About This Festival

Shakamak Homecoming is an annual community event held in downtown Jasonville, Indiana, typically centered around the activities linked to Shakamak Jr-Sr High School and the local community. The next event is on September 27, 2025, with festivities generally encompassing a wide range of sporting, recreational, and community activities.

Event Vibe and Surroundings

The event takes place in the heart of Jasonville's historic downtown, surrounded by small-town charm and the close-knit community spirit characteristic of South Central Indiana. The local atmosphere during the homecoming is festive and family-friendly, with a mixture of athletic competitions, arts and crafts, and social gatherings. Accessibility features are included to accommodate handicapped attendees. The vibe is celebratory, emphasizing school pride ("Once a Laker, always a Laker") and community togetherness.

History and Founding

The Shakamak Homecoming is rooted in local tradition, closely tied to Shakamak Jr-Sr High School and the broader community. The event honors the history and achievements of the school and its alumni, such as celebrating notable classes like the Class of 1975 and 2000 in recent years. It highlights over 60 years of Shakamak tradition, indicating a long-standing practice of annual homecoming activities.

List and Description of Activities

  • Softball Tournament: Held at Hanna Field, beginning early morning, ongoing through the homecoming day.
  • Golf Outing: Louie Romine Golf Tournament hosted at Phil Harris Golf Course, typically on the day before or during the homecoming weekend.
  • 5K Run: Incorporated as part of the fitness and recreation offerings, though the specific timing is variable by year.
  • Parade: Central event starting at 1:00 PM on Main Street, showcasing school spirit, floats, and community groups.
  • Food Vendors: Various local food options set up downtown to provide refreshments and meals throughout the day.
  • Arts and Crafts Vendors: Main Street hosts a vendor show featuring local arts, crafts, and goods.
  • Art and Photography Show: Hosted at Jasonville Public Library during the day.
  • Alumni Dinner/Banquet: Evening social to honor past graduates, commonly located at the high school cafeteria or senior citizens building.
  • Band Booster Pancake Breakfast: Early morning event, usually held at the Senior Citizens Building to start the day.

Rough Schedule for 2025 (based on typical past schedules)

Friday, Sept 26, 2025 (Pre-Homecoming)

  • 1:00 PM – Louie Romine Golf Tournament at Phil Harris Golf Course

Saturday, Sept 27, 2025 (Main Homecoming Day)

  • 7:30 AM – 10:00 AM: Band Booster Pancake Breakfast at Senior Citizens Building
  • 8:00 AM: Softball Tournament begins at Hanna Field
  • 9:00 AM: Vendor Show opens on Main Street
  • 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Art and Photography Show at Jasonville Public Library
  • 1:00 PM: Homecoming Parade on Main Street
  • 6:00 PM: Alumni Banquet at High School Cafeteria

Sunday, Sept 28, 2025

  • 12:00 PM: Softball Tournament continues at Hanna Field

Location Details

  • Most activities are centered in downtown Jasonville, including Main Street and local venues such as Hanna Field (sports), the Senior Citizens Building, Jasonville Public Library, and Shakamak Jr-Sr High School.
  • Golf outing held offsite at Phil Harris Golf Course.
  • The event is highly accessible with provisions for handicapped attendees.

Overall, the Shakamak Homecoming blends sports, community cultural events, and alumni celebrations into a single cohesive festival that both honors the past and looks forward to the future of Jasonville’s community.