Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Tuesday, April 26, 2016
(ORLEANS) - The Orleans Chamber of Commerce will be holding their 48th Dogwood Festival from April 27 through April 30 at the Historic Congress Square, Downtown Orleans.
Enjoy carnival rides, Dogwood Pedal (bike ride) games, children's activities, arts & crafts fair, everyone's favorite hometown parade, food, live entertainment, viewing of the dogwoods and more.
Admission is free.
The event is recognized as one of Midwest Living Magazine's "Top Five Flowering Festivals" and has been designated as "An Official Indiana Bicentennial Festival for 2016."
The dogwood tree is the trademark of Orleans (the Dogwood Capital of Indiana), as "Operation Dogwood," was launched in the mid-1960s with a goal of having hundreds of the trees planted along roadways, the historic town park square and in yards. The annual Dogwood Festival celebrates the town's beautiful Dogwood blossoms each spring.
The festival kicked off this weekend with pre-festival activities, but gets into full swing Wednesday.
Opening day includes performances by the Orleans Elementary and High School choirs, starting at 4:30 p.m.; an OHS Pep Band concert at 5 p.m. and gospel music at 6 p.m.
The Pet Monkey Band will highlight Thursday night's entertainment at 7 p.m. The band was formed in 2011 and are all friends of organizer and bassist, David Webb. Drummer Todd Bassinger and keyboardist Doug Hansom, had recently played with Webb in the band, Rodeo Joe.
The core group added Scott Strange on guitar. He had played with Webb in The Jay Michal's Band and lead guitarist Tyler Parker had grown up with Webb in the same area of Monroe County. When they all got together in Parker's practice studio, they knew what they had and what they hoped they would become. The band features tight three- and four-part harmonies and solos from Webb and Parker.
Pet Monkey Band has been a favorite at the Dogwood Festival for several years.
The Honky Tonk Heroes take the stage Friday at 7 p.m. Traveling just down the road from their Lawrence County home, the band is lead by Orleans High School teacher Sean Steele. He is joined by a few of his friends, including Shayne Koons, lead guitar, Craig Koons, bass, Roz Turner, fiddle, Brad Abel drums, and Steele on vocals and rhythm guitar.
The band is a cover band, playing what is sometimes referred to as "Outlaw Country," featuring country artists such as Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings. The band also covers traditional artists, George Jones, Hank Williams and Buck Owens.
Sweet Water Band will entertain the crowd immediately following the parade on Saturday. The band plays a wide variety of cover songs including contemporary, new and traditional country, classic rock and old-time rock and roll. They have performed at countless fairs and festivals, anniversaries, wedding, reunions and dances.
All entertainment is slated for the main stage near Congress Square in downtown Orleans, but may have to be moved due to weather circumstances.
Robert F. Henderson, Exec. Director of the Orleans Chamber of Commerce announced he received word that the newly crowned 2016 Indiana State Festival Association (ISFA) Queen, Mariah Kagels of Covington will be visiting Indiana's Dogwood Capital.
Kagels is expected to be in Orleans for the dogwood festivities planned downtown on Friday evening.
1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com
© Ad-Venture Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.