Festival seeks new energy

During the last two years, the weather for the Medora Christmas Festival and Parade has been unbearably cold with wind and snow and the attendance was dropping. It was suggested that we look into changing the date by moving it up a couple of weeks.

A survey was passed out around Medora at area businesses, churches, the school and the Senior Citizen Center. These were collected at the end of March and the beginning of April and more than 905 of the replies were in favor of changing the date because of the weather and conflicts with other festivals in nearby communities.

At the next few meetings that were posted around Medora and in the newspapers, this issue was discussed at great length. At the July meeting it was decided to move the Christmas Festival and Parade to the weekend before Thanksgiving, with the parade starting at 5 p.m. to have the parade and decorations appear in a different light.

People want new and different things at the festivals. That’s shown by few people showing up and the festival committee losing money.

The businesses in town are great sponsors and have helped greatly over the past 37 years. There are many opportunities to help by just calling (812) 592-4234.

The next meetings are Tuesday and Nov. 17. This year, the parade and festival will be Nov. 21 and Nov. 22. Yes, two days so we can have more entertainment and vendors like we have had in the past. Area churches have been invited to participate for the last few years. The change was announced in August and publicized around Medora and in the press.

It was decided to have a Farmer’s Market, Covered Bridge Festival and Christmas Festival in one group, the Medora Festivals Committee, as each of these is just as important as the others.

The town of Medora has a lot to offer with its historical covered bridge, brick plant and also the scenic drives around the area in the fall.

So let’s come together and keep Medora’s history and attractions around for a very long time.

Lastly, thanks to all those who have helped and are helping.
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Bill Drees is a member of the Medora Festival Committee. He lives in Medora.