Fall/Winter 2010

When autumn leaves create a canopy of color, drive the winding country roads that lead to Mitchell, Indiana. It is here, in this charming 19th-century town in the southern part of the state, that the bright orange fruit of the persimmon tree is celebrated in one of Indiana’s oldest events, the Mitchell Persimmon Festival.

For many, persimmons are an unknown fruit, but in the fall, here in the rolling green hillsides, ripe and abundant persimmons are turned into pulp used to make puddings, pies, muffins and more. Roadside stands are abundant and family-owned restaurants often feature persimmon items on the menu. No one takes persimmons more seriously than Mitchell, home of astronaut Gus Grissom, where persimmons are painted on the water tower and the weeklong festival, September 18–25, is entering its 64th year.

Begin the celebration with the Tri Kappa Candlelight Tour of Historic Pioneer Village at Spring Mill State Park. The village, seen by the flickering flames of candles as if it were still a thriving community in the early 1800s, has an 1817 working gristmill. Costumed interpreters recreate the workings of its commercial downtown, including an apothecary, distillery, weavers, meeting house, carpenter and blacksmith shops.

Other Persimmon Festival musts include checking out the persimmon pudding contest that attracts more than 200 entries, a persimmon dessert novelty competition and sampling goodies such as persimmon brownies and ice cream. There’s also a 5K walk and run, an antique car show, carnival rides, live music, food vendors and craft shows.
But the big draw is the parade, touted as the largest in southern Indiana, drawing some 35,000 to 40,000 spectators — all there to celebrate a little orange fruit.

- State - Indiana

- Type - Family Vacations

Popularity:
This article has been viewed 685 times.