Fort Vallonia Days Guide – 2024
One of Jackson County’s most cherished traditions will return October 19 and 20 with the 55th Fort Vallonia Days Festival in Vallonia. Here’s a guide to everything!
Plus, there will be many food vendors, and so many of your favorite craft and flea market vendors that you can’t miss!
Festival General Information
Hours: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., 10/18 | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 10/19 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 10/20
Parking: Parking at Fort Vallonia Days is free, and can be found in the fields near the festival grounds, and in fields across State Road 135. Volunteers will be directing parking, and motorists should use caution in the area as many pedestrians will be crossing State Road 135.
Festival Merchandise: Official festival merchandise may be purchased at the Joe Jackson Community Center.
Demonstrations: The festival features demonstrations that include spinning, quilting, braiding rugs, blacksmithing, and more. The Garrison House also will be open for the public to walk through. In addition to historical demonstrations, the Fort Vallonia Museum near the fort will be open.
Schedule of Events
Friday, October 18
4 to 6 p.m.: Pumpkin Decorating Contest
7 p.m.: Live music with u4ia
Saturday, October 19
9 a.m.: Mick Gray Memorial Trail Ride (State Riding Permit Required) 812-216-2135.
9 a.m.: Wes Hartley Memorial Muzzle Loading Shoot (Shooters’ meeting at 8:30 a.m.)
10:30 a.m.: Pumpkin Decorating Contest Winners announced.
11 a.m.: Southern Indiana Cloggers (Pavilion).
Noon: Live music by U4IA (Pavilion).
1 p.m.: Parade
2 p.m.: Tomahawk & Knife Throw (Fort).
2 p.m.: Live music by U4IA (Pavilion).
3 p.m.: Live music by Dane Darlage (Pavilion).
4 p.m.: Country Kickers – Western Dancing (Pavilion).
5 p.m.: Karaoke with Tee Jay Entertainment (Pavilion).
Sunday, October 20
10 a.m.: Community Church Service (Gym). Hosted by Trinity Lutheran Church.
Noon: Sparkles & Spurs Country Western Dancers (Pavilion).
Noon: Team Cornhole Tournament (Fort). Registration begins at 11 a.m.
12:30 p.m.: Horseshoe Pitch (Fort). Registration begins at noon.
1 p.m.: 5K Run/Walk. Registration begins at noon.
1:30 p.m.: Brownstown Central High School Show Choir (Pavilion).
3 p.m.: Live worship music with FBC House Band (Pavilion).
4 p.m.: Drawings.
Food
Many people attend Fort Vallonia Days for the excellent food vendors! Food items include famous fish sandwiches, BBQ, pizza soups, hot wings, fried rice, shish kabobs, donkey bellies, breakfast sandwiches, Cajun food, polish and Italian sausages, basked potatoes, ice cream, funnel cakes, pies, smoothies, donuts, and more.
Crafts & Flea Market
There are plenty of craft and flea market vendors to choose from at the festival, offering anything from toys and antiques, to boutiques and pottery. You’re sure to find something for everyone at Fort Vallonia Days.
Fort Vallonia Historical information
Vallonia was settled by the French in the late 1700’s. Around 1810, tensions between Native Americans and settlers were very high. At that time General William Henry Harrison, then Governor of Indiana, ordered a fort built to protect the 90 families in the area. No pictures of the fort exist, but descriptions and specifications of the fort were preserved in public records.
In 1968, several interested men started to discuss building a replica of the Fort at local Lions Club meetings. In 1969, the first Fort Vallonia Day celebration brought 3,000 fun-seeking folks to little Vallonia. The museum was dedicated and the posts were set to swing the gates for the fort in 1972. The addition of a pavilion with a stage was built in 1985. 1991 brought the completion of the Garrison House in the center of the fort grounds. The festival has been a rich Jackson County tradition ever since!
