Lanesville Heritage Weekend, an annual street festival since 1977, offers a plethora of entertainment options for families. Enjoy three days of fun with Truck and Tractor Pulls all weekend, amusement rides, food and craft vendors, a parade, helicopter rides, and live entertainment. Experience the authentic Midwest vibe and immerse yourself in Indiana's customs and traditions.
Schedule of Events
At Lanesville Heritage Weekend, more than 70,000 guests will enjoy a wide range of activities and attractions. From helicopter rides to tractor and truck pull shows, arts and crafts, vintage farm machinery, and various contests, there's something for everyone. Guests can try savory meals from local vendors, explore antique tractor exhibits, and join the festival parade. Live music by local bands will entertain visitors, along with midway rides and the Farm Toy Show. Don't miss the Vintage Farm Machinery Exhibit and the Feature Gas & Steam Engine Exhibit. Additionally, there's a dedicated kids' zone for younger attendees, making it a family-friendly event for all to enjoy.
Runs
The Lanesville Heritage Races, organized by Lanesville Boys' Basketball, offer three events: an 8-mile run, a 5-mile non-competitive walk/run, and a 2-mile kids' run. Taking place in Southern Indiana, these races wind through scenic countryside, offering picturesque views of farms and rolling hills. Awards are given to top finishers in each age group for the 8-mile run, with timed results for the 5-mile run/walk. Additionally, there's a raffle for custom-fitted shoes from Pacers and Racers, with winners announced after the race awards. It's a day of fitness, fun, and prizes for all participants.
Festival Contests
Lanesville Heritage Weekend offers a range of thrilling contests: Friday evening hosts the Queen and Princess Pageants at 6 pm in the Lanesville High School gymnasium. On Sunday, enjoy the Horse-Shoe Pitching event at noon near the Mail Pouch Barn, followed by the Antique Tractor Games at 10 am in the tractor pull area. Grandstand admission is free for everyone. Music enthusiasts can attend the Amateur Fiddle Contest on Friday at 8 pm in the Heritage Community Center. Sunday afternoon features the Log Sawing Contest at 1 pm on the Heritage Ground near the Shelter House and the Pedal Tractor Pull at 2 pm in front of the Jaycee Building.
Location and Open Hours
The festival takes place at Lanesville Heritage Amusement Center, situated on Memory Lane. Free parking is available, along with a complimentary shuttle service to the festival venue. Gates at Lanesville Heritage Park open at noon on the first day and at 9 am on the second and third days, with the event area closing at 11 pm on the first two days and at 5 pm on the last day. Admission is free, but due to the bustling nature of Lanesville during this time of year, it's advisable to book accommodation in advance.
History of the Lanesville Heritage Weekend
Lanesville Heritage Weekend originated in 1976 as the Lanesville Bicentennial Celebration, commemorating the nation's Bicentennial year. Initially named Lanesville Bicentennial Weekend, the festival was established with the help of two $500 federal grants. The idea was conceived by the Lanesville High School Chapter of FHA, led by advisors Linda Steder and John Richert. Recognizing the need for significant resources to realize their vision, Richert, as the founding president of LHW, engaged community leaders, churches, and civic organizations in discussions to launch the festival.
