GREENFIELD — Indiana’s largest four day festival, the Riley Festival, will be held Oct. 7-10 in Greenfield. The festival celebrates Greenfield’s native son, poet James Whitcomb Riley. The Hoosier Poet was born Oct. 7, 1849 and passed away on July 22, 1916, and was one of the best-selling poets of his era.
The theme for this year’s festival is “The Bumblebee.” The fun is centered at the Courthouse, and at the Hancock County Fairgrounds. A shuttle bus takes visitors to the two sites, where over 460 vendors and crafters will have booths, special exhibitions are held, and much more. The shuttle costs 50 cents one way.
The Children’s Parade of Flowers steps off Friday at 12:30 p.m. and ends at the statue of Riley at the courthouse. Children from Greenfield-Central Community Schools parade downtown to place bouquets of flowers at the statue as a tribute to the poet. The tradition is well over 65 years old. The Festival Parade will be held on Saturday at 11 a.m.
Riley Days hours are 5-9 p.m. on Thursday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.n.-5 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, visit rileyfestival.com.