If you take a drive to Parke County Indiana, you will find numerous festivals scattered around. Beginning on the second Friday of each October, the vendors will open their doors. These festivities continue for 10 days and end on a Sunday. Vendors are set up at numerous locations all around this county. They sell many things including crafts and food. Locals also take part in these festivities by setting up garage sales. During these ten days, the traffic in Parke County is at its highest point.
Popular Stops Along the Way
One of the premier spots to visit during this festival is Mansfield. Mansfield holds one of the largest flea markets during the Covered Bridge Festival. Visitors are likely to find almost any type of goods they are looking for. Mansfield is located off of Route 59 on Mansfield Road. Another popular stop is in the quaint town of Bridgeton. In this historic town, you will find several old-time shops to look through, a beautiful covered bridge and acres of vendors selling all types of goods. Bridgeton is located near Mansfield, but to get there, you must take a winding road and follow the little signs. Many people also pull over to do some shopping in Rockville. This town not only offers hundreds of vendors, but also has many antique shops for visitors to stroll through.
Bridges
There are 31 bridges in Parke County. Each bridge has been reconstructed. Visitors can stop by each location to look at the bridge and walk over it. Many of the bridges in these areas are extremely old. They are; however, popular locations that many visitors enjoy seeing and taking pictures of.
Food
At each different stop, visitors will find fleamarkets and food vendors. The food varies by location, but visitors are sure to find tenderloin sandwiches, ice-cream, hot, tacos, hot dogs and so much more. A little vendor in Bridgetown serves warm, fresh doughnuts. They are small and deep-fried; then dipped in a glaze. They are moist, delicious and extremely addicting.
Other Details
The Covered Bridge Festival began in 1957. Each year since, the festival has grown and expanded. Most vendors and fleamarkets are open from 8 am to 6 pm each day of the festival. If you are looking for somewhere fun to go for a day or weekend, consider visiting this festival. You are sure to come home with bags of goodies and a full stomach.
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