Indiana, bordering Michigan to the north and the Ohio River to the south, provides numerous opportunities to celebrate the food and drink that helps make the Hoosier State a popular travel destination. Seemingly anything is a good excuse to have a culinary festival, from a town's name to the availability of locally grown crops to music traditions.
Held the first Saturday of June at Military Park in Indianapolis, the event highlights wineries and acclaimed Hoosier State chefs. More than a hundred booths were slated for 2010, including samples of award-winning wines from 24 wineries, turkey-cooking demonstrations, cheese-making samples and lessons, live music and artists. Tickets must be purchased for entry, and are discounted for designated drivers.
Vintage Indian Wine and Food Festival
Military Park
801 West Washington Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204-2734
800-832-9463
vintageindiana.com
The Marshall County Blueberry Festival is held on Labor Day weekend at Plymouth's Centennial Park, and has free admission. Food booths highlight many ways to eat blueberries, serving items like donuts, pies and ice cream. Pork chop sandwiches and other edibles are offered too. More than 400 crafters from across the country sell their wares, and there is live entertainment. Other activities, like a 5K race and fireworks, round out the event.
Marshall County Blueberry Festival
220 North Center Street
Plymouth, IN 46563-2104
574-936-5020
blueberryfestival.org
What other kind of food would Frankfort, Indiana celebrate? Held the second weekend of July, it includes a hot dog tent on Main Street and focuses on another kind of hot dog--that of the canine variety. Dachshund races are held to qualify for the national event held in Findlay, Ohio in October. Other activities, like a motorcycle show, rodeo, live music and a dog talent show, are also offered. Admission is free.
Frankfort Hot Dog Festival
301 E. Clinton St.
Frankfort, IN 46041
765-654-4081
mainstreet.accs.net/
Fort Wayne's BBQ RibFest bills itself as a "blues, brews and BBQ" event. Held at Headwaters Park the third weekend in June, it includes national and local barbecuers slathering their sauce on ribs, chicken, pulled pork sandwiches and the like. BBQ RibFest is also becoming known as one of the better Midwest blues festivals. Admission is charged for eating and music, with day and weekend packages sold in advance online.
BBQ RibFest
14808 Harborside Ct.
Fort Wayne, IN 46814
260-602-1831
bbqribfest.com
The National Maple Syrup Festival is held the first and second weekends of March at Burton's Maplewood Farm, located in southern Indiana. Admission is charged, but a $2 discount is given for those who donate a canned good for area food pantries. Sweet syrup served over hot pancakes warms visitors. Tours of the farm's syrup operation, and demonstrations in dutch oven cooking, blacksmithing, needle art and other pioneer activities are offered.
National Maple Syrup Festival
Burton's Maplewood Farm
8121 West County Road 75 South
Medora, IN 47260
812-966-2168
nationalmaplesyrupfestival.com
