Limestone Heritage Festival goes out with a bang this weekend

BEDFORD – This year’s Limestone Heritage Festival again brought food, music and a whole lot of fun after last year’s festival’s cancellation, due to a pandemic.

A large crowd gathered at Harp Commons to listen to several performers.

Weather forecasters had a dark cloud hanging over the weekend event, which worried organizers that this year’s festival might be a washout. However, the festivities went on and people were ready to celebrate and enjoy their freedom. Many gathered to also celebrate a rich history of being the ” Limestone Capital of the World”.

Sarah Turpen’s comments

Volunteers put in many hours to help bring together the two-day event that includes music entertainment, stone carving contests, parade, and of course the fireworks display to conclude the festival.

The crowds packed the Harp Commons area to hear music both Friday and Saturday evening with the kick-off of Tailfin Cadillacs singing the blues.

Bedford’s own musicians taking the stage throughout the weekend included Stone Carnival with their crowd-pleasing high-energy performances as well as the talented Derrick Weidner who with Olivia Doyle performed a wonderful rendition of “Shallow” Saturday evening.

Derrick Weidner and Olivia Doyle perform ” Shallow” during the Limestone Heritage Festival Saturday afternoon

But the music kept coming with country music singer and songwriter Clayton Anderson, bringing the crowd of all ages to their feet with joy and dancing.

Clayton Anderson songwriter and country music singer performs Saturday evening at the Limestone Heritage Festival

Those attending the festival did not have an excuse for finding something to fill their appetite as there were plenty of vendors to fulfill any craving one may have.

Gunner Connaughton and Nate Gibson enjoy a meal Friday evening at the Limestone Heritage Festival

The vendors for this year’s festival served a variety of food that could fulfill any type of craving. The vendors for this year’s festival event included Judah Catering/Belly Buster, 812 BBQ, Brown Bag BBQ, Wever’s Smoke Eaters BBQ, Highway 150 Blues Cafe, Tiger Ear, J & K Sweet Shop, Hoover’s Candy Shop, Kona Ice of Bloomington, Jiffy Treet, and Busy B’z Kettle Corn.

Marty Staggs of Bedford has carved during the last five festivals

The Limestone Carving Exhibit was on display at the Downtown Depot with various carvers showing off their skills and artistry. In addition, a display of the rich history of Limestone was on display with photographs. This display gave a history of past and present, demonstrating a healthy future for the Limestone Industry to continue taking local limestone to cities across the globe.

From left to right: Marty Staggs, Vane Chastain, Toby Harrison and his son Toby discuss the Limestone Business

The People’s Choice Award winner from the entries at the Limestone Carving Exhibit went to James Lax. The winner of the birdbath raffle at the Limestone Carving Exhibit was Lisa Couch.

2021 People’s Choice Winner – James Lax
Bird Bath Raffle Winner – Lisa Couch

Fireworks finished off the weekend bringing the busy weekend to a close. Several were pleased to be able to back outside in the crowded environment to enjoy life’s freedoms, visit with friends and make perhaps make new ones.

Fireworks conclude this year’s Limestone Heritage Festival

Photo contest winners:

Michael Bruce – People’s Choice Photography Contest Winner

The peoples choice awards include Michael Bruce, Lady Liberty/ Miss Indiana.

Other photo contest winners include:

  • Limestone in Agriculture – Blue and Red Ribbons – Christina Romine, White ribbon – Debbie Pike
  • Limestone in Nature – Blue and Red Ribbons – Michael Bruce, White ribbon – Emily Schmidt
  • Limestone General – Blue Michael Bruce, Red ribbon – Brian Sorrells, White ribbon – Chad Romine