The population of Atlanta is approximately 750, but by the weekend this little northern Hamilton County town will see 60,000 to 100,000 visitors at the 51st annual Atlanta New Earth Festival, which started in 1974.
The downtown district has changed over the years and businesses have come and gone, but the Atlanta New Earth Festival continues as Hamilton County’s largest and longest running festival.
This year, the town will carry on a new tradition of a Saturday evening concert from 7 to 9 p.m. by the Jessie Brown Band, followed by fireworks sponsored by Duke Energy and BBQology. Food vendors will be open in the park.
The Reporter had the opportunity to speak with event organizer Jennifer Farley about what visitors can expect at this year’s event.
“There are over 600 vendors lining Atlanta’s streets,” said Farley, who also serves as the Town Clerk-Treasurer. “This year we had so many vendors wanting a booth that we had to open another block on Broadway Street and in Dolles Park. The town has three different areas it rents: Main Street, Dolles Park, and Broadway Street, but homeowners also get involved. So around 600 vendors is the estimate throughout the whole town.”
According to Farley, Main Street will be reserved for vendors offering handmade goods. There you will find artistic and unique 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 Gatewood Farmers Market on Broadway Street offering fresh fruits and vegetables.
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, community events such as the Easter Egg Hunt and Christmas Tree Lighting, special projects and maintenance of Dolles Park 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, and more at the booth. You can also find that information online at AtlantaIndiana.com under the New Earth Festival link at the top of the page.
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 website. She does an amazing job and I really could not do all this without her, especially in festival season.”
Farley emphasized the importance of the sponsors and volunteers who make this festival happen every year.
This year’s top Sponsors are duke energy along with BBQology (which is a new restaurant opening in town). Commissioners Mark Heirbrandt and Christine Altman, Ace Scrap metal, Mid-Indiana Marine, Nickloy Albright Gorden & Siebe Attorneys-at-law, Useful Acres, Endeavor Communications, Hamilton County Tourism, IU Health Tipton … just to name a few.
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. 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.”
You can find the entertainment line up on social media.
Farley said, “There is something for everyone! We offer a FREE kids zone located in Dolles Park, bounce houses and face paintingm along with taekwondo. WIBC 93.1 will host their Saturday morning Home & Garden show at the festival. They will be located south of Main Street in Dolles Park from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.”
Once again, the festival is also partnering with Good Samaritan Network (GSN) on a festival food drive.
Farley told The Reporter GSN is an organization begun by Nancy Chance to unite several charitable organizations in one place. All the resources 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 along with IU Health Tipton 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 Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, Indiana State Police, P.A.I.D., Hamilton County Emergency Management, and others will be present to help teach health and safety to the next generation.
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.”
Farley especially thanked Matt Gross, Dustin Dixon, and the entire Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, Chief Carter and the Jackson Township Fire Department, as well as Atlanta town officials, the Street/Utility Department, and a few faithful residents for all they do to help make the Atlanta New Earth Festival a success. “We are a very blessed community!” she said.
On Sept. 28 and 29, the Atlanta New Earth Festival has plenty to offer. Visit AtlantaIndiana.com for more information.
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.
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