Harvest Fest returns Sunday
Fishers Arts Council and Hamilton County Tourism present the 6th annual Harvest Fest on Sunday, Sept. 7from noon to 5 p.m. along the Nickel Plate Trail in Fishers. This year’s family-friendly event features over 60 artists, artisans, and authors, ten nonprofits, five musicians, fun activities, and plenty of food and drink for all.
Additional support for Harvest Fest comes from our Beer Garden Sponsor, MashCraft – Fishers. Fishers Parks and the City of Fishers are partners as well, offering support, supplies, and assisting with securing additional funds for the event. “The Nickel Plate District is a recognized statewide cultural district which provides additional opportunities for grant funds,” said Ross Hilleary, Assistant Director of Planning for the City of Fishers, “so when a grant opportunity through Hamilton County Tourism became available, it was easy to work with the City’s long-standing partnership with Fishers Arts Council.”
“It’s incredible to step back and see how Harvest Fest has grown since 2020,” said Les Reinhardt, Fishers Arts Council’s Executive Director. “We hit the point that our patrons outgrew Heritage Park’s available parking. While I’m sad to leave the park, the opportunity to grow the event along the Nickel Plate Trail is invigorating.” Harvest Fest will start at Café Patachou’s patio at 8654 E. 116th St. and branches off into seven “art fields” along the trail, ending at Fairway Mortgage located at 8911 Technology Drive. The event map including address for all the art fields, recommended parking, restrooms, where to find your favorite creative and more can be found at FishersArtsCouncil.org/Harvest-Fest
”Honestly, I’m so thankful that Joe Janik and the MashCraft – Fishers crew are back as our Beer Garden sponsor for the second year in a row,” Reinhardt continued. “It shows how much they believe in Harvest Fest. MashCraft has supported art programs with us going on four years now and I couldn’t be happier to have them as a key part of our team. We are truly thankful for how our community comes together to make this event possible, and we are proud to be able to offer a fundraising opportunity for Fishers-serving nonprofits in a fun, community, art fair atmosphere.”
This free, family friendly event has grown to focus on “harvesting funds” and expanding awareness for several nonprofits that serve Fishers and beyond, shopping directly from local artists, and showcasing local musicians. This year’s nonprofits include Bee Free Bakes, Delaware Township Trustee food pantry, Fishers Community Chorus, Fishers Historical Society, Hamilton East Public Library Foundation, Hoosier Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation, Janus Developmental Services, Muscular Dystrophy Family Foundation, Saving Our Sisters, and Fishers Arts Council. Each organization will offer something different to raise much-needed funds, including art activities, decor, refreshments, and more. The featured musicians will be Erick Oneal Fisher, Tommy Icarus, Elizabeth Lee, Angela Pulliam and Andy Schomburg with all musicians sponsored by the City of Fishers. You can see the musician schedule at FishersArtsCouncil.org/harvest-fest
Fishers Arts Council will have a visual art activity led by Crosby Family Art (courtesy of a grant from the Penrod Society) and Janus Developmental Services will offer art creations made by those who use their services. The Fishers Historical Society will be offering limited-edition historical-inspired prints while Saving our Sisters offers logo wear to help raise funds for Ivy Tech scholarships for women veterans. Hoosier Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation is offering apparel, a photo contest, and the opportunity to meet Franklin, the Snapping Turtle. Fishers Community Chorus will be offering logo swag and invitations to join their joyful group!
Three new nonprofits join us this year: Bee Free Bakes will offer a variety of tasty lemonades, Hamilton East Public Library Foundation is newly formed and will have a fun craft activity, and the Muscular Dystrophy Family Foundation touts a prize wheel where everyone is a winner. The Delaware Township Trustee is back for their third year and will be seeking non-perishable donations for their food pantry which provides those in need with essential food and hygiene items. Bring items with you from their wish list (tinyurl.com/delawarefoodpantry) or offer a monetary donation that they can use to purchase fresh milk, meats, and produce for food pantry clients. When you stop by to donate food, take part a fun art project!
Bring your appetite and grab lunch, early dinner, or tame your sweet tooth with food trucks that have graciously partnered to donate a portion of their proceeds to participating nonprofits: Bay Area Bistro (benefiting Bee Free Bakes) Biscuit Baby (benefiting Saving Our Sisters), Black Leaf Vegan (benefiting Hoosier Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation), Chef TLC with Faith the Food Bus (benefiting Delaware Township Trustee food pantry), Fillers Stuffed Burgers (benefiting Hamilton East Public Library Foundation), Ice Cream Donuts (benefiting Muscular Dystrophy Family Foundation) Kona Ice Indy (benefiting Fishers Community Chorus) and Qué Tacos! (benefiting Fishers Historical Society).
With 60 local artists, artisans, and authors at Harvest Fest this year, we would be remiss not to mention them all. You’ll find a variety of items ranging from fine art to jewelry to toys to books to personal care, all skillfully handmade right here in Central Indiana. Bring the kids, bring your appetite, and bring a wagon to take these treasures home with you!
Fine Art & Photography: Maddie Arts, JB Art, Nevruz Brown, Sprigg and Sprout, Pam Crowder, DF Original Designs LLC, Cordial Kitten, JAH Create, Wander Pet Photography, Dr. Mattie Jones, Jill Keough, Waya Momma, The Nu Artist, Ellen’s Creative Escape, Lori Patrick Fine Art, Because Why nArt, Kristin Roche, Mark Rouse Art, Reginald Strong Sr, Be Still and Know Watercolor Art, Amy Denise Art, Enchanted Fay
Jewelry: Melly’s Distractions, Waya Momma, Glass Utopia, Sculpted by Syd, Good Energy Boutique, Sarah Spomer Art
Indiana Authors: Matthew Barron, Sutton Bishop, Brent Dragoo, J.C. Kenney, DeWayne Landwehr, Nan Reinhardt, Quack & Beans
Woodworking & Woodcarving: The Studio of Alexandra Geske, Ask Cheese Woodworks, Jack Looper
Ceramics & Pottery: Olivia Ooky, Ceramics by Mila, Forest Borne Ceramics
Blown, Fused, & Stained Glass: Jen’s Custom Treasures, Glass Utopia
Fiber Arts & Clothing: Ballard-Harris Designs, Campb Crochet, Lizzy’s Fancy, Second Act Crochet & Crafts, Sarah Spomer Art, Singing Land Fibers, Novel Knot, Teresa Wesley
Soaps & Personal Care: Azure’s Secret, Natural Blend Cosmetics, Sweet Melissa Honey & Hive
Candles: Good Energy Boutique, Lucky Star Co.
Home & Garden Decor & Plants: Maddie Arts, Above & Below Oddities, Melly’s Distractions, Olivia Ooky, Ruth’s Garden, Glass Utopia, Jack Looper, Good Energy Boutique, Azure’s Secret, Pilar Perez Creations, Novel Knot, Lucky Star Co., Handmade Rock Canvas
Hot Sauce: Pup & the Pepper
Kid’s Items & Accessories: Ballard-Harris Designs, Campb Crochet, Indy Suz, Lizzy’s Fancy, Second Act Crochet & Crafts, Cordial Kitten, Waya Momma, Sculpted by Syd, Good Energy Boutique, Quack & Beans, Matt 3D Creations, Teresa Wesley