By Anna Skinner
Although the Fishers Freedom Festival has been a staple in the city for 29 years, attendees can expect a few new items during this year’s celebration.
According to FFF Executive Director Jennifer Kehl, the kids’ area has always been the most popular. However, adults will be able to experience some fun with a new game area.
“We are having a huge game area with a 30-by 40-foot blow up corn maze, laser tag, NASCAR simulator, (and more) both days,” Kehl said. “This is something new for kids, teens and adults. It’s the best festival in Hamilton County. Virtually everything is free. We have a lot to offer for all age groups, and we enjoy showcasing our city.”
Other returning activities and items include:
ENTERTAINMENT TENT SCHEDULE
June 24
- 10:45 a.m.– Fishers Young Talent Contest Winners
- 11:30 a.m.– Wishes Dance Studio
- 12:30 p.m. – Master Yoo’s Tae Kwon Do Demonstration
- 1 p.m. – Fishers Police Dept. and Hamilton County Law Enforcement K-9 demonstration
- 1:30 p.m. – En Pointe Indiana Ballet
- 2 p.m. – Francie Bond Gospel Music Ministry
- 2:30 p.m. – Bean bag baseball tournament with Northridge Senior Living vs. City of Fishers
- 3:30 p.m. – 4 Leaf Cloggers
- 4 p.m. – Title Boxing Demonstration
- 4:30 p.m. – Bring bake-off items to entertainment tent
- 5 p.m. – My Delilah Band/Bake-off judging
- 7:30 p.m. – The Wright Brothers Band
June 25
- 11:30 a.m. – Mudsock Jazz Combo
- 1:30 p.m. – Simply Symbiotic
- 2 p.m. – G. Scotten Talent Center
- 6:30 p.m. – Big Daddy Caddy
GAMES/ACTIVITIES
- UpDog Challenge – The Indy Dog and Disc Club will hold a competition where owners and dogs compete in various challenges. Begins at 9 a.m. June 24.
- Children’s Entertainment – Cumberland Road Christian Church will host puppet shows and other activities in the children’s tent 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 24 and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 25.
- Business tent – The Business Tent will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 24 for local businesses to showcase products and services to the community. It is on the west side of the parking lot.
- Allisonville Meadows 5K – Costs $24 for ages 13 and up, $20 for 12 and under. Takes place at 8 a.m. June 24. Kiddie run, free for ages up to 9, takes place after at 9 a.m.
- Arts and crafts booths – Open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. June 24 and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. June 25. Located in woods on northeast side of the park.
- Tethered balloon rides – Open from 6 to 8 p.m. both days at the Babe Ruth Baseball Diamond. $10 per person. Weather-permitting.
FOOD AND DRINK
Food vendors are along the paved path and open all day both days beginning at 10 a.m. Beer and wine gardens are open from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. June 24 and noon to 10:30 p.m. June 25. Attendees cannot walk the path with alcoholic beverages.
FOOD DRIVE/SILENT AUCTION
Admission and many activities during the Fishers Freedom Festival are free. In lieu of an admission fee, Fishers Freedom Festival is asking attendees to bring nonperishable food or school drive donation items. Grocery carts will be available around the park to place donations in.
PARADE
The Main Parade begins at 4 p.m. June 25 at Lantern Road and Commercial Drive. It will travel south on Lantern Road to 116th Street, west to Holland Drive, north to Ellipse Parkway, back to Lantern Road and finishes at Technology Lane. Local Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops will collect food and school drive donations along the route.
For a full list of activities available during Fishers Freedom Festival, visit fishersfreedomfestival.org.