Feasts & Festivals
Indiana has a wealth of feasts and festivals. Getting the word out isn't always easy for local communities. Indiana Foodways Alliance wants to help promote such festivities and help local communities be more successful.
Get a taste of some of Indiana's October events
Missisenewa 1812, north of Marion, Ind.
Mississinewa 1812 is the largest War of 1812 living history event in the country. It commemorates the battle fought here between 600 federal troops and British-allied Indians. The authentic portrayal of American and British military encampments, a breathtaking battle re-enactment, the Woodland Indian village, traders' camp and a Rivertown village combine to bring the sights, sounds and flavors of the early Indiana frontier to visitors.
Amongst all these activities are the open fires where period food, such as ham and beans made in a big cauldron, pork chops roasted over a fire, English trap pie - meat filled crescents of crusty dough, chicken and noodles, apple dumplings and French pastries such as cream puffs, is cooked. Drink some sasparilla, and don't expect soda pop here; carbonation is so 21st century. Authentic foods only, so make sure you taste the kettle corn still warm from the huge copper kettles stirred over open fires as you stroll along the river and watch the canoes glide by.
Feast of the Hunter's Moon, south of Lafayette, Ind.
The Feast of the Hunters' Moon, now in its 40th year, is about honoring and preserving our Colonial heritage. Held on the Wabash River just south of Lafayette, the feast takes place on 30 acres along the riverfront on land where the 1717 French fort once stood.
Listen to the muskets and cannons boom; smell the smoke from the many cooking and craft fires. There are so many events that make the feast special, but one not to be missed is the landing of the Voyageurs, a re-enactment of the French travelers who were hired to take goods to the forts that sat on the riverbanks in what was known as Indian country. These hearty men sang French chants to help them with both homesickness and to keep up the pace as they paddled for up to 16 to 18 hours a day. Meals were twice a day and consisted of a thick soup made from dried corn or peas seasoned with a little pork. Even today, watching them glide along the waters, arriving at the feast, creates a sense of awe.
This is a feast - more than 50 different dishes made from recipes culled from old books and journals - are prepared, much of it prepared over open fires, making the feast one of the 10 best food festivals in the U.S., according to Food Festival USA. Foods include buffalo burgers, hickory chicken, buffalo stew, fry bread, rock candy, pumpkin pie, venison sausage, sassafras candied apples, croquignolles, Voyageur stew and homemade root beer.
More Fall Fairs for Foodies
Berry Street Festival, Downtown Greencastle, Ind.
October 6, Free
Unique food, antiques, and crafts across several blocks south of the courthouse.
Red Gold Chili Cook-Off, Elwood, Ind.,
on Main Street
(SR 13)
October 13, Free
Lots of tasty competition. Baked goods and entertainment are also featured.
Past Feasts & Festivals
September 2007 Festivals
October 2007 Festivals
November 2007 Festivals
December 2007 Festivals
January 2008 Fesitvals
February 2008 Festivals
March 2008 Festivals
April 2008 Festivals
May 2008 Festivals
June 2008 Festivals
July 2008 Festivals
August 2008 Festivals
September 2008 Festivals
