Summertime festivals will feature local entertainment, kids activities and sometimes even fireworks. Here’s a look at where to go:
June
The Free Family Fun Summer Series kicks off June 10 with a Superhero 5K and Kids Dash in downtown Greenfield. Hosted by Hancock 4 Kids, the series continues at 6:30 p.m. July 13 at Riley Park with a free picnic and games. The nonprofit’s annual school supplies giveaway will be in conjunction with Hancock County Community Night, scheduled for 5-8 p.m. July 19 at the Hancock County Fairgrounds.
The 39th annual Greenfield Strawberry Festival presented by Bradley United Methodist Church will be 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. June 16. The event on the southwest corner of Pennsylvania and Main streets is a fundraiser for several local organizations. Cost is $8 for strawberries, ice cream and homemade shortcake.
The Hancock County 4-H Fair is coming up June 23-30 and features free parking and admission, live concerts every night, and plenty of 4-H animal shows. The exhibit hall is open daily with projects of local students, and food stands, a carnival and commercial vendors will be open daily. The Hancock County 4-H Fair Parade is set for 6 p.m. Saturday, June 24. For updates and a schedule, visit yourhancockfairgrounds.com/4-h-fair.
Summer Fest in New Palestine will be June 23-24, featuring food, live music and fireworks at 11 E. Main St., New Palestine. Nick & Friends and Clayton Anderson perform June 23, while Wildheart Band, Reverie, John Beatrice Band and Country Summer perform June 24 and the festival concludes with fireworks.
July
Fortville Summerfest features an all-day kids zone with bounce houses and face painters; more than 70 vendors; live music; and a fireworks display at dusk. The event is 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. July 8 at Landmark Park, 200 E. Church St., Fortville.
The annual Pennsy Trail Art Fair and Music Festival is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 29 in downtown Greenfield. The event, a fundraiser for Mental Health Partners of Hancock County, takes place on the courthouse plaza and features live entertainment and a Ducky Derby Raffle. For more, visit mentalhealthpartnershc.com or facebook.com/pennsytrailartfair.
August
Party in the Park will be 6-9 p.m. Aug. 19 in McCordsville’s Town Hall Park, 6280 W. 800N. The event features free activities like balloon twisting, face painting, harnessed trampoline jumping, an inflatable obstacle course, ax throwing and more, as well as business and food vendors.