About This Festival
Lexington Old Settlers Days is the oldest festival in Scott County, Indiana, celebrated annually in Lexington Park with food, music, games, vendors, and various activities, offering a serene outdoor atmosphere. The 147th festival in 2025 is scheduled for June 13-14 and is fully handicapped accessible.
The event typically features:
- Traditional Fish Fry: Often served as a carry-out or drive-thru, including offerings such as fish, hot dogs, hamburgers, pork tenderloin, and fries.
- Live Entertainment: Musical performances that reflect the local culture.
- Games and Activities: Family-friendly games and mini-golf.
- Vendors: A variety of vendors selling food, crafts, and other goods.
- Reenactments: Historical reenactments like the Pigeon Roost Massacre, reflecting the area's early settler history.
- Car Show: Display of classic and antique cars.
- Parade: The traditional Old Settlers Parade usually held on the Saturday morning of the event.
- Fireworks: Evening fireworks display to close one of the event days.
The event vibe is community-centered and family-friendly, honoring the area’s long history with a festive and relaxed outdoor setting in one of Indiana's most serene places.
The history of the festival ties closely to Lexington’s founding and early settlement in Scott County. Old Settlers Days evolved as a way to commemorate the town's heritage, including the notable local history such as the salt spring industry and various early settler occupations documented as early as the 1800s. The festival has been celebrated for over 140 years, signaling deep community roots.
A rough schedule based on recent years includes:
- Friday Evening: Fish fry starting around 4:30 PM with food served at the New Firehouse (carry-out/drive-thru), followed by an evening fireworks show at the Town Park.
- Saturday Morning: Parade starting at 11:30 AM, with line-up beginning at 11 AM.
- Saturday Daytime: Continued live music, vendor booths, games, and reenactments.
- Saturday Afternoon: Fundraising activities such as food sales by the Fire Department.
The festival is supported by the Lexington Volunteer Fire Department and functions as a major community fundraiser.
For full details and updates, the Scott County Visitors Commission website and Lexington’s Facebook page provide current information on activities and organization.
Overall, Lexington Old Settlers Days is a long-standing, historic festival offering a blend of entertainment, food, and cultural heritage in a welcoming small-town environment.