NEW PALESTINE – Live music, street vendors, food and games are coming up this weekend in New Palestine, with a festival celebrating summer and hometown vibes.
Summer Fest is June 21-22 featuring a Jeep cruise-in, car show, Dragon Dash, local and regional musical acts. It concludes with the community’s fireworks display at dusk Saturday.
“Everyone likes the small, hometown feel and they can come out with their kids and just hang out and have a family fun day,” said Julie Lucas, president of New Palestine Main Street.
The nonprofit organization that focuses on historic preservation and community cohesiveness sponsors that event annually.
The festival is centered around 11 E. Main St., New Palestine. Free admission and a kid’s area are available with games, bounce houses, face painting and balloons.
U.S. 52 is closed from Friday morning until Sunday between county roads 450 and 500 west. The festival kicks off at 4 p.m. Friday with vendors and the Jeep cruise-in. Live music by Cody Ikerd begins at 6 p.m. and Parrots of the Caribbean – a Jimmy Buffet tribute band – begins at 8 p.m.
Lucas said this year’s festival will have a similar feel as years past, but with a growing number of vendors and a few tweaks.
The Dragon Dash, for example, has changed from a time run to a “fun run” to encourage even more people to participate. Wear Hawaiian attire for the luau-themed run starting at 8 a.m. Saturday.
Vendors open at 1 p.m. Saturday, as well as a car show. Free, live music by Katrelle starts at 2 p.m.; country band 90 Proof is at 4 p.m., followed by Country Summer at 6 p.m. Bryson Cooper and The Band Revery perform at 8 p.m., followed by fireworks at dusk.
Expect food, wine and beer for purchase throughout the event. Lucas said she’s looking forward to the community fun vibe, and is thankful for the sponsors and volunteers that come together to make it happy every year.
For updates, visit facebook.com/NewPalestineMainStreet
