By Ann Craig-Cinnamon
The 26th annual Fishers Freedom Festival is now less than three weeks away. The festival is the largest event of the year in Fishers, with as many as 50,000 people expected to attend if the weather is pleasant. It takes lots of planning and volunteers to pull off. It also means there will be traffic issues and parking changes. So here’s what you need to know.
Because of the construction downtown at Town Hall, some parking has been eliminated, but there are new lots that will take their place. The free shuttle will be running again this year, according to Jennifer Kehl the executive director of Fishers Freedom Festival.
“We will continue to run our free shuttle from the Town Hall, Alhuda Foundation, and this year we’re using New Britton Elementary,” she says and adds that all of the information is on their website, www.fishersfreedomfest.org, including a map that shows parking. There will be parking available at Holland Park, the site of the festival, as well for $5 but that space fills up quickly.
There will also be a road closure for the parade on June 29. 116th Street from Hague Road to Commercial Drive will be closed beginning at 3pm until approximately 6 p.m.
As for volunteers, Kehl says they need adults.
“Right now we’re sending a shout out to kids 18 and over and adults to volunteer for our firefighter combat challenge. We say they have to be 18 or over because they have to be somewhat physically fit because they are going to be resetting the obstacle course. It’s not hard, it’s just that a young child would not be able to do it,” she says.
They also need volunteers in the arts and crafts area, the 5k and children’s tent and those 12 and older are encouraged to sign up for those.
If you want to volunteer, you can do so at the festival website, email at [email protected] or call 595-3195.
