The population of Atlanta is approximately 750, but next weekend this little northern Hamilton County town will see 70,000 to 100,000 visitors at the annual Atlanta New Earth Festival, which started in 1974.
The Reporter had the opportunity to speak with event organizer Jennifer Farley about what visitors can expect at the longest-running and largest festival in Hamilton County.
Nickel Plate Express will offer 20-minute caboose rides for $10 per person; kids age 2 and under ride for free at the festival. Rides will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday.
There will be over 600 vendors lining Atlanta’s streets. “The town has three different areas it rents: Main Street, Dolles Park and Broadway Street, but homeowners also get involved,” Farley told The Reporter. “So around 600 vendors is the estimate throughout the whole town.”
It should be noted that official participation in the New Earth festival will involve all vendors and events taking place up to the south side of County Line Road.
“For the last 20 years we have seen at least this many vendors, but over the last several years the types of vendors have been slowly changing,” Farley said.
According to Farley, Main Street will be reserved for vendors offering handmade items.
“On Broadway Street you will find antiques, collectibles, vintage and seasonal home décor, jewelry and boutique clothing, just to name a few,” Farley said. “Vintage and repurposed items are very big right now.”
There will also be a Gatewood’s farmers market on Broadway.
Returning vendors have consistently told Farley this is the event that puts them in the black for the year. The festival also helps the Town of Atlanta in many ways.
“It is a kickoff to Christmas shopping for many people,” Farley said. “But it helps us too. Our general fund budget is not that large, so this festival helps us fund things that we otherwise could not do.”
Trimming trees, the purchase and removal of abandoned properties, special projects, maintenance of Dolles Park and other local projects are paid for with funds from the festival.
If all that seems a little overwhelming, have no fear: the Boy Scouts are always prepared to help. There will be an information booth on Main Street manned by local Boy Scouts to help you find your way around. You can find fliers, maps, programs, T-shirts and more at the booth.
Farley wanted to emphasize the importance of the sponsors and volunteers who make this festival happen every year.
The New Earth Festival social media is handled by Annie Dixon, about whom Farley said, “Annie is the deputy clerk for Atlanta and co-organizer for the festival. Part of her job is handling Facebook, Instagram and the new website. She does and amazing job and I really could not do all this without her, especially in festival season.”
Some of the main sponsors include: Duke Energy, Commissioners Mark Heirbrandt and Christine Altman, Roudebush Equipment, Endeavor Communications, Nickel Plate Express, Bright Equipment, Ace Tool Rental, Hamilton County Tourism, Nickloy, Albright & Gordon Law, and Mr. Muffin’s Trains and the Choo Choo Café.
Families can enjoy caboose rides both days of the Atlanta New Earth Festival. (Reporter file photo)
A big draw for Hamilton County visitors is the live entertainment.
“The entertainment sponsorship started at our 40th anniversary,” Farley said. “We decided we wanted to do something new and we wanted to do it right. In order to fund that we started a sponsorship program. This year’s free entertainment is made possible by the sponsorship of Commissioner Mark Heirbrandt. Commissioner Heirbrandt was one of the first sponsors of the festival and we appreciate his continued support.”
Once again, the festival is also partnering with Good Samaritan Network (GSN) on a festival food drive.
Farley told The Reporter the GSN is a project begun by Nancy Chance to unite several charitable organizations in one place. All the resources that are available for charitable and outreach projects are reachable in one location. Thus, the network can connect people with the right organization for their individual needs.
GSN will have several barrels around the festival for donations. You can also give by scanning the QR code at the festival or right now by going to gsnlive.kindful.com.
County Commissioner Christine Altman is sponsoring the public safety health awareness area which will offer a variety of interactive learning experiences. There will be a fire safety trailer offering kids the opportunity to learn how to stay safe around fire. Agencies including the State Police, People Against Impaired Drivers, Mended Hearts, the American Legion and others will be present to help teach health and safety to the next generation.
The bloodmobile will be at the garage south of Dolles Park from 10 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. on Saturday. According to Farley, they are in dire need of donations, so please stop by when you are at the festival.
When asked about the name and history of the festival, Farley told The Reporter, “The festival started on Main Street in 1974. One of the businesses that helped start it was called ‘A Touch of Earth.’ Everything at the first festival was handmade. Originally it was the first week in October, but in time it was moved the fourth weekend in September.”
It takes several people to help put the festival on – from putting 600 trash boxes together, to setting up water and electrical services for the food vendors, placing barricades and sponsor signage, setting vendors and having emergency services available. These are just to name a few things that take place before the festival begins.
Farley would like to especially thank Chief Moore and the Jackson Township Fire Department, Blaine Mallaber and the entire Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department, as well as Atlanta town officials and the Street/Utility Department for all they do to help make the Atlanta New Earth Festival a success.
On Sept. 24 and 25, the Atlanta New Earth Festival has plenty to offer. Visit atlantaindiana.com for more information.