Fishers Arts Council (FAC) and Hamilton County Tourism present the sixth annual Harvest Fest from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 7 along the Nickel Plate Trail in Fishers. This year’s family-friendly event features over 60 artists, artisans, and authors, 10 nonprofits, five musicians, fun activities, and plenty of food and drink for all.
Additional support for Harvest Fest comes from Beer Garden Sponsor, MashCraft–Fishers. Fishers Parks and the City of Fishers are partners as well, offering support, supplies, and assistance with securing additional funds for the event.
“The Nickel Plate District is a recognized statewide cultural district which provides additional opportunities for grant funds,” said Ross Hilleary, Assistant Director of Planning for the City of Fishers, “so when a grant opportunity through Hamilton County Tourism became available, it was easy to work with the city’s long-standing partnership with Fishers Arts Council.”
“It’s incredible to step back and see how Harvest Fest has grown since 2020,” FAC Executive Director Les Reinhardt said. “We hit the point that our patrons outgrew Heritage Park’s available parking. While I’m sad to leave the park, the opportunity to grow the event along the Nickel Plate Trail is invigorating.”
Harvest Fest will start at Café Patachou’s patio at 8654 E. 116th St. and branch off into seven “art fields” along the trail, ending at Fairway Mortgage located at 8911 Technology Drive. The event map including address for all the art fields, recommended parking, restrooms, where to find your favorite creative and more can be found at FishersArtsCouncil.org/harvest-fest.
”Honestly, I’m so thankful that Joe Janik and the MashCraft–Fishers crew are back as our Beer Garden sponsor for the second year in a row,” Reinhardt said. “It shows how much they believe in Harvest Fest. MashCraft has supported art programs with us going on four years now and I couldn’t be happier to have them as a key part of our team. We are truly thankful for how our community comes together to make this event possible, and we are proud to be able to offer a fundraising opportunity for Fishers-serving nonprofits in a fun, community, art fair atmosphere.”
This free, family-friendly event has grown to focus on “harvesting funds” and expanding awareness for several nonprofits that serve Fishers and beyond, shopping directly from local artists, and showcasing local musicians.
This year’s nonprofits include BeeFree Bakes, Delaware Township Trustee Food Pantry, Fishers Community Chorus, Fishers Historical Society, Hamilton East Public Library Foundation, Hoosier Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation, Janus Developmental Services, Muscular Dystrophy Family Foundation, Saving Our Sisters, and Fishers Arts Council. Each organization will offer something different to raise much-needed funds, including art activities, decor, refreshments, and more. The featured musicians will be Erick Oneal Fisher, Tommy Icarus, Elizabeth Lee, Angela Pulliam, and Andy Schomburg with all musicians sponsored by the City of Fishers. You can see the musician schedule at FishersArtsCouncil.org/harvest-fest.
FAC will have a visual art activity led by Crosby Family Art (courtesy of a grant from the Penrod Society) and Janus Developmental Services will offer art creations made by those who use their services. The Fishers Historical Society will be offering limited-edition historical-inspired prints while Saving our Sisters offers logo wear to help raise funds for Ivy Tech scholarships for women veterans. Hoosier Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation is offering apparel, a photo contest, and the opportunity to meet Franklin, the Snapping Turtle. Fishers Community Chorus will be offering logo swag and invitations to join their joyful group!
Three new nonprofits join this year: BeeFree Bakes will offer a variety of tasty lemonades, Hamilton East Public Library Foundation is newly formed and will have a fun craft activity, and the Muscular Dystrophy Family Foundation touts a prize wheel where everyone is a winner.
The Delaware Township Trustee is back for their third year and will seek non-perishable donations for the food pantry which provides those in need with essential food and hygiene items. Bring items with you from their wish list (tinyurl.com/delawarefoodpantry) or offer a monetary donation that they can use to purchase fresh milk, meats, and produce for food pantry clients. When you stop by to donate food, take part a fun art project!
Bring your appetite and grab lunch, early dinner, or tame your sweet tooth with food trucks that have graciously partnered to donate a portion of their proceeds to participating nonprofits: Bay Area Bistro (benefiting Bee Free Bakes) Biscuit Baby (benefiting Saving Our Sisters), Black Leaf Vegan (benefiting Hoosier Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation), Chef TLC with Faith the Food Bus (benefiting Delaware Township Trustee food pantry), Fillers Stuffed Burgers (benefiting Hamilton East Public Library Foundation), Ice Cream Donuts (benefiting Muscular Dystrophy Family Foundation) Kona Ice Indy (benefiting Fishers Community Chorus), and Qué Tacos! (benefiting Fishers Historical Society).
Learn more at FishersArtsCouncil.org/harvest-fest.
