PUTTING IN THE WORK

WHETHER WITH FAMILY, CAREER OR COMMUNITY, BRIAN BEAR MAKES IT COUNT

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For over 50 years, during the second weekend of September, Tipton swells as thousands of participants enjoy the Tipton County Pork Festival. This year, on September 7 through 9, the close-knit, small town will come together to offer three days of fun, music, food and shopping, plus arts and crafts. It’s a small-town celebration at its best, with legendary mascot Pork Boy, carnival rides, pageants, and not one, but two parades with high school marching bands.

The festival, which kicks off with the first parade on Thursday, is important to the community for several reasons. As one of the oldest events in the state, it’s an Indiana tradition. Multiple generations have enjoyed its unique Hoosier vibe, and babies through great-grandparents are well-entertained.

It supports local businesses and enables nonprofit organizations to raise needed funds. For example, the Tipton Elks Lodge sells breakfast when the festival opens at 11 a.m., and tenderloins later. The Lions Club’s pork chop on a stick is another of the many food vendors on site. Band parents count on money made through parking, as does Tipton First United Methodist Church, with its shuttle service that runs from the high school to downtown.

When asked what brings people back to the festival year after year, Christy Crawford, president of the executive committee, cites the pork chops. “People come every year for our famous one-inch pork chops - and of course our souvenir T-shirt and sweatshirt with our yearly logo,” she says. “They also love to visit our downtown area to shop our local stores, dine at our great restaurants and watch our Grande Parade on Saturday afternoon. There is something for everyone, every day of the festival.”

Old festival traditions continue as new ones are being developed. Those renowned pork chops will come from the Market on Main, and they are prepared in cookers built by resident Kenny Ziegler. All retail stores and restaurants are open during the festival including the Side Street Mall and Tim’s 1.

It is not widely known that the Pork Festival donates money to each high school marching band that participates, to help offset their travel expenses. Many visitors come specifically for the live musicians.

“The concerts this year will feature two bands that are replicas of very popular bands,” Crawford says. “The first one is No Fences, a Garth Brooks tribute band, and second is Crush, a Bon Jovi tribute band.”

Music performances on the stage for both Friday and Saturday start at 6 p.m. Besides the tribute bands, other artists will be Tyler Robling, and Second Chance Band. Paul Phenecie and Convoy will also appear.

“We love to see people enjoying the festival,” says Crawford. “We would love to see both new faces and old faces come to the 54th annual Tipton County Pork Festival this year.”

The address for the festival is 101 East Jefferson Street in Tipton. To learn more, be sure to visit tiptoncountyporkfestival.com.