The Bourbon Town Council approved Francis Berkey’s request for financial support for the Bourbon Summer Fest Parade in the amount of $220 for awards. President Ward Byers confirmed that funds from the Tourism Bureau would be used. The Bourbon Summer Fest is held the second weekend of every August.
Lonnie Berkley updated the Council that the festival and car show has become one of the longest running small town festivals in the State of Indiana. “I’m really proud of that.” said Berkley. This is the 37th year for the event; but it is the 36th car show due to a one year pause through the pandemic.
According to Berkley, the only other car show that comes close in the region north of Indianapolis is the Marshall County Blueberry Festival which started several years later.
Berkey said that there is a lot of competition for car shows with five or ten opportunities every weekend. When the Bourbon Car Show started; it was the event for August for miles around. “Now that the way that the hobby has progressed; I’m just glad to say that we’re still going. I think we’re established.” The show attracts 200 cars every year. “Very well known, very well respected.” said Berkley.
Berkley expressed satisfaction with the direction that the whole event is going – drawing food truck vendors, visitors to the parade, the fireworks, and several fundraising opportunities for Triton School Corporation student organizations.
The food vendors estimated approximately 3,000 visitors last year. The event is run completely by volunteers. “I hope that the community is proud of it. We’re going to keep doing it.” said Berkley.
Byers thanked Berkley for his efforts. “We appreciate it, Lonnie. I know the town is proud of it. Everybody enjoys it. Thank you very much.”
In other news, the Town of Bourbon is holding the first Music in the Park event featuring Pablo’s Great Revenge Friday, June 23 starting at 6 p.m. in the Bourbon Town Park located at 413 E. Sunset. That concert will follow the ribbon cutting for the new amphitheater which will be held in the same location at 5:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend.
