About This Festival

The Celebration in the Ville event in Connersville, Fayette County, Indiana, takes place from May 16 to May 17, 2025, in the historic downtown area known as "Downtown In The Ville." It features a vibrant mix of music, food, craft vendors, a car show, and family-friendly activities including entertainment for kids. The setting is a lively historic downtown offering shopping, dining, tours of historic sites, and a museum, making it a well-rounded cultural and community experience.

Event Vibe and Surroundings

The event atmosphere is festive and community-oriented, held in the scenic and historic downtown district of Connersville. Visitors can enjoy not only the scheduled activities but also explore local shops, dine in downtown restaurants, and take tours of historic landmarks and the local museum. The area is handicapped accessible, ensuring inclusivity for all attendees.

Activities and Highlights

  • Music Lineup (Friday, May 16):
    • Claypool Block: 12 PM – 1:30 PM
    • Caleb Daughtery Band: 3 PM – 4:30 PM
    • Miss Jaque: 6 PM – 8 PM
    • The Rock Show (tribute to Journey): 9 PM – 11 PM
  • Food Vendors: Food trucks operate from 12 PM to 9 PM on May 16, providing a variety of tasty options.
  • Craft Vendors: Local artisans offer crafts, adding to the festive market feel.
  • "Anything on Wheels" Car Show (Saturday, May 17):
    • Car registration: 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM
    • Awards ceremony: 3:00 PM
    • Entry fee: $10 (proceeds benefit the Fayette County Cancer Society)
    • The first 75 car registrants receive commemorative dash plaques.
    • Features a Top 20 showcase, door prizes, 50/50 raffle, and DJ Dale Lainhart providing music.

Rough Event Schedule

  • Friday, May 16:
    12 PM – Food trucks open, Claypool Block performs at noon, followed by other bands through the evening, ending with The Rock Show from 9-11 PM.
  • Saturday, May 17:
    8:30 AM – Car show registration opens
    1:30 PM – Registration closes
    3:00 PM – Car show awards ceremony
    Evening – Likely continued festival activities, music, and social events (specific evening details post-car show not enumerated but the festival runs until late night).

History and Founding

While specific founding information about Celebration in the Ville is not detailed in available sources, it is established as a significant annual community event in Connersville. The event combines local culture, culinary experiences, music, and heritage, reflecting the town’s appreciation for community engagement and historic preservation.

This festival offers both longstanding traditions like historic tours and car shows while also focusing on fun, food, and music, capturing the spirit of Fayette County's community pride and hospitality. It is supported by local organizations such as the Fayette County Cancer Society, showing community charity involvement.

Overall, Celebration in the Ville is a family-friendly, music-rich, and culturally vibrant event that brings together residents and visitors to celebrate Connersville's heritage and local culture with a festive, welcoming vibe.