The Friends of Historic Vernon are making final preparations for the Festival of the Arts on Saturday and Sept. 1 around the Jennings County Courthouse in downtown Vernon.
Admittance to the festival is free, and everyone is invited according to Vernon’s Mayor Dan Wright.
This year’s festival will include art and food vendors, live music both days and activities for all ages. The festival starts at 10 a.m. Saturday and will conclude at 4 p.m. Sept. 1.
The town of Vernon has sponsored a gathering during the Labor Day weekend for over 50 years. The annual celebration began as a celebration of the town’s history and involvement with arts. It’s now designed to showcase the talents of area artists and also provide family entertainment.
Artists can showcase their art with displays and live demonstrations. Some artists will sell their work.
Over 700 pieces of work were entered by artists in last year’s contest, and more are expected this year, said Friends of Vernon volunteer Karen Chilman.
Entries for the art contest must be submitted to the Jennings County Historical Society, on Brown Street, across from the courthouse, by 1 p.m. Saturday. The contest will take place between 1 and 3 p.m. Saturday.
Musicians will perform on the stage in front of the courthouse both days. Additional activities will include performances of the Adzooks Puppet Show, Southern Indiana Taiko Drummers, Ko’s Tae-Kwon-Do and a community drum circle with Fernando Rubrio.
A tyke tractor pull is set for 1:30 p.m. Saturday, and a glow walk start at 8:30 p.m.
A bicycle parade and decorating contest for all ages starts at 1 p.m. Sunday.
For a complete schedule of events, to enter the art contest or rent a booth, go to Friends of Historic Vernon Facebook page at facebook.com/friendsofhistroricvernon.
