Parke County Covered Bridge Festival - A Hoosier Tradition October 13-22 The Bridgeton Bridge (used with permission) The Parke County Covered Bridge Festival is a Hoosier tradition. For 40 years now, Parke County has welcomed visitors from all over the world to one of the Midwest’s Greatest Festivals. It’s a celebration of Indiana’s historic past and Parke County’s 32 World Famous Covered Bridges - that’s more covered bridges than any other county. At this year’s Festival from October 13 to 22, nearly two million people will visit this small, rural county to tour covered bridges, enjoy entertainment, dine on country cooked food and shop, all framed by Indiana’s fabulous fall foliage. Rockville is Festival Headquarters, as a total of nine Festival Communities join together to provide over 800 square miles of Festival fun in Parke County - the Covered Bridge Capital of the World! A good starting point for the Covered Bridge Festival is the Headquarters right on The Square in the county seat of Rockville. There you can pick up a color-coded map which will guide you to the 32 historic covered bridges. Tour the county with your map by car at your own pace, or take a bus tour with a local guide. One of the attractions of Parke County is Billie Creek Village, just east of Rockville on US 36. There you can visit a recreated pioneer settlement where turn-of-the century craftsmen demonstrate their skills. There are 30 period-style buildings including a schoolhouse, churches, and a general store, where you can buy local crafts such as pottery, jams and jellies, and quilts. There are three historic covered bridges in Billie Creek, and horse-pulled wagon rides available to really take you back in time. In the town of Bridgeton you'll see a 245’ double-span bridge above a dam with a working grist mill, an 1878 house, artists, crafters and food. The Rocky Fork Bridge (used with permission) Also make sure to visit Mecca and dance in the covered bridge! The historic river town of Montezuma is known for its weekend hog roast and Aztec trading post. Rosedale’s Civic Center features local artists and craftsmen, and at Tangier you will find five covered bridges within three miles, and dine on their famous “buried roast beef.” And don't miss the pleasant Quaker community of Bloomingdale and hear tales of the Underground Railroad. Parke County Covered Bridge Festival is a must-see for Southern Indiana visitors. This popular county is home to over 30 festivals a year. Please let them help you plan your excursion by seeing their informative web site at www.coveredbridges.com. It will make your stay even more enjoyable and help you get the most out of your visit to the Covered Bridge Capital of the World! Hours are 9am-6pm daily, so bring comfortable walking shoes and plan to have a great time. To avoid traffic congestion come early and stay late! For information call 765-569-5226 or access www.coveredbridges.com.

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