Lanesville Heritage Weekend: A Gala Celebration of Small Town America
From 1890 to 1992, some American farmers allowed their barns near a the highway to be painted red or black with yellow or white lettering advertising Mall Pouch brand chewing tobacco. One such beautifully restored barn is the central icon of the annual Lanesville Heritage Weekend festival in scenic Southern Indiana.
During the second weekend in September, as the leaves turn orange and yellow, all ages of fun-loving people come from Kentucky, the Midwest and states beyond to a site 12 miles northwest of Louisville, Kentucky, where locals celebrate the history and heritage of life in small-town America.
The first Lanesville Heritage Weekend celebration was held during America’s Bicentennial in 1976. Today, people liken the greatly expanded gala to the best county fair in this part of the nation.
Each fall, motors roar, and smoke from steam engines and hit-and-miss gasoline engines fill the air for three days, beginning on Friday, with the old farm machinery, popular autos, trucks, farm utensils and appliances of the 19th century on display. All makes of gasoline and steam tractors will be present, including early John Deere, Farmall, Massie, Oliver, Fordson, International Harvester, and other makes of tractors, too.
People come to see the exhibitions of farm and household chores performed in days past. There will be apple-butter, weaving, basket-making, blacksmithing, broom, sorghum, and soap-making demonstrations daily. And it wasn't all work back then: There also will be demonstrations of fiddle playing, log sawing competitions, horseshoe-tossing and other contests too.
A large tent where food is prepared on site most likely will feature pork chops, chicken, fried brats, fish, bean soup with cornbread, and barbecue..
A midway with rides for the kids and craft booths and other vendor tables add to the festive atmosphere.
Parking is free. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited on the grounds and pets of any kind must stay home. Sorry Fido.
On Saturday, there are 8- and 2-mile runs and a 5-mile walk followed by a parade down the main street of Lanesville and into the festival grounds.
HelloLouisville Tip: In order to participate in various events and competitions you will have to sign up at www.lanesvilleheritateweekend.org.
Posted on Aug 22, 2011 by Robert Riggs
