GREENFIELD – The 2023 Riley Festival is coming to downtown Greenfield Oct. 5-8, and several contest entry forms are available online now.
The annual event coincides with the birthday of Hoosier Poet James Whitcomb Riley, a native of Greenfield. This year’s theme is Riley’s poem “Nine Little Goblins.”
Just prior to the actual festival is the selection of royalty: the Riley Festival Queen Pageant at 6 p.m. Sept. 24 (application deadline is Sept. 8).
The Riley Festival Parade takes place at 11 a.m. Oct. 7; the deadline to enter is Sept. 13.
The photography contest, fine arts show, and home arts/quilt shows run throughout the festival Oct. 5-7, with drop-off Oct. 4.
There will also be a Little Miss and Little Mr. Riley Festival Pageant Oct. 6, with applications due Oct. 2.
Several poetry contests with prizes are coming up, including a written poetry contest based on this year’s theme (deadline Sept. 25), an open poetry reading Oct. 7 (register by Oct. 2) and a fourth grade poetry contest (due Oct. 2).
Apples are the theme of this year’s Baker’s Best contest, hosted by Hancock County Extension Homemakers and Tuttle Orchards. Entries are due Sept. 30 for judging, and the grand champion will win $50 and be asked to create a new baked entry for the mayor at the Mayor’s Breakfast Oct. 7.
A pumpkin-decorating contest will be at the Hancock County Courthouse Annex Oct. 5. Participants may use paper, glue, paint or other craft items to decorate with the theme “Nine Little Goblins” and pumpkins will remain on display through Oct. 8.
For more information and to enter contests, visit rileyfestival.com.
