story by GLENDA WINDERS
The end of summer signals the beginning of fall activities in Pulaski County. The 26th annual Monterey Days Festival, which runs over the Labor Day weekend, will kick off the fun with more kinds of old-fashioned family entertainment and amusement than you can imagine. The party begins on Friday with a cake walk, inflatables for kids and a Hillbilly Scramble.
Saturday will see a town-wide yard sale, a library book sale, waterball, a frog-jumping contest, a tractor show and a catch-the-pig contest. Sunday’s high points will be a magic show and pro wrestling. And while all this and much more is happening you can also take part in silent auctions, food and crafts for sale, and music.
Once you’ve had time to catch your breath, head out to the 55th annual Francesville Fall Festival on Sept. 15, 16 and 17. Here you can enjoy carnival rides, pottery and woodworking demonstrations, a petting zoo, bingo and free popcorn for everyone. An art, crafts and flea market will be going on as well as a food extravaganza with a wide variety of cuisines.
While you’re here, take time to visit Miss Kitty’s Orchard, just south of Francesville, to enjoy this autumnal attraction. Pick your own apples or buy some in their store. Take a hay ride, play in the pumpkin patch and nuzzle some critters at the petting zoo.
Come October you won’t want to miss the Medaryville Crane Cruise, sponsored by the Medaryville/White Post Township Fire Department. This annual ride with friendly people takes bicyclists on either 14-, 25- or 50-mile paved routes and winds up back at the fire station for a homemade dinner of soups, sandwiches and desserts.
Wrap up the season at the Tippecanoe River State Park Halloween Campsite Walking Tour on Oct. 28. The merrymaking will include Halloween games, crafts and activities as well as a costume contest and a walk through the electric campground to see the spooky decorations.
For more information visit: tourism.pulaskionline.org
