GREENFIELD — One of Hancock County’s most significant traditions will not take place this year, with the Riley Festival called off due to concerns about COVID-19. However, the Riley Festival organization plans to have a “Hometown Together” event in October to recapture some of the festival’s community spirit, as well as to benefit local businesses.
“The whole idea of this is to try to replace a little bit of the community activity that we’re missing by not having the Riley Festival, and really try to have something in place to support our local downtown businesses,” said David Berard, president of the Riley Festival board of directors.
The Festival board received permission from the Hancock County Commissioners at their Tuesday, Aug. 18, meeting to use the county courthouse lawn for the event.
Downtown businesses typically see an increase in customers during the Riley Festival, Berard said, and many have suffered during the pandemic. Although the festival is not feasible this year, the board wanted to help as much as it could.
While the event is still in the planning stages, it will feature a promotion to encourage downtown shopping Oct. 3-10. The week will conclude with a community event on the courthouse plaza and lawn on Oct. 10 from 2-5 p.m.
The gathering will include games for children, a live musician and a DJ, and drawings in which people can win gift cards to local businesses.
The James Whitcomb Riley Home and Museum is also planning a celebration of the poet’s birthday on Oct. 3 to coincide with the event, including live poetry readings.
Berard said officials in Greenfield have been supportive of the event. With the use of the courthouse plaza and lawn, he said, there should be space for 600 or more people to attend while practicing social distancing.
Though much of what people love about the Riley Festival will be missing in this extraordinary year, the festival board is also planning one traditional tribute to the Hoosier Poet.
“We are going to decorate the Riley statue,” Berard said. “It’s not going to be the typical flower parade, but we will have something special that we’re planning as well.”