The Anderson Gaslight Festival is a one-day community and heritage event held annually on Historic West 8th Street in Anderson, Indiana, celebrating the city's Victorian-era history and architecture. The 2025 festival takes place on Saturday, August 23, featuring a mix of cultural activities including Victorian tea, historic home and garden tours, a classic car show, a parade, a kids’ zone, vendors, a pie baking contest, live music, and more. It is designed to foster community unity and appreciation for Anderson’s past and present through diverse events appealing to all ages.

Event Atmosphere and Location:
The festival occurs along the beautifully preserved Historic West 8th Street, lined with Victorian homes and period gaslights which underline the town's gas boom era heritage. The vibe is festive and family-friendly, filled with music, laughter, community spirit, and a visible pride in local history and traditions. The area surrounding the festival is rich in architectural charm with historic residences and gardens open for tours, highlighting Anderson’s cultural legacy.

Core Activities and Their Descriptions:

Historic Home and Garden Tours (12 PM - 3 PM): Tickets grant access to multiple Victorian era homes and gardens on West 8th Street, each hosted by homeowners who share the history and stories behind these properties.
Classic Car Show (9 AM - 3 PM): A display of vintage and classic cars begins with registration at 8 AM and showcases automotive heritage next to the historical setting.
Parade (11 AM): A community parade featuring local groups, businesses, and clubs marches down Historic West 8th Street.
Pie Baking Contest (starting 12 PM): A popular culinary competition where bakers vie for the title of best pie baker.
Kids’ Zone: Includes family-friendly activities like games, entertainment, and explorations suited for children.
Vendors Market and Antique Sale (10 AM - 2 PM): Local artisans, food vendors, and antique sellers offer a variety of goods providing a lively marketplace atmosphere.
Live Music and Performances:
- Continuous performances on multiple stages throughout the day including:
  - Rock Bottom Boys of Madison County (12 PM, East Stage)
  - Madison County’s Got Talent Finals (12 PM, West Stage)
  - Anderson Symphony Orchestra Musician in Concert (3 PM, Funk Park)
  - Duke Tumatoe (3 PM, West Stage)
  - Stacia Williams and the Generation of Steppers (3:30 PM – 4:30 PM, East Stage)
  - DJ Raymond Watson and Crush: the Bon Jovi Concert Experience in the late afternoon and evening.
Victorian Afternoon Tea: An opportunity to enjoy tea and sweet treats reminiscent of the Victorian era, fostering the historical ambiance.
Educational Lectures: Presentations such as the county historian's lecture in Funk Park, providing insight into the local heritage.
Walking Tour: A self-guided walking tour with informative stops explaining the history, architecture, and stories of the West 8th Street neighborhood.

Festival Schedule Snapshot:

Time	Event	Location
8:00 AM	Car Show Registration, Yoga, Cafe Opens	Funk Park / Cafe
9:00 AM	Car Show Begins	Middle Stage Area
10:00 AM	Festival Opening Ceremony, Vendors Open	West Stage / Street
11:00 AM	Parade	West 8th Street
12:00 PM	Pie Baking Contest, Cakewalk, Music, Wine & Beer Garden Opens	Various Stages / West Stage
12:00–3:00 PM	Historic Home and Garden Tours	West 8th Street
3:00 PM	Symphony Concert, Car Show Winner Announcement, Duke Tumatoe Performance	Funk Park / Stages
5:00–7:00 PM	Evening Music and Concerts	East and West Stages

History and Founding:
The Anderson Gaslight Festival began in 1973 as a tribute to the Victorian gas boom era and the rich architectural heritage of West 8th Street. It originated when local residents raised funds to purchase and install 106 Newport-style gaslights to beautify the area. The festival was created by about 30 neighbors who organized the first event on Easter Sunday of 1973 to celebrate these lights and the history they represent. From 1973 to 2004, the festival focused on celebrating the Gasboom era’s culture, architecture, and traditions. Proceeds from earlier festivals supported city beautification projects, maintenance of gaslights, tree planting, and contributions to local nonprofits.

Overall, the Anderson Gaslight Festival embodies a celebration of community history, civic pride, and cultural heritage, providing entertainment and educational opportunities that bring together residents and visitors to enjoy Anderson’s distinctive Victorian roots and lively community spirit. The event is fully accessible for people with disabilities.

About This Festival