By Lindsay Doty
In the tiny town of North Salem, nestled between S.R. 75 and S.R. 236, Labor Day weekend is all about Old Fashion Days. The 44th annual three-day event is packed with a traditional parade, pie-eating, tractor pulls and all the charms of small-town America.
“It is a tradition. I just like to think of it as an ongoing great event. The little town of North Salem is almost unknown in Hendricks County to half the county, but it is a great little town with great people,” Steve Hubbard, longtime resident and event committee president, said.
The festivities kick off Saturday morning with a smorgasbord breakfast at the United Methodist Church in North Salem followed by the largest parade in Hendricks County at 11 a.m. on Pearl Street.
“Seeing the kids along the street as they watch the antique cars and tractors, they all seem to love it,” Hubbard, 72, said.
Hubbard remembers taking his kids to the parade years ago.
North Salem Old Fashion Days festivities continue all weekend with plenty to see and eat. You’ll find town favorites like Judy Wyeth’s homemade Snickerdoodle cookies inside the Pioneer Tent or the vintage horse pull at the Machinery Field.
For the 44th annual event, organizers have added a Cornhole tournament, a junior and princess contest and a chalk art contest for kids in front of the bandstands.
“We’ve got lots of booths with various types of products from woodworking and jewelry and the antique stores in town. There’s a lot of food and just a good time for all,” Hubbard said.
Little ones can also come meet Cinderella on Saturday at the Kid Zone from 1 to 3 p.m. Organizers recommend families bring a camera and something for her to autograph. Tickets are $5.
Kickoff Breakfast
Saturday
7 to 10 a.m.
United Methodist Church
104 W. Pearl St.
North Salem
Parade
Pearl St.
Saturday
11 a.m
The Truck Pull
Saturday
3 p.m.
The Horse Pull
Sunday
6:30 p.m.
The 10K/5K Walk/Run Race
Monday
Sept. 3
Craft booths and merchants are open Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Shuttle rides are available all weekend for 50 cents.
For a full event schedule, northsalemoldfashiondays.com
