ORLEANS — Local business owners and community members gathered at Feminine Mystique on September 10 for the Orleans Chamber of Commerce’s September “Breakfast Chat.”
During the meeting, shop owner Bonnie Bolinger shared plans for Art Gallery 1815, a new venture being housed within her business. Bolinger explained that the gallery operates as an independent nonprofit entity and expressed hope that the surrounding community will support its success. Interested residents can reach Bolinger directly at 812-243-5115 for additional details.
Chamber Executive Director Robert Henderson provided an update on upcoming community initiatives, autumn decorating efforts, and town-wide events scheduled for the remainder of the year.
Fall Fun Fest Set for October 9–10
The annual Orleans Fall Fun Fest will take over the downtown square on Friday, October 9, and Saturday, October 10, featuring family-friendly activities throughout the weekend:
- Friday, Oct. 9: The festival opens with the tradition of Hometown Scoops & 1847 House hosting an Ice Cream Social and Front Porch Concert. Representatives from the Orleans Police Department and Orleans Fire Department will be on-site to interact with residents.
- Saturday, Oct. 10: Saturday’s schedule includes a 5K Run/Walk, Homegrown Market, horse and carriage rides, a car show, children’s activities, local food vendors, and live entertainment.
The Chamber invites local businesses, civic groups, and churches to participate by hosting a booth in the park or sponsoring a Saturday activity. Interested organizations should contact the Chamber office at 812-865-9930.
Scarecrow Contest and Autumn Decorating
The Chamber’s popular Scarecrow Contest returns for 2026. Residents and business owners are encouraged to create family-friendly scarecrow displays (political, gruesome, or frightening entries are prohibited).
Scarecrows must be displayed outside homes or businesses from September 18 through October 10. Official entry forms are available at Orleans Town Hall, and festival attendees will vote on the entries during the Fall Fun Fest on October 10.
Community members and storefront owners are also encouraged to decorate display windows, front porches, and entrances with seasonal items such as pumpkins, mums, straw bales, and fodder shocks.
Additional Upcoming Dates
- Fall Town-Wide Clean-Up (Oct. 5–9): Residents are encouraged to tidy up outdoor spaces ahead of the fall and winter seasons.
- Small Town Country Christmas (Nov. 21): Organized by Pat Hall, this new holiday event features a shopping trek through the community showcasing local retailers, crafters, artists, and food vendors.
- Small Business Saturday (Nov. 28): A nationwide initiative promoted locally to spotlight hometown specialty shops.
- Christmas on the Square (Dec. 12): Downtown holiday festivities.
- Historic Holiday Home Tour (Dec. 13): Guided tour of historic local residences.
The Orleans Chamber of Commerce will skip its October meeting and reconvene on November 12.
