Craft & Community Festival Coming Up Sept. 22
Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing
Photographer / D. Johnston
The Quaker Day Craft & Community Festival, a local tradition that began in the early 1970s as a rummage sale that evolved over time, will take place on September 22 with tasty food, kids activities, a car show, community parade and multiple craft vendors. The Plainfield Friends Church is in charge of the food, craft sale and kids’ activities, as well as the car show that will be held under the trees in front of the historic Western Yearly Meeting building.
The Chamber runs the annual parade, which is always at capacity for entries. This year’s parade theme is “Salute to Service,” and the Grand Marshal will be Larry Paynter, owner of the Coachman Restaurant.
“It was decided last year that the recipient of the Don Walhe Spirit of Service Award would be asked to be our Grand Marshal,” says Brad DuBois, Plainfield Chamber President. “Larry has worked tirelessly for the many organization within the Plainfield and Hendricks County Communities, specifically those that help veterans, so it is only appropriate to have him as our honored Grand Marshal.”
Captain Jill Lees with the Plainfield Police Department has attended Plainfield’s long-honored tradition for the past 22 years.
“It’s a great time to visit with Plainfield residents and see people I know in the parade,” Lees says.
“I love all the kids that come through in the parade,” adds Plainfield resident Meghann Yoke Avilez. “There are cub scouts, cheerleaders, gymnasts, show choirs and clubs of all
kinds. They’re all so cute, throwing candy to the kids on the sidewalks.”
Quaker Fest will take place at 105 S East Street, with the craft vendors selling merchandise from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on the lawn in front of The Plainfield Friends Church. The parade begins at 10 a.m. A lunch consisting of pork chops, hot dogs and sloppy joes will be served from 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. in the church basement. The car show takes place from noon-4 p.m. and will include Top 10, Best in Show and Specialty awards. Judging is at 2 p.m. with an awards presentation at 3:30 p.m.
