PARADISE SPRING EVENTS
The 2020 Founders’ Day Festival and Parade is now cancelled. The decision to cancel was not an easy one to make. After identifying several key areas where social distancing was going to be impossible to manage and control, cancelling was the only option we had. As a committee we will always consider the health and safety of our community first and foremost in all decision making.
We are in the infancy stage of the Founders’ Day Festival with growing momentum. It is heartbreaking to have to cancel. However, with so much uncertainty regarding the pandemic, the possibility of a resurgence, and with Mayor Long’s support, cancelling the festival is the only responsible action I feel we should take.
We sincerely appreciate the support that so many are willing to provide to the Founders’ Day Festival. Going forward, the Founders’ Day Committee will immediately start planning for 2021.
COMING IN 2021
Celebrate Historical Downtown Wabash and learn about the rich history of our contributing founders by attending the Founders' Day Festival and Parade. The parade begins at 10:00 a.m. and the festival runs from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Local businesses and vendors will be along the streets of Downtown Wabash and at Paradise Spring Historical Park. Additionally, the festival will have live music and interactive activities to be enjoyed by all.
We invite you to participate in the day by either being a vendor, a volunteer, an entry in the parade and/or a reinactor in our Living History exhibits. Please check the list below to see what vendors have already signed up for this year.
Food Vendors include: Red Barn Elephant Ears, Nick's Dog Cart, Kona Ice of Midwest, Richvalley Tenderloins, Chapman's Brewing Company, Emmett's Paddy Wagon,
For more information please contact Maria Smyth 260-563-4171 or receptionist@cityofwabash.com.
Special thanks to Premier Sponsors First Farmers Bank & Trust and event partner Paradise Spring Historical Park. Together we are sharing the stories of our past with the future.
The Wabash Founders' Day Festival and Parade Committee, presented by First Farmers Bank & Trust, is proud to announce the theme and form details.
Theme: ⭐️Celebrate 2021 the Year of Milestones⭐️
VENDORS:
1. Only 1 direct sales vendor for each type will be accepted. The below have been filled:
2. Payments must be made at the time of sign-up.
3. Electricity is limited, please let us know if you need
electricity.
4. Want the same spot as last year? Spots are not guaranteed
but every effort will be made to accommodate.
5. Please consider the date carefully as we cannot offer a
refund.
VOLUNTEERS:
Join the fun and help make a difference, volunteers are needed throughout the day. Please consider volunteering to help with the day and the festivities.
Living History:
Would you like to be a part of the living history portrayers? Contact Deanna Unger for more information.
Please contact Maria Smyth at 260.563.4171 with any questions.
Wabash Marketplace First Fridays
The Paradise Spring Board has joined Wabash Marketplace and will be participating in some First Friday events. Watch this site for more information.
Wabash River Defenders
July
The Wabash River Defenders is a watershed initiative which acts to restore and remove debris from the Wabash River in Wabash County, Indiana. Since 2011, WRD has kicked off their annual river clean-up event in July at Paradise Spring Historical Park. Since that time, they have removed more than 125 million pounds of tires, scrap steel, construction materials, and other debris from the Wabash River.
Wabash Cannonball Chili for Charity
October
The largest chili cook-off east of the Mississippi River is held at Paradise Spring Historical Park each year. Visit the park between 12 pm - 4 pm to try more than 100 chilis and vote for your favorites. All proceeds from this event are donated to local charities. 2020 is the 18th anniversary of this event.
August
Old Fashioned Christmas
Celebrate an Old Fashioned Christmas in the cabins at Paradise Spring Park during "Holiday Night to Remember" in November.
Paradise Spring Annual Meeting
Each January the Paradise Spring Board invites you to attend our Annual Soup Supper at 6pm at the Wabash County Museum. Program to be announced.