DeMotte, Indiana: Bursting with Hometown Pride

Jessica Nunemaker — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 14:30:29 +0000

DeMotte, Indiana is surprisingly bustling. Well, every day but Sunday. On Sundays, DeMotte basically closes its doors and takes a little break from the rest of the world. That’s okay, though. There was just enough here to make it a worthwhile pass through.
Expect to drive around DeMotte, parking as needed, to hit the various clusters of shopping centers that all span outward from what is a tidy but very small downtown.

Strangely enough, this is also the only part of DeMotte with any architectural interest. Other than that, navigating is easy enough because everything is located on the main drag, Halleck Street.

While downtown, make sure to hit the Sell-It-Again Shop. It’s like rummaging through Grandma’s attic. So much fun! There are actually quite a few thrift shops here…but I didn’t see any antique-specific stores. Bummer.

To really see DeMotte hopping, head out for the big event: The Town and Country Day Festival, sometimes referred to as Touch of Dutch. Traditionally held the second Saturday in August, the festivities begin with what I’ve heard is a terrific 5K walk or run, a giant parade with oodles of candy throwing floats (which I know from experience), arts and crafts booths, and fair-type food booths (woot!) that overflow from behind DeMotte Elementary School to Freedom Park across the street.

There was something pretty exciting in DeMotte, particularly for an ice cream addict like me: The Chocolate Shop, a fantabulous ice cream parlor and candy store (look out for that review soon).

Add it all up and, as you can see, I can almost guarantee a good time and sugar high for all.

Anyone else remember the days of the giant tissue paper flowers on sticks you could buy at the Town and Country Day Festival? What are some of your favorite memories?

DeMotte, Indiana; Jasper County

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DeMotte, Indiana: Bursting with Hometown Pride