As the final days of summer draw to a close, the annual end of season checklist rears its unwelcome head: Most area schools are back in session. Check. Many families have returned from vacation. Check. People are making the most of the remaining days of warm weather. Check.
However, residents of Zionsville have one more item on that checklist, and it is one of celebration and community spirit, the annual Fall Festival. The Zionsville Lions Club Fall Festival is a week-end long event featuring food, games, carnival rides, live entertainment, and vendors; not to mention an auction, dancing, and a kick-off parade. The theme of this year’s Fall Festival is “Rock around the Clock.”
Since its inception, Fall Festival’s goal has been to raise money to maintain Lions Park, and it remains the Lions Club’s biggest fundraiser. Tim Reinhart, Lions Club president and Festival chair, explained both the need for financial resources and the significance of Lions Park.
“The park is not supported by tax dollars. All of the revenue for the park comes from the Lions Club fundraisers,” he said.
Attendance at the festival will be crucial to meeting fundraising goals. “We anticipate a crowd of about 25,000 over the three days,” Reinhart said.
The three days will kick off on Sept. 6 with a VIP carnival for children and adults with special needs as well as the Poor Jack’s Carnival. On Sept. 7, events will begin with the traditional parade down Main Street with over 100 entrants. Carnival games, a kids’ area, live dance and band performances and an adult and teen party complete the day. Sept. 8 begins with the Spokes of Hope bike race and a community worship service, and ends with the Miss Outstanding Teen pageant. There will be an unlimited ride $15 wristband available.
“This is typically ranked as the most fun event every year in Zionsville,” Reinhart said. “We cater to all ages. We like to have something for everyone, for the young children, for the teenagers, and the adults. It’s a great opportunity to experience the community of Zionsville.”
The Basics
When: Sept. 6 to 8
Where: Lions Park, South Elm and East Sycamore streets
What: The three-day festival is the largest fundraiser for Lions Park. It begins on Friday night with the VIP Carnival for special friends and their family and caregivers and the Poor Jack Carnival. The Lions Club Parade kicks of the festival on Saturday on Main Street. The festival is filled with local entertainment and performances, food, carnival rides, kids’ corner bounce houses and vendors that include arts and crafts, commercial, kids and pets. A community church service is Sunday morning.
Website: http://zionsvillelions.com/events/fall-festival
