The event connects residents to local groups who make a daily difference in the community
Writer / Renée Larr
Plato is credited with the proverb ‘necessity is the mother of invention.’ In 2019, the city of Fishers received a request to place an Angel of Hope memorial in a Fishers park, honoring families who have tragically lost children. The Fishers Parks and Recreation Foundation Parks took on the project and started building the memorial at Fishers Heritage Park at White River in Dec. 2019. Then, in March, the project was halted by COVID.
“We have half of the memorial completed without the full amount of funding needed to complete it,” Lisa Knowles says, President of the Fishers Parks & Recreation Foundation. “In the meantime, I knew Les Reinhardt and Tom Rich from the Fishers Arts Council. Many of their events were struggling and their artists couldn’t participate. So, as a group, we brainstormed a way for people to see what was going on with the memorial, continue fundraising and where the artists could get exposure while helping local nonprofits.”
During that brainstorming session, Knowles and Rich devised the idea for Harvest Fest. The event is held at Fishers Heritage Park at White River each fall. This year’s event, sponsored by Sun King Brewing, is on Sept. 10 from 12 to 5 p.m. More than 40 artists and artisans participate– offering fine art, high-quality crafts, decor, jewelry, personal care items, candles, toys, and clothing.
Participating nonprofits will be offering items for sale to raise funds for their causes. Other interesting offerings include interactive take-home craft activities, women’s history card reading with Mad’m Leah and face painting.
“This free event is the easiest way to have an impact locally and to connect residents with groups who make a difference in our community daily,” Reinhardt says. “It’s a great way to be exposed to so many of the Hamilton County assets.”
Harvest Fest includes three bands playing throughout the day: Sweet Tunes, The Klezmets, and Remington Hill. Food trucks will line the park, including Kona Ice & Chef TLC with Faith the Food Bus. Confirmed nonprofit participants include the Fishers Arts Council, The Forgiving Sea Project, Janus, the Fishers Historical Society, Gal’s Guide Library, Delaware Township Trustee and Hoosier Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation.
“The park itself is such a hidden gem,” Knowles says. “We have the run of the whole park, and it’s just beautiful. The path is paved the whole way, so it’s very family and dog friendly. Each year we grow, and it’s just a great day to come out and enjoy the weather, the park, and the memorial, all while supporting local artists, artisans and nonprofits.”
For more information, you can visit fishersartscouncil.org.
