17th Annual Dixie Day Festival & Art Fair

The 17th Annual Dixie Day Festival & Art Fair, held in North Webster, Indiana, honors the historic Dixie Sternwheeler, a steel-hulled, diesel-electric passenger sternwheel boat built in 1928-1929 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This festival offers a diverse range of activities including extra cruises on the Dixie, a 5K run, an arts and crafts fair, an open-air market, an antiques show, a food court, and a car and truck show along with a display from a local boat dealer. It takes place downtown on SR 13, the fairgrounds, and town park, and is handicapped accessible.

The atmosphere surrounding the event is festive and community-oriented, celebrating both the history of the Dixie sternwheeler and local culture with something for all ages. The event takes place in picturesque North Webster, a small town situated on Webster Lake where the Dixie has operated for nearly a century, giving the area a historic nautical vibe mixed with small-town festival charm.

Activities at the Festival:

• Extra Dixie Cruises: The Dixie sternwheeler offers additional cruises during the festival, providing scenic tours on Webster Lake. The boat is about 76 feet long, built of steel with a large stern paddlewheel, and has been a part of the community since 1929. Its cruises are leisurely and historical, conveying the boat’s legacy as a former passenger, mail, and supply vessel.

• 5K Run: A community 5K event encourages fitness participation alongside festival festivities, likely starting and finishing near the town park or downtown areas.

• Arts and Crafts Fair: Local artisans showcase handmade crafts in a fair setting, with booths spread through the downtown area or the fairgrounds, featuring a variety of artistic works for sale.

• Open-air Market: Vendors sell local products, antiques, and collectibles, enhancing the marketplace feel of the festival.

• Food Court: Various food vendors offer festival-goers diverse food options, typical of an outdoor event atmosphere.

• Car and Truck Show: A gathering of classic and custom cars and trucks, appealing to automotive enthusiasts.

• Boat Dealer Show: Local boat dealers display boats near the lake or the fairgrounds, showcasing new products for boating enthusiasts.

Rough Festival Schedule (typical for a one-day event):

• Morning: Festival opens with arts and crafts booths and vendors setting up; 5K run likely scheduled in the morning hours.

• Midday to afternoon: Continuous open-air market, food court open, car and truck show in full swing; antiques and crafts areas busy.

• Afternoon to early evening: Extra Dixie sternwheeler cruises depart from the dock near the town park; boat dealer exhibits ongoing.

• Evening: Final cruises and possibly awards or announcements related to the 5K or car show; music or community gatherings may round out the day.

History and Founding:

The festival celebrates the Dixie Sternwheeler, a boat launched in 1929 by Captain Joseph Breeck, replacing an earlier wooden-hulled Dixie from 1914. The Dixie operated as a passenger and utility boat for decades, included roles as a floating grocery store and mail carrier. It underwent significant renovations in 2009-2010, including hull and superstructure repairs, new pilot house, and updated electric motor systems, preserving it as a historic vessel and tourist attraction.

The festival itself has grown to become an annual event promoting the heritage of the Dixie sternwheeler and the local arts community, acting as a cultural highlight for North Webster and the surrounding Kosciusko County.

Overall, the 17th Annual Dixie Day Festival & Art Fair presents a vibrant, family-friendly celebration of local history, arts, community events, and the enduring charm of Webster Lake’s iconic sternwheeler.