Forks of the Wabash Pioneer Festival

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Forks of the Wabash Pioneer Festival

The Forks of the Wabash Pioneer Festival pays tribute to the history of Indiana from 1800s to 1960s
2026 Pioneer Festival - Our 50th Anniversary!

Saturday, September 26th 10-6
Sunday, September 27th 10-5 Email Us at: [email protected]

06/05/2026

Born in Huntington, Indiana, Helen Purviance was among the first Salvation Army volunteers sent to France during World War I. There, she and fellow volunteer Margaret Sheldon famously made and served donuts to American soldiers near the front lines, bringing comfort, encouragement, and a taste of home to thousands of troops. Helen became known as one of the original "Donut Girls."

But her service went far beyond donuts. She wrote letters home for soldiers, mended clothing, led worship services, and courageously served in dangerous conditions during the war. Her dedication made her a pioneer in every sense of the word.

As we prepare for the 50th Annual Forks of the Wabash Pioneer Festival on September 26 & 27, we'd love to share Helen's story through a living history portrayal.

🎭 Interested in portraying Huntington native Helen Purviance at this year's festival?

📧 Contact us at: [email protected]

Help us bring the story of Huntington's own "Donut Girl" to life as we celebrate 50 years of history, heritage, and community!

06/03/2026

🏹 1983: A New Pioneer Festival Tradition Begins! 🏹

In 1983, the Pioneer Festival introduced the very first Arrowhead Award, created to recognize individuals, organizations, and businesses whose dedication and contributions helped keep the festival thriving.

The inaugural award was presented to Lime City Manufacturing Inc., honoring their commitment and support of the festival and the community.

As we celebrate 50 years of Pioneer Festival history, we remember the people and organizations whose efforts helped build this cherished tradition. ❤️

🏹✨

05/28/2026

WANTED: Makers, Artists & Demonstrators 🪡🕯️
Help us bring 50 years of living history to life!

Can you weave, carve, dip candles, dye cloth, make soap, spin wool, smith tin, make brooms, twist rope, cook over an open hearth — or practice another traditional or heritage art such as quilting, basket‑making, leatherwork, folk painting, pottery, calligraphy, or other period‑appropriate crafts?

We’re seeking skilled artisans and hands‑on demonstrators for the 50th Annual Forks of the Wabash Pioneer Festival, happening Sept. 26–27, at the Huntington County Fairgrounds.

Share your craft, teach your skills, and help us honor half a century of tradition, community, and pioneer heritage.

Email [email protected] to join us.

05/27/2026

WANTED: Storytellers of Old 🎭
Presidents, pioneers & Huntington legends — we're looking for strolling characters & historic reenactors for the 50th Forks of the Wabash Pioneer Festival, Sept. 26–27, 2026.
Think George Washington, Abe Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt — and hometown heroes like Elizabeth Smith Friedman, Samuel Huntington, General James Slack, Dr. Helen McIlvaine & Helen Purviance.
Think you've got the character for it?
Email [email protected]!

05/21/2026

🚲 It's Bike to Work Day — and if you're pedaling in today, you're already living like a pioneer!
Speaking of vintage wheels, come see some amazing old-time bikes at the Forks of the Wabash Pioneer Festival this September 26 & 27 at the Huntington County Fairgrounds!

05/20/2026

🚗 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗰𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗰 𝗰𝗮𝗿 & 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝗸 𝗼𝘄𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀!
Do you own a pre-1970 vehicle in original stock condition? We want it at the Forks of the Wabash Pioneer Festival — and what better year than our 50th anniversary!
Show off your vintage ride alongside living history, pioneer demonstrations, and a community that loves all things timeless.
📅 September 26 & 27, 2026
📍 Huntington County Fairgrounds
For more info and to register, visit our Motor Vehicle vendor application:
👉 pioneerfestival.org/vendor-applications
Application deadline: August 5

05/18/2026

🎨 𝗖𝗿𝗮𝗳𝘁 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗵 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗔𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲! 🎪

There are only a few craft vendor spots left for the Forks of the Wabash Pioneer Festival happening 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟲 & 𝟮𝟳! Don’t miss your chance to be part of this historic celebration and share your handmade creations with thousands of visitors. 🍂✨

𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆:
https://pioneerfestival.org/vendor-applications

05/13/2026

A new chapter in Pioneer Festival history began when the Psi Iota Xi - Phi Chapter - Huntington teamed up with the Junior Historical Society to help bring the festival to life! ✨ Their partnership helped strengthen the festival’s future and continued the tradition of celebrating Huntington’s rich history and pioneer spirit. 🤝🏕️
Today, that same spirit of community keeps the festival growing! Want to help strengthen this tradition for future generations? Contact us today to learn how you can get involved! ❤️
[email protected]

05/07/2026

By 1981, the Pioneer Festival had become a victim of its own success! What started as a small community celebration had grown into a bustling festival packed with history, fun, and frontier spirit. But with bigger crowds came bigger challenges, and Jean Gernand feared the wagons might stop rolling for good without more helping hands. Thankfully, the Junior Historical Society wasn’t ready to let the campfire burn out—they set out in search of volunteers, supporters, and community champions to help keep Huntington’s pioneer tradition alive for future generations!

Address

631 E. Taylor Street
Huntington, IN
46750

Website

http://www.pioneerfestival.org/

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