Ernie Pyle Firemen's Festival

The Ernie Pyle Firemen's Festival is an annual two-day community event held in downtown Dana, Indiana, welcoming visitors to the hometown of WWII journalist Ernie Pyle. The 2025 festival will take place on August 8-9 and is widely regarded as a lively gathering offering fun for all ages.

The surrounding area is the small town of Dana in Vermillion County, known for its warm, close-knit Midwestern vibe. The festival centers around the Ernie Pyle World War II Museum, honoring the legacy of Ernie Pyle with historical exhibits and activities. The event attracts locals and visitors with its friendly, inviting atmosphere characterized by live music, food, and family-oriented activities.

Activities at the festival include:

• Museum tours and exhibits featuring Ernie Pyle memorabilia and history
• Kids' games and activities designed to engage families
• Motorcycle Run and Car Show showcasing classic and custom vehicles
• Great food offerings, including the Jonah Fish Fry — a classic local favorite
• Live music throughout the weekend providing entertainment
• Parade, typically held at 6 p.m. on Saturday, featuring community groups and a Museum Jeep demonstration
• Games and a Cake Walk
• Pet Parade
• Queen Contest as a community highlight

A rough schedule based on previous years and upcoming announcements:

• Friday, August 8: Festival kickoff with kids’ activities, food vendors opening, live music performances, and games
• Saturday, August 9: Main parade at 6 p.m., ongoing music, Motorcycle Run and Car Show during the day, cake walk, pet parade, and evening social events such as the fish fry

The festival's history centers on honoring Ernie Pyle, who was a famous WWII correspondent born in Dana. The event serves both to preserve local heritage and to celebrate community spirit, coordinated annually by local firemen and volunteers.

The festival is handicapped accessible and provides a welcoming experience for visitors of all ages with a strong community atmosphere and a balance of historical homage and lively social events. Contact for more details is available via phone or Facebook.

In summary, the Ernie Pyle Firemen's Festival is a well-established local celebration blending historical commemoration with family-friendly entertainment and community camaraderie in the heart of Dana every August.