Harvest Homecoming kicks off festivities this weekend

Oct. 6—NEW ALBANY — Harvest Homecoming 2023 kicks off this Saturday with its opening ceremonies, kids run and the Harvest Homecoming Parade.

This is the festival's 56th year. For the occasion, Harvest Homecoming this year will reflect on past festivals with an "Old Fashioned Harvest."

"The "Old Fashioned Harvest" is a big tribute to a lot of the folks who've come and worked so hard and kept this festival going for so many years," said Kenneth Eichenberger, Harvest Homecoming's president. "We're honored to be able to continue the legacy of what people have done."

Over 50 years ago, a group of people got together to have a pumpkin festival for two years. That festival then turned into Harvest Homecoming and has been going ever since.

This year will have the return of rides and the Haunted House at the Grand Theater. Another event that has not been at the festival for about four or five years is back. In the Purdue Pumpkin Chunkin' Competition participants will build a trebuchet to try to hit the Great Pumpkin target from 100 yards away.

Harvest Homecoming helps bring the community together and even brings members who have left back to their roots.

"For 50-plus years, it has been a reuniting of those that have come and graduated and come back to the community," Eichenberger said. "Most of the class reunions typically happen over the fall season... They can get back together and reconnect and remind themselves of the blessings that they have and where their roots are from."

The theme for this year is a way to show how thankful the Harvest Homecoming board is to the community and the people who helped make it what it is today.

"We're hoping that the "Old Fashioned Harvest" theme is recognized as a way to pay tribute to those who have given so much time, energy and effort," Eichenberger said. "We're thankful that the community has stepped up and helped us by sponsoring so many things this year and allowing us to continue."

Saturday, Oct. 7

HARVEST HOMECOMING BAKING CONTEST

Hosted by Sweet Stuff Bakery in New Albany.

Contest entries for Homemade pie, cake, breakfast, and cookies should be dropped off between 9 — 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Church cafeteria at 420 E. 8th St., New Albany. No professional bakers, please.

Judging: will begin at 11 a.m. and winners will be announced at Noon.

Contestants may not enter more than two items per category. Entries must be home-baked and prepared in a sanitary manner. Entries must be fully baked and submitted on the contestant's dish. Entries must not require refrigeration.

Each entry must include the name of your baked good and ingredients used.

Scoring: Each contestant will be assigned a number for judging. Do not put your name on any baked entry. Entries will be judged on taste, appearance, and original use of pumpkin and/or fall fruits and vegetables.

Prizes: 1st prize — $50 Sweet Stuff Bakery Gift Card

2nd prize — $25 Sweet Stuff Bakery Gift Card

3rd prize — $10 Sweet Stuff Bakery Gift Card

For more information, call Diane at Sweet Stuff Bakery (812) 948-2507.

NATURE HIKES

Campbell-Woodland Nature Trail, 3273 Budd Rd., New Albany

Join the Nature Conservancy for a peaceful walk in the woods at Campbell-Woodland Nature Trail, Saturday, Oct. 7.

All ages are welcome to come explore the autumn woods.

This one-mile paved trail is managed by The Nature Conservancy as part of the Forest Bank program. Meet at 3273 Budd Rd., New Albany at 9 a.m. Attendees should come prepared with good walking shoes, bug spray, and weather-appropriate layers.

Please RSVP by emailing esme.barniskis@tnc.org

NEW ALBANY TRACK CLUB HARVEST HOMECOMING KIDS RUN

Parking Lot Behind Carnegie Center Bank St. & E. Spring St.

Annual final race for the NATC school series brings kids and families downtown offering the kid runners a different environment for the race. Kids strategically run two short one-mile round-trip races along part of the parade route ahead of the parade to help involve the community.

All school-age ranges are seen in this event and season-end meeting follows at end of the race. First race starts at 2 p.m. second race starts at 2:20 p.m.

More info: Run@NATrackClub.org

HARVEST HOMECOMING OPENING CEREMONIES

Orange Bleachers near E. 8th St. & E. Spring St.

The official kick-off to the 2023 Harvest Homecoming Festival complete with music, full parade narration and broadcast (WNAS), special guests, various food vendors, and the best seats in the house for the annual Harvest Homecoming Parade.

HARVEST HOMECOMING PARADE Vincennes, Market & Bank Streets

Come experience over-the-top floats, vintage cars, and loud bands with our Fall Fairytale parade. The parade kicks off at 3 p.m. from New Albany High School, marches down Vincennes Street, then takes a right on Spring Street, and ends on Bank Street. You can have a front row seat to all the action, along any street! If you have any questions, contact Allyson Glass at aglass@harvesthomecoming.com

SUNDAY, OCT. 8

PUMPKIN DECORATING CONTEST

City Square — Farmers Market , 202 E. Market St.

Drop-off: 2 — 3:30 p.m. Judging starts at 3:30 p.m. Winners announced 4 p.m.

Annual Festival event for kids through adults where talent meets fun pumpkin decorating with community celebration and achievement. All pumpkins are to be pre-decorated, there is no active painting or decorating onsite. Group or individually prepared pumpkins may be painted or decorated with any material.

Craft entries may be ceramic, fiber or mâché. No previous year craft entries accepted. There will be two Grand Champion Awards (one from the 'Individual' category and one from the 'Group' category) for entry most closely related to this year's theme "Old Fashioned Harvest".

All entrants receive participation ribbon. Event is free!

Harvest Homecoming pins available for $5.

All pumpkins must be picked up and taken from event.

Any leftover pumpkins will be thrown away.

For more information, email Allyson Glass at aglass@harvesthomecoming.com

RAIN LOCATION is the City Parking Garage on the first floor. Check Harvesthomecoming.com website the morning of event if questionable weather.

MONDAY, OCT. 9

KIDS' DOG SHOW, 5 p.m.

New Albany Riverfront Amphitheater, 100 E Water St. Open to kids ages 3-13. Dogs must be at least 6 months old, have all shots, and be on a leash or contained.

Categories include:

Best Trick, Twin with my Owner, Dog Disguise (costume), Face Only a Mom Could Love, Best Personality and Best Dog Impostor (animal other than dog, vaccinations apply)

Entrants can enter a maximum of three categories. Prizes provided by Duffy's Dog Training Center. For more information, contact Caroline Kitzmiller at kidsdogshow@harvesthomecoming.com

TUESDAY, OCT. 10

PURDUE PUMPKIN CHUNKIN' COMPETITION, 4:30 p.m.

Purdue Polytechnic New Albany, 3000 Technology Ave.

Can you hit the Great Pumpkin target from up to 100 yards away using a gravity-powered trebuchet launching 7- to 10-lb. pumpkins?

Sign up as a team to compete or come out to watch and see which team is the best.

Setup and practice at Noon — 3 p.m.

Open to the public at 4 p.m. (parking, food trucks & booths) Qualifying starts at 4:30 p.m.

Competition begins at 6 p.m. Awards are at 7 p.m.

Additional information, past videos of events, application, map and rules posted @ https://polytechnic.purdue.edu/newsroom/purdue-pumpkin-chunking-event

For more information, contact Joseph F. Dues, Jr. jdues@purdue.edu Office: 765-494-7769 Cell: 502-939-3871

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 11

HARVEST HOMECOMING SENIOR BINGO, 2 to 4 p.m.

Charlestown Place at New Albany, 4915 Charlestown Rd., New Albany

BINGO — games for the Senior Living Community and their families.

Prizes awarded to winners. Refreshments will be served and lots of fun will be had by all. Volunteers wishing to attend and help the residents play Senior Bingo may show up and go to the activities room.

For more information email Toni Henderson at thenderson@harvesthomecoming.com, or the Activities Director at 812-945-5221.

OCT. 12, 13, & 14

THE HAUNTING @ THE GRAND THEATRE

The Grand Theatre, 138 E. Market St., New Albany

Grab your ticket and dare to take a thrilling stroll through The Grand's Haunted Theatre. Each room is dedicated to get your blood-curdling scream on as we highlight some of the all-time classic horror and scariest movies of years past. You won't know which way to turn as each room will send chills up your spine and be even better than last season. Each twist and turn will make you face your fear. Thrill seekers don't miss out on this house of horrors sure to test your limits.

Waiver to sign and $20 per person admission collected at the entry line.

Thursday 8-10 p.m.; Friday 7-10:30 p.m.; Saturday 7-10:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, OCT. 12

ECUMENICAL CHURCH SERVICE

Samtec Cares Family Stage, State St. & E. Market St., New Albany

Noon — 1 p.m.

Presented by various community churches, all are welcome! For more information, email Angela Graf at agraf@hopesi.org

Hosted by Hope Southern Indiana

CRAFTS & FOOD BOOTHS

Noon — 9:00 PM

SAMTEC CARES STAGE

Noon — 8 p.m.

OCT. 12, 13, 14 & 15

CRAFTS & FOOD BOOTHS

Harvest Homecoming Festival, Market, Pearl & Bank Streets

Thursday: Noon — 9 p.m.; Friday: 9: a.m. — 10 p.m.; Saturday: 9:a.m. — 10 p.m.; Sunday: Noon — 5 p.m.

Come experience the best this community has to offer including art, crafts, organizations, food and fun.

FRIDAY, OCT. 13

SAMTEC CARES STAGE,

11 a.m. — 8 p.m.

CRAFTS & FOOD BOOTHS

9 a.m. — 10 p.m.

THE HAUNTING @ THE GRAND THEATRE 7 — 10:30 p.m.

OCT. 13, 11 a.m. — 1:30 p.m.

HARVEST HOMECOMING BUSINESS LUNCHEON POWERED BY EXTOL

The Columbian, Knights of Columbus —809 E Main St. Extol flavored luncheon activities centered around the "Old Fashioned Harvest" theme. Food, fun, & fashion provided by local businesses. $50 tickets benefit Harvest Homecoming and their many non-profits around the community.

For Tickets: Call (502) 551-2698, email: extol@extolmag.com, or go to Extol Magazine 1638 E Market St.

FRIDAY, OCT. 13

FRIDAY FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT ON THE RIVERFRONT

6:30 to 10:30 p.m., New Albany Riverfront Amphitheater, 100 E. Water S.t, New Albany

Grab your blankets, chairs and the whole family for our kid-friendly movie night at the New Albany Riverfront. This is a FREE event. Snacks and drinks provided.

Homeward Bound starts at 6:30 p.m., Hocus Pocus starts at 8:35 p.m.

OCT. 13 — 7:30 P.M.

HARVEST HOMECOMING BLIND DRAW CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT

Knights of Columbus, 809 E Main St.

This will be a blind draw for partners tournament:

—$20 a person entry at the door

—Payouts to the top 3 (TBD based on team amounts)

—1st will also receive a cornhole board style trophy

—75% payout

Food and alcohol will be sold by Knights of Columbus.

For more information, contact Brent Glass at 502-819-1668. Thanks to Big Daddy Cornhole for sponsoring the bags this year!

SATURDAY, OCT. 14

SAMTEC CARES STAGE

3: — 8 p.m.

CRAFTS & FOOD BOOTHS

9 a.m. -10 p.m.

THE HAUNTING @ THE GRAND THEATRE

7 — 10:30 p.m.

OCT. 14 — 8 a.m.

NEW ALBANY FARMERS' MARKET

New Albany Farmers Market —202 E Market St, New Albany, IN

We should still have a limited market available at the Farmers Market area from 8 a.m. — Noon. Farmers should enter/exit using the approved alley routing provided and should show special parking pass.

OCT. 14, 9 A.M. — 3 P.M.

HARVEST HOMECOMING CAR & BIKE SHOW

New Albany Riverfront, 100 E Water St., New Albany

Registration: 9: a.m. — 1 p.m. Public Viewing 1-3: p.m. Awards Presentation: 3 p.m.

Admission: $20 per car. ENTER AT EAST 6TH & MAIN and proceed toward the Yellow Pavilion. Open to any type of stock, classic, show or race car, antique vehicles, trucks, motorcycle, any model, any year. Trophies for Mayor's Choice, Best Ford, Best GM, Best Mopar, Best Other (Car), Best Street Rod, Best Bike, Best Paint, Largest Club Participation, & People's Choice.

Top 100 Cars Judged Receive a Top 100 Trophy, Dash Plaques For First 250 Entries, $100 Given Away Every Hour from 11 a.m. — 3 p.m., Door Prizes and 50/50 Drawing. Donation to Cops For Kids will be made from Entry Fees.

For more information, call Kevin Bostock at 502-664-1952 or Rodney Riley at 502-664-5634

Hosted by Back In Time Car Club of Southern Indiana.

Back In Time Car Club will not be held responsible for Accidents.

OCT. 14 — 9:15 A.M.

BIG WHEEL RACE

Samtec Cares Stage, State St & E Market St, New Albany

Registration: 9:15 a.m. Start Time: 10 a.m.

Race classes may be by age, height, and weight depending on contenders signing up for races. Typically ages 3 to 12 and under 100 pounds.

Please bring your own Big Wheel.

Harvest Homecoming will have only one extra Big Wheel available.

(All direct pedal to Big Wheel drive, no chains or other type of mechanism accepted, no Razors, must have a front pedal attached to wheel and stationary rear wheels).

For more information, call Christen Rasmussen 502-550-8414.

OCT. 14, 9:15 A.M.

BABY CRAWL

Samtec Cares Stage , State St. & E. Market St, New Albany

Eligible babies between 6 and 13 months (no walking babies)

Registration: 9:15 a.m. Event Time: 10 a.m. Trophies and ribbons will be awarded.

For more information call Ginny Stroh at 502-541-8652.

OCT. 14, 11 A.M.

CHILDREN'S TRACTOR PULL

Samtec Cares Stage, E Market St. & State St., New Albany

For children 30-100 pounds. Ages up to and including 12-year-olds.

Registration: 11 a.m. Start Time: 11:30 a.m.

For more information, call Christen Rasmussen 502-550-8414.

OCT. 14, 11:30 a.m.

COSTUME CONTEST

Samtec Cares Stage, State St. & E. Market St

Registration: 11:30 a.m. Start Time: 12 p.m.

Free for all ages. Judging categories 0-2 years; 2-4 years; 5-9 years, 9-13 years; 14 and up; groups; overall winners will be announced at the end of contest.

For more information, call Christen Rasmussen 502-550-8414.

OCT. 14, NOON

HARVEST HOME DECORATING CONTEST SPONSORED BY PAT HARRISON — REMAX

Floyd County Residents, 4209 Charlestown Rd.

Entry deadline is Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023 at noon. Judging same day to follow. The contest is open to all homes in Floyd County, Indiana. The home must be owned or rented by the person entering the contest. An apartment building will be a single entry. Judged on originality, use of color, the "Old Fashioned Harvest" theme and overall appearance. The decisions of the judges are final.

For more information, call Pat Harrison at 812-944-1111 or 812-989-4663.

Entry forms available at Pat's office at 4209 Charlestown Rd. Thanks to our prize donors:

1st Prize: A free home spraying by Black Diamond Pest Control of New Albany

2nd Prize: 5 gallons of paint provided by Sherwin Williams of New Albany

3rd Prize: Carpet cleaning by ALL IN ONE (John Buckel)

Hosted by PAT HARRISON RE/MAX

OCT. 14 — 3 p.m.

KIDS' DAY IN THE PARK

Bicentennial Park, E. Spring St.

Free Admission! Hands-on activities, displays, and interaction for kids through the 6th grade. Must be accompanied by an adult.

Raffle tickets will be given away for a chance to win a twin mattress set, bed frame, dresser and a night stand donated by Schmitt Furniture.

OCT. 14 — 1 P.M.

PETITE, LITTLE, & PRE-TEEN MISS & LITTLE MASTERS

First Financial Stage, Market & State Streets

The Little Miss & Master Pageants are a fundraiser for the Miss Harvest Homecoming Scholarship Pageant. Contestants should come dressed in their best fall fashions and will be asked an on-stage question. First, second, and third place awards will be given in each category: Petite Little Miss & Little Master (3yrs — 5yrs), Little Miss (6yrs — 8 yrs), and Little Miss Pre-Teen (9yrs — 11yrs).

REGISTRATION TAKES PLACE THE DAY OF THE EVENT:

—Petite Little Miss & Little Master Registration at 1 p.m.

—Little Miss Registration at 1:30 p.m.

—Little Miss Pre-Teen Registration at 2 p.m.

Registration fee: $20.00 per contestant via cash or check (made payable to Harvest Homecoming) is due at the time of registration.

Link to the Little Miss/Little Master registration form can be found on the Harvest Homecoming website under the "Forms" tab.

OCT. 14, 6:30 — 11 p.m.

SCHMITT FURNITURE'S 87th BIRTHDAY BASH WITH HARVEST HOMECOMING

SATURDAY NIGHT ON THE RIVERFRONT

New Albany Riverfront Amphitheater

Join us at the amphitheater for a music-filled night from two of southern Indiana's favorite bands The Skinny and The Juice Box Heroes.

Schmitt Furniture's 87th Birthday Bash will take place Saturday with a FREE concert celebration including The Juice Box Heroes.

Louis Schmitt, owner of Schmitt Furniture said "The Birthday Bash allows the store to celebrate its anniversary with the community and provide the city a fun night out. It's just a pleasure and honor to be able to have an event like this partnered with the Harvest Homecoming this year. This is our way of saying thank you to the community for believing in us and supporting us and a major portion of the sales of food and drink will support a local non-profit organization that provides bedding for people in need."

6:30 p.m. — Beer Garden, Food Trucks and The Skinny takes the stage 8:00-11 p.m. — Juice Box Heroes

For questions, contact Schmitt Furniture at 812-944-2285 or Schmitt Furniture's Facebook page.

OCT. 14 — 7:30 P.M.

HARVEST HOMECOMING CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT

Knights of Columbus, 809 E Main S.t, New Albany

This is a bring your own partner and bring your own bags tournament.

$20 a person entry at the door

Payouts to the top 3 (TBD based on team amounts) 1st will also receive a cornhole board style trophy 75% payout

Food and alcohol will be sold by Knights of Columbus. For more information, contact Brent Glass at 502-819-1668.

SATURDAY, Oct. 15

INCLUSION TIME

11- Noon. Downtown New Albany

Come experience the best this community has to offer including art, crafts, organizations, food and fun. We invite those with aversion to crowds or mobility limitations to enjoy Booth Days in a less crowed, calmer environment.

This extra hour is voluntary and not all the booth vendors may be open.

SAMTEC CARES STAGE

Noon — 4:45 p.m.

CRAFTS & FOOD BOOTHS

Noon — 5 p.m.