Some of the best memories I had growing up revolve around going to festivals with my family, and one of my most cherished memories is of waking up early on a chilly weekend in October to take a roadtrip to the Parke County Covered Bridge Festival.
My grandparents took my father to the festival when he was young and he took my brother and I while we were growing up. I hope to continue the tradition when we start a family, because it is a wonderful autumn experience!
If you are like my husband who grew up without covered bridges and are not sure what one is, let me share with you what has been described to me: Covered bridges originated in Europe and were brought to the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest by settlers to solve the problem of deterioration of the wood upon exposure to the elements, and to aid horses who were leery of crossing over rushing water.
There are 1600 across the world, but Parke County features over 30 historical covered bridges and hosts the famous Covered Bridge Festival each year in October to celebrate.
It is a great event filled with many attractions which include: local arts and crafts, food vendors, live entertainment and storytelling.
- Getting to Rockville early to enjoy hot apple cider and a few crullers in the morning.
- Looking through arts and crafts when vendors open in the afternoon.
- Driving through the county to view the covered bridges with beautiful fall foliage in the background in the evening.
We had a great time at the festival exploring covered bridges and experiencing all it had to offer!
Have you been to a covered bridge festival before? What was your favorite part?
Have you been to a covered bridge festival before? What was your favorite part?