A volunteer prepares an order at the annual Strawberry Festival at Bradley United Methodist Church. This year’s festival is coming up June 14.
Daily Reporter file photo
GREENFIELD – Summer festival season is upon us, with art, music, food and fireworks lined up to celebrate across Hancock County.
The first of the events starts this weekend, with a strawberry festival, family carnival, market and car show throughout the community.
Here’s a look at what to expect and where this spring and summer:
May
The Shirley Strawberry Festival is coming up this Saturday, May 18. The event is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Jane Ross Reeves Octagon House, 400 S. Railroad St., Shirley and will feature strawberries, vendors and entertainment.
Head to the Hancock County Fairgrounds this Saturday for Zoey’s Place Carnival. The event from noon to 3 p.m. will include bounce houses, games, prizes, live music and more as a fundraiser for Zoeys Place Child Advocacy Center. Visit zoeysplaceac.org or facebook.com/ZoeysPlaceCAC for details.
The Market in McCordsville and Cars & Coffee both kick off this Sunday, May 19 at Town Hall Park. Cars & Coffee is from 9-11 a.m. in a regular event to meet up with local car enthusiasts. The market is from noon to 3 p.m. featuring local crafters, artisans, small businesses and food. Both events are free and will occur throughout the summer and fall on June 9, July 14, Aug. 18, Sept. 15 and Oct. 6. Visit facebook.com/townofmccordsville for updates. Town Hall Park is at 6280 W. 800N., McCordsville
June
Downtown Greenfield will celebrate art June 8 in the Plein Air Paint-Out and Will Vawter Juried Exhibition and Art Sale. Both events are hosted by Hancock County Arts; the paint-out invites anyone to paint outdoors with a chance to win cash prizes while the exhibition will artistic display pieces at the Twenty north Gallery in downtown Greenfield. Both events are in memory of local resident Will Vawter, who painted landscapes working outside an in a French-influenced Impressionist style in the early 1900s. For details, visit hancockcountyarts.org.
The sweet taste of summer will be celebrated in the 40th annual Greenfield Strawberry Festival June 14. Featuring live entertainment, fresh and frozen berries top ice cream and homemade shortcake at the corner of Pennsylvania and Main streets in Greenfield. The event, hosted by Bradley United Methodist Church, is from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and is $8 at the door; proceeds benefit eight local nonprofit organizations located in or near the downtown district.
Farming, food and fun is on the horizon June 18-28 in the annual Hancock County 4-H Fair. The new 10-day schedule features a carnival the first five days and animal shows the second half. Several shows, musical groups, games and shopping opportunities will be throughout the event; visit yourhancockfairgrounds.com for updates
Summer Fest in New Palestine features food, beer, wine and free admission to several musical concerts from June 21-22 at 11 E. Main St., New Palestine. Visit facebook.com/NewPalestineMainStreet for updates.
Party in the Park in McCordsville from 6-9 p.m. June 29. The second annual event celebrates local businesses, organizations and neighbors and includes free activities like balloon twisting, harnessed trampoline jumping, an inflatable obstacle course and an outdoor movie at dusk. Town Hall Park is at 6280 W. 800N., McCordsville. Visit facebook.com/townofmccordsville for updates.
July
Fortville Summerfest is a day for friends and families to celebrate in Landmark Park. Set for 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. July 13, the community event features bounce houses, face painters, vendors, live music and fireworks at dusk. Visit facebook.com/townoffortvilleparks for more.
Hancock County Community Night is a free family event from 5-8 p.m. July 17 at the Hancock County Fairgrounds. Meet public safety officials, chat with non-profit organizations, grab free school supplies, have your child’s car seat checked and play on bounce houses right before school starts again for the new year. Visit facebook.com/HancockCountyCommunityNight for updates.
The Pennsy Trail Art Fair and Music Festival is coming up July 27 in downtown Greenfield. The annual event features live music and dance entertainment, as well as vendors throughout the courthouse plaza and is a fundraiser for Mental Health Partners of Hancock County.
