NEW ALBANY, Ind. (WDRB) — One of Indiana’s largest fall festivals kicks off Wednesday in downtown New Albany, and organizers say this year comes with some notable changes.
Roads in the downtown area closed Wednesday afternoon to allow vendors to set up for the annual Harvest Homecoming, which draws hundreds of thousands of visitors over four days.
Britni Knable, who owns a boutique on Market Street, said the festival is a major boost for local businesses. "It's just a time for us to have fun with everyone who is coming in to visit," she said.
City crews spent Wednesday putting the finishing touches on streets, curbs and storefronts in anticipation of the crowd.
Security will see a major overhaul this year, after a fatal shooting in 2024. The shooting near the rides that took the life of 18-year-old Bryce Gerlach and injured two others.
New Albany police will lead security efforts and, for the first time, are partnering with the Floyd County Sheriff’s Department.
"The cooperation is there, and we are very pleased that we are going to have more personnel. We'll have a strategy and a plan put forth with that personnel," said Floyd County Sheriff Steve Bush.
Starting Thursday, barricades, additional lighting, security cameras, and even drones will be in place to help ensure public safety.
The carnival rides will not be a part of the festival this year.
"We were at a point where the price per ride was just going to be way too much," said Glen Dethy, interim festival director.
Despite the changes, organizers expect the festival to remain one of the state’s largest annual events. Knable said the exposure for local businesses is invaluable.
"It's always nice—there's 500,000-plus people who come through over the weekend, and you can't pay for that amount of advertisement," she said.
Hours have also been adjusted: the festival will now close at 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Booth days will be Oct. 9-12. For a full list of events and times, click here.
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