Harvest Homecoming parade kicks off in New Albany with new safety plan, no rides

NEW ALBANY, Ind. (WDRB) -- Harvest Homecoming festivities kicked off Saturday with the festival's annual parade.

Sidewalks all throughout New Albany were lined with kids ready for candy and long-time parade goers. All were there to welcome in the Harvest Homecoming season.

"I think it's just something fun because it's for all ages, so everyone has something to do and it's a great way to support the community of southern Indiana," Brittney Hobt, parade attendee, said.

Some people experienced the festivities for the first time, like Matthew Kluckowski and his daughter Millie, who moved to southern Indiana six months ago.

"It's clearly a good tradition so I wanted to make sure to get here involved with all the local traditions and stuff like that, something we can go to every year," Kluckowski said.

However, some things will be different at this year's Harvest Homecoming.

The carnival rides will not be a part of the festival this year. This comes after a fatal shooting last year near the rides that took the life of 18-year-old Bryce Gerlach and injured two others.

There will also be a new security plan that includes revised festival hours, new fencing and enhanced lighting.

Interim 2025 Harvest Homecoming President Glenn Dethy said they're ready to kick off this year's festivities.

"We're trying to do everything we can to keep everyone safe here, we're trying to really make this a community event, we're trying to be very family friendly," Dethy said. "Come down and enjoy, run into people, meet new people and have a great time."

Booth days will be Oct. 9-12. For a full list of events and times, click here.

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