The Crothersville Red White & Blue Festival kicks off next Thursday, June 12, for a flag waving salute to Old Glory and military service veterans. This year’s event is June 12-14 held at the Crothersville Community School grounds.
This is the 39th year for the annual Patriotic salute tagged as “Indiana’s Most Patriotic Festival,” said festival director Sherry Bridges. Our community takes pride in honoring our veterans and Old Glory. Terry Prine will be master of ceremonies throughout the three-day festival.
There will be wholesome family centered fun throughout the festival that culminates with a patriotic fireworks show by Zambelli Fireworks Saturday night.
The Crothersville Red White & Blue Festival Committee would like to thank corporate sponsors, Rumpke, The Peoples Bank, Aisin Drivetrain, Aisin Chemical, Cerro Wire, Regal Industries, Bob Poynter GM, John Jones Auto Group and Bryan Bowman Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep, and Rose Acres.
Kicking off the festival on Wednesday evening, June 11, will be bracelet night at the carnival. Brady Amusements will offer a special ride promotion. Discount bracelets can be purchased at The Peoples Bank in Crothersville for $13.
Always a crowd draw, the Baby Contest registration will begin at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday. June 12 in the CHS main gym. Judging begins at 3:30 p.m. Categories are, 0 to three months, four to seven months, eight to 12 months, 13 to 24 months, 25 to 36 months and 37 to 48 months. First, second and third place will be awarded to a boy and a girl in each category. Entry fee is $5.00. The winners will be announced from the stage at 6 p.m.
New this year is the Little Mr. & Miss Red White and Blue for boys and girls ages five to seven years old. Children must be dressed in patriotic colors and will be asked a few simple questions. Judging will be based on confidence, poise and stage presentation. Entry fee is $10. Registration begins at 2:30 in the auxiliary gym with judging begins at 3:30 p.m. Winners will announced at 6:15 p.m. from the stage.
The Crothersville Elementary PTO is sponsoring both contests. Parents can pre-register for the baby contest and Mr. & Miss RWB by calling 812-707-9047 or 812-569-0407.
The Fiddle Contest is back again this year but with two categories: Young fiddlers up to age 15 and adults 16 and older. The contest will begin at 7:45 p.m. Winners will receive cash prizes.
On Saturday at 8 a.m. in the main gym is the Jimmy Stewart Memorial 3/3 basketball tourney. Chad Wilson is in charge of the games.
The CHS Class of 2016 will hold a 5K Run/Walk in front of the main entrance of the school beginning at 8:30.
At 9 a.m. entries for the Pie and Cake contest can be submitted in the lobby entrance of the gym till 10 a.m. Categories for the pies are fruit, cream, your specialty and cobblers. For the cakes, layer, sheet, decorated and your specialty. Judging will begin at 10:30. Winners will be announced from the stage at 5:30 p.m. with a raffle to follow. Sarah Cole is in charge of this event and it’s open to everyone. She encourages everyone even the men to show off their baking skills. Proceeds from the raffle will be donated to the Jackson County Nursing Home Veterans Cheer Baskets.
Fun for the kid’s starts at noon with the Pet & Bike Parade. Participants will line up in front of the stage. Children are encouraged to decorate their bike or bring their favorite pet.
Registration for the Crothersville Red White & Blue Festival Parade begins at noon on East Street. The Lions Club will organize the parade.
The photo contest will return this year with entries being accepted from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Judging will take place at 1:30. Categories are nature, family, patriotic and life in Vernon Twp. Photos will be on display throughout the day in the photo booth located near the main entrance of the high school. Participants may pick up their photo that evening from 6 to 8 p.m. Winners will be announced at 5:30 p.m. from the stage.
Throughout the festival the Antique Farm Machinery Show will take place along Howard Street. Kevin Hoevener is organizing the event that promises to be one of the biggest displays in southern Indiana.
Handicap parking will be in the school Administration Building parking lot at the south end of Preston Street. Restrooms are located inside the gym entrance to the left.
Lawn Chairs are welcome to be set up along the festival grounds for family & friends to visit. The Festival committee recommends that you leave your pets at home, only service animals are allowed. Also, bicycles are not to be ridden on the festival grounds unless used in the parades.
Who to contact For RWB Festival Information
General Festival Info: Sherry Bridges, 812-569-04074
Fiddle Contest: Bobby Deal, 812-889-3710
Prince & Princess Contest: Zabrina Nicholson, 812-528-6400
Jimmy Stewart Memorial 3/3: Chad Wilson, 812-530-1181
Pet & Bike Parade: Jessica Graff, 812-216-7893
Photography Contest: Sarah Freeman, 812-530-7093
Baby Contest/ Mr. & Miss RWB: Pamela Guy, 812-707-9047
5K Run/Walk: Tina Kilgore, 812-525-7351
Pie/Cake Contest: Sarah Cole, 812-569-0407
Antique Farm Show: Kevin Hoevener, 812-524-0372
RWB Parade: Lions Club, 812-793-2760
Media Director: Brady Riley, 812-525-1399
Media Assistant: Chester Jones, 812-216-0050
