During my first week as a general assignment reporter for Zionsville, I wandered around town and met many welcoming residents and merchants. This town is packed with charm, tradition, and so many quaint, cute shops. Where should I stop first? Zionsville Fall Festival, of course!
This amazing three-day event held the week after Labor Day each year brings an excitement and buzz which showcases what community is all about, a concept rare in our busy, fast-paced world.
The rain on Friday night did not dampen spirits nor halt activities but only highlighted the incredible dedication of adult and student Lion Club volunteers who ran around ensuring the more than 100 VIP children with special needs had a great time, even running food and drinks to their cars in the rain.
Festivities continued on Saturday and Sunday with the town parade, carnival rides, inflatables, a new Luau, an outdoor worship service, car show and pageant. Whew! What a weekend! I am exhausted but Grand Marshall Leigh Ann Akard, my new hero, is the one who really needs a break along with the volunteers working the 260 Festival shifts. What an accomplishment! So, what’s going on next weekend?
A few other things I learned as I wandered around Z-ville…
- There is no mayor – Okay, I’m from Chicago. I really didn’t know.
- Lesley Jane has cool, hip clothes at good prices – First paycheck spent!
- There is something going on at the Zionsville Christian Church on Tuesday night and it’s NOT the City Council meeting – Trust me.
- Council meetings are run very efficiently. Each meeting begins with the Pledge of Alligiance and the “Under God” was not omitted (which is probably a good thing since the meeting is in an old church).
- This is a fantastic, friendly, little town – Where have I been all these years?
I can’t wait to see what I discover next week. Off I go! Julie O.