Melissa Raveed - Manager, School Services

I will openly admit that I love going to festivals and fairs! Especially for the food, the fun activities, the fantastic opportunities to people-watch. My favorite is the Indiana State Fair. I have a ritual that I must follow while there: visit the DNR building, eat, visit the car display, eat, visit the Horticulture Building, eat…. I think you get the picture.

Civil War Days, Indiana Festival, Glorious Fourth - Conner Prairie offers so many great ways to learn about Indiana culture and our past while adding some exciting festival elements. It was great working Glorious Fourth this weekend and seeing so many of our guests enjoying what we had to offer, from watching the militia drill to playing rounders in the Conner Pasture. But the only thing was that I was WORKING! That does not mean I or any of our staff do not get to experience and enjoy at least a few of the activities during a typical festival day.

Typically, Conner Prairie staff is stationed in a certain area for most of the day during a festival. You see us helping with crafts, giving directions and generally doing our best to make sure that you, our guest, have a fantastic time! But during our breaks is when we get to enjoy some of the festival just as you do! On festival days, I always try to make sure I have lunch on the festival grounds so that I can experience some of the great food our vendors have to offer. This past June at Indiana Festival, I discovered my new favorite festival food- Elote Preparado. Elote Preparado is a Latin American festival staple that consists of an ear of roasted corn topped with lime, mayonnaise, parmesan cheese and chili powder. I will admit that at first glance, these ingredients do not seem like they would yield an appetizing product, but trust me, if you ever see this at a festival- it is a MUST try! I also try to visit at least one of the scheduled activities. This past Saturday at Glorious Fourth, I attended Dr. Campbell’s Independence Day Celebration in the grove at Prairietown. From the recognition of veterans, past and present, the dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence by the residents of Prairietown, to the singing of patriotic songs such as “Hail! Columbia,” (an early anthem of the United States, now played for the vice president at formal ceremonies and events.), the celebration captured the essence of how the Fourth of July was such an important holiday for people in the mid-19th Century. And it was great watching guests actively participating and enjoying the ceremony.

So, I’ve given you some insight about why I love festivals and fairs and how I try to enjoy what we have to offer while working hard to make sure you have a great time. What do you love about attending festivals and fairs?