About This Festival

Wendell Willkie Days is a fall festival held in downtown Rushville, Indiana, celebrating the local culture and history of Rush County with a variety of family-friendly activities. The event spans three days from September 19 to 21, 2025.

The festival’s vibe is warm and community-centered, embracing the charm of small-town life with seasonal celebrations including local food, historic appreciation, and outdoor activities. It emphasizes family fun, outdoor enjoyment, community spirit, and honoring local heritage.

History and Founding:
Wendell Willkie Days commemorates Wendell Willkie, a famous native of Rush County who was a 1940 Republican presidential candidate and internationalist. The festival honors his legacy and the history of the area through events that integrate the local culture and scenic features.

Festival Highlights and Activities:

  • Friday, September 19:

    • Covered Bridge Dinner — a communal meal celebrating the area's iconic covered bridges and rural heritage.

  • Saturday, September 20:

    • “5 in 50” Bicycle Ride: A notable 50-mile bike ride that passes through five historic covered bridges and six Rush County towns including Rushville, Milroy, Moscow, Gowdy, Homer, and Arlington. Registration opens early morning at Rushville Elementary School with multiple support and rest stops. The ride starts at 8 a.m., with a special parade start option at 9:45 a.m. coinciding with the Willkie Days Parade.
    • Parade: Starting at 10 a.m., the parade proceeds downtown on Perkins Street, following a lineup beginning by 8:30-9 a.m. near the Rush County High School gym.
    • Vendors and Craft Fair: Featuring local artisans and makers along Main Street and 3rd Street with booths from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
    • Kidz Zone: Includes activities such as bounce houses, a barrel train, face painting, obstacle courses, and touch-a-truck experiences for children.
    • Food Trucks and Farmers Market: Diverse food options and locally sourced produce available throughout the area.
    • Art Show: An open art exhibition showcasing local artists, often emphasizing the area’s covered bridge scenery and culture.
    • Free Live Concert: Hosted at the downtown amphitheater, featuring local and regional music performances in a family-friendly setting.

  • Sunday, September 21:

    • SPARC Walk: A community walk event focused on suicide prevention awareness.

Festival Setting and Atmosphere:
The event takes place primarily in downtown Rushville, a small town with rich historical roots. The streets bustle with colorful vendor booths, cheerful crowds, and music. The storefronts and local businesses participate fully, often remaining open to welcome visitors during the festival. The Kidz Zone and parade add a lively, family-friendly atmosphere, while the bike ride encourages active participation and exploration of the county’s scenic rural landscape. The presence of historic covered bridges adds an iconic landmark theme throughout.

Accessibility:
The festival is handicapped accessible, with efforts to accommodate visitors with disabilities.

Contact and More Info:

Rough Event Schedule Summary:

Day Time Activity Location
Friday Evening Covered Bridge Dinner Downtown / specified venue
Saturday 6:30-9:30 AM Bike Ride Registration Rushville Elementary School
Saturday 8:00 AM “5 in 50” Bicycle Ride Start Rushville
Saturday 9:45 AM Bike Ride Parade Start Downtown
Saturday 9:00 AM-3:00 PM Vendor and Craft Fair Main Street / 3rd Street
Saturday 10:00 AM Willkie Days Parade Downtown / Perkins Street
Saturday All Day Kidz Zone and Barrel Train Rides Downtown
Saturday Various Food Trucks & Farmers Market Downtown
Saturday Afternoon/Evening FREE Live Concert Downtown Amphitheater
Sunday Morning SPARC Walk (suicide prevention awareness) Downtown area

Wendell Willkie Days is a well-established community festival deeply rooted in celebrating Rush County’s historical heritage, local culture, and outdoor activities, offering something for visitors of all ages.