Colonel Vawter Day

The Colonel Vawter Day festival in Morgantown, Indiana, is an annual one-day event held each mid-September, celebrating Colonel John Vawter, an influential early 19th-century settler and community leader. This festival features a car, truck, and motorcycle show, food trucks, arts & crafts vendors, a kids' zone, a baking contest, raffles, a breakfast, a free community concert, and ice cream. It is hosted along Main Street and is handicap accessible.

The festival atmosphere embraces a strong community spirit and pride reflective of Morgantown’s history, with activities that engage families and visitors alike in a festive, small-town setting. The vibe is welcoming and lively, emphasizing local heritage, crafts, and communal enjoyment.

A rough schedule for a typical Colonel Vawter Day includes:

• Morning breakfast and start of vendor booths and food trucks on Main Street
• Ongoing car, truck, and motorcycle show
• Arts & crafts booths and flea market-style vendor setups open throughout the day
• Baking contest entries displayed, likely culminating in judging or awards
• Kids' zone activities available for children
• Throughout the day, raffles are held and prizes awarded
• Free community concert on Main Street, typically in the afternoon or early evening
• Ice cream served as a sweet treat later in the event

The festival runs typically from around 9 AM to 5 PM, with various locations around Main Street and adjoining streets in the central downtown area of Morgantown.

Regarding its history, Colonel John Vawter Day was first held in 1988, initiated by the Morgantown Chamber of Commerce to create a festival unique to the town's history. Colonel John Vawter was a notable figure—born in 1782, licensed as a Baptist minister, a frontier ranger, militia colonel, legislator, and business person instrumental in the replotting and growth of Morgantown in the 19th century. The festival honors his contributions to the community and the founding spirit of Morgantown. The local Merchants Association currently plans and organizes the event.

In summary, Colonel Vawter Day is a vibrant community festival centered on honoring local heritage through family-friendly activities, vehicle shows, crafts, contests, and live entertainment on Morgantown’s Main Street.