Mansfield Village Mushroom Festival and Car Show

The Mansfield Village Mushroom Festival and Car Show is an annual event held in Mansfield, Parke County, Indiana, celebrating spring with a focus on mushrooms and classic cars. The 35th annual festival in 2025 will take place on April 19-20 and features a variety of activities including a live mushroom auction, the largest mushroom contest, live music, vendors, food, a car show on Sunday, and tours of the historic Roller Mill. The event is family-friendly and handicapped accessible.

Mansfield Village, located in a scenic area known for its covered bridges and natural beauty, provides a welcoming rural atmosphere with a festival vibe combining community celebration, local culture, and nature appreciation. The event has a longstanding tradition in the region, spotlighting Indiana woodlands and local culinary heritage centered around mushrooms.

Activities and Highlights:

• Mushroom Auction: Live auction of mushrooms, a central activity for lovers and collectors.
• Mushroom Contest: Known as the largest mushroom contest of its kind, including awards for biggest and most mushrooms found.
• Car Show: Held on Sunday, showcasing classic and vintage cars.
• Live Music: Bands and performers creating a festive atmosphere.
• Vendors and Food: Local crafts, antiques, and home-cooked food available.
• Roller Mill Tours: Unguided or historian-led tours of the historic Mansfield Roller Mill, an iconic local landmark.
• Camping: Opportunity for attendees to camp in the area, adding to the weekend experience.

Rough Schedule:

• Saturday and Sunday: Mushroom auctions, contests, vendor booths, live music performances throughout the day.
• Sunday: Classic car show.
• Mill Tours: Available during festival hours, often on both days.
• Mushroom hunts: Organized registration and hunts typically arranged around the festival dates.

History and Founding:

The festival began over three decades ago to celebrate Indiana’s mushroom hunting tradition and local heritage. It has grown into a major regional event that attracts visitors interested in nature, culinary traditions, antiques, music, and cars. The combination of these attractions and the village ambiance makes it a unique cultural experience in Parke County.

Overall, the Mansfield Village Mushroom Festival and Car Show is a vibrant springtime celebration offering diverse activities that appeal to nature enthusiasts, food lovers, car aficionados, and families seeking a community event enriched with local history and charm.