Aukiki River Festival in Kouts, Indiana: Dyeing Clothing
After working so hard on little Indiana THE BOOK, I decided that the boys and I needed a day away. What could be better than paying a visit to the Aukiki River Festival in Kouts, Indiana? It is one of our new favorite festivals–and we wanted to make it an annual tradition.
Held the same week at Kouts’ big Porkfest, the Aukiki River Festival, though smaller, is simply amazing. This is a unique Indiana festival because, not only does it showcase the history of life along the riverfront, it spans a number of years! Please, visit the link above for last year’s article and accompanying video of the event.
Highlights from the 2014 Aukiki River Festival
Aukiki River Festival in Kouts, Indiana: Children in Period Clothing
It’s not just frontier times or something random chosen from a specific era but it stretches across the history of the river. You will find ladies dressed in their finest as well as simply clothed pioneer folk.
Men may be outfitted as Union soldiers or French fur trappers or merchants (to name a few). There are a slew of artisans on hand to demonstrate their skills. From clothes dyers to tinsmiths to blacksmiths and soldiers, it’s an eye-opening, interesting look at Indiana’s past.
We gawked at the various booths. With people actually working on their crafts in front of you, this Indiana festival has a different feel. I am a huge fan of the tin toys. They are so neat!
The man and his wife will show you each step. He actually makes them right in front of you, from the bubbling, insanely hot melted tin to the finished, cooled product. I would love to get his various toy soldiers. Our boys would love those–and I know they would last.
Candlesticks, Cloth, and Chance Meetings
Aukiki River Festival in Kouts, Indiana: The Tinsmith
Also: I finally got to meet Indiana author Mari Barnes in person! She was also attending the festival and after (years?) of Facebook and Twitter interaction, I just about ditched the boys at the candlemaker so I could rush over and say “Hi!”
I love that about our small towns. No matter where I am, chances are I will bump into somebody I know. Also, thanks to the candlemaker. She had the old pot of melted candle wax and let kids grab a string and make their own candle. For free. Bonus! Our boys absolutely loved it. They have both proudly placed their candles in their rooms in such a way as to show them off.
But that wasn’t it. The arts and crafts table held children’s crafts and was headed by none other than my high school photography teacher “Mrs. Miller!” While I wouldn’t expect her to remember me after, um, a considerable number of years, she did once ask me for a copy of one of my images.
It felt pretty good at the time, especially because I referred to it as my “award winning photo” even though it never won any awards (probably because I never did enter it in a contest!). It’s kind of a nice feeling to think that I nurtured that early interest and didn’t let it die.
Life Along the Aukiki River
Aukiki River Festival in Kouts, Indiana: The Collier Lodge
If you are looking for a fun, family friendly festival that’s inexpensive to enter and for a good cause (restoring Collier Lodge), please give the Aukiki River Festival in Kouts, Indiana a chance.
Bring Indiana history to life and have a great time in the process. We really look forward to this brilliant festival. It’s small enough that you don’t feel like the kids have to be glued to your side, yet big enough to make it a worthwhile destination. Maybe we will see you there!
Follow along with the latest news on the Aukiki River Festival Facebook Page.
Small Towns: Destinations, not Drive-Thrus! I’m Jessica Nunemaker and THIS is Little Indiana.
Just don’t forget to tell them that Little Indiana sent you!
Aukiki River Festival
Across from: 1097 Baum’s Bridge Road
Kouts, IN 46347
Targeted. Relevant. Affordable! Little Indiana advertising.
