Little Cousin Jasper Festival

The Little Cousin Jasper Festival is an annual three-day family-oriented event held the first weekend after Labor Day at Potawatomi Park, located on 103 Austin Avenue in Rensselaer, Jasper County, Indiana. The festival focuses on family fun, food, and entertainment with free parking, shaded grounds, and handicapped accessibility, making it welcoming for all visitors.

The festival atmosphere is community-focused and festive, offering a wide variety of activities and entertainment designed for all ages with a strong emphasis on celebrating local culture and Hoosier roots.

Surrounding Area and Vibe

Potawatomi Park is a scenic location on the Iroquois River, providing shaded grounds ideal for outdoor events and a relaxed, family-friendly environment. The town of Rensselaer embraces the festival as a highlight of the local calendar, with a vibrant and supportive community spirit. The event is organized and supported mainly by volunteers, reflecting a close-knit, welcoming vibe.

Key Activities and Entertainment

The festival’s activities create a diverse and engaging experience:

• Parade: A major community event showcasing local groups and traditions.
• Live Entertainment: A free stage hosts music and variety shows throughout the weekend.
• Lil’ King and Queen Crowning: A fun, family tradition crowning young participants.
• 5K Walk/Run: Active participation event.
• Food Options: Including a beer garden, beef and noodle dinner, fish fry, pizza-eating contests, and more.
• Games and Fun: Cake walk, cloggers’ performance, sing-a-long sessions, ventriloquist shows, and a duck derby.
• Special Events: Teen dance, Sunday breakfast, church service, free cookies and milk for kids.

Rough Schedule and Locations

The festival spans three days with activities scattered across Potawatomi Park:

• Parade and opening ceremonies: Likely early on the first day.
• Continuous live entertainment: On the free stage throughout the weekend.
• Food booths and contests: Open during daylight and evening hours.
• Sporting and contest events: Such as the 5K run, pizza eating contest, and duck derby scheduled at various times.
• Family activities: Including crowning events and children’s games, spread over all three days.
• Community and religious gatherings: Sunday breakfast and church service toward the festival's end.

History and Founding

The Little Cousin Jasper Festival was created to celebrate and bring together the community of Rensselaer and Jasper County with three days dedicated to fun, heritage, and local culture. It is entirely volunteer-run, relying on community sponsorships and support from the Rensselaer Park Board and City of Rensselaer. Over time, the event has grown into a beloved tradition aimed at reminding residents and visitors of Jasper County's history and spirit.

This festival not only serves as entertainment but also as a homecoming and cultural showcase, reinforcing local pride and family values.

Contact and Accessibility

• Location: Potawatomi Park, 103 Austin Avenue, Rensselaer, IN.
• Phone: (219) 866-5001
• Website: www.littlecousinjasperfestival.com
• The event is handicapped accessible and offers free parking and shaded areas.

This makes the Little Cousin Jasper Festival an inclusive, multifaceted community event offering something for everyone over a festive weekend in early September.