NEW ALBANY, Ind. (WDRB) -- Harvest Homecoming is one of the largest festivals in the state of Indiana, taking over several streets of downtown New Albany.

Crews were busy Wednesday setting up for booth days, which kick off Thursday. But the fun is already underway. Rides got started Tuesday and Wednesday, but they are just one of the things hundreds of thousands of people will experience starting Thursday during Booth Days.

As crews set up, restaurants are cleaning up and making sure they are good to go for another round of the annual fall festival. 

For Kellyjean Gettelfinger, this will be her first year having a business right in the heart of all the action.

"It's exciting to be a part of Harvest Homecoming," said Gettelfinger, owner of the Spice and Tea Exchange. "A little nerve-wracking, not sure how much product to have on hand, but it is very exciting."

Gettelfinger said she attended the festival growing up, and never thought she would have a business in the heart of it. It's something she said is a dream come true.

"Oh my gosh, I am getting emotional. Harvest has been fun for everybody all the time," she said. "Every year we can count on it, and it has always been right here in downtown New Albany."

IMAGES | Harvest Homecoming 2022 wraps up on final day

With the recent completion of the Main Street Revitalization Project, businesses that took a financial hit over traffic detours are welcoming guests with open arms.

"If I could have one hope for this weekend, it would be that every single person that comes to downtown New Albany visits every business on Main Street. They waited so long to really reap the benefits of that construction," said Zack Flanagan, owner of Board & You.

The Harvest Homecoming Committee is solely made up of volunteers.

"We've got the concerts, we got the movie night Friday night, cornhole tournaments are back this year," Kenneth Eichenberger, Harvest Homecoming president, said.

Hundreds of booths full of crafts, art, food and more will open Thursday at noon. 

"Seeing all the guests enjoying Harvest come down here while they are leaving, we try to get them to stop by, grab a drink and eat with us," said Flanagan. "It is a great weekend to come down and celebrate New Albany."

Those who have been at Harvest for years can be appreciated, while those who haven't will be discovered.

"With New Albany starting to blossom again with new businesses coming in, it just makes Harvest that much more fun," Gettelfinger said.

Booth Days run through Sunday. Organizers expect nearly 500,000 people over the next four days.

Booth Days:

  • Thursday, Oct. 12: 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Friday, Oct. 13: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Saturday, Oct. 14: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Sunday, Oct. 15: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
    • Those who have mobility limitations or those in need of a sensory-friendly Booth Days experience can visit from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. for Inclusion Time.

Other events: 

Download PDF Harvest Homecoming festival map

For more information, a full calendar of events and a festival map, click here. You can also download the festival map by clicking in the PDF embedded in this article or by clicking here.

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