Hometown Days Festival perseveres following Saturday morning storms

 

NEW CARLISLE, Ind. -- Severe storms swept through New Carlisle Friday night, ravaging the Hometown Days Festival in the process.

Such a devastating situation would have put an end to most celebrations, but the community weathered the storm and were back up and running mere hours after the disaster situation. 

While a few vendors were forced to cut their losses and withdraw from the event, countless others regained their bearings like nothing had ever happened in the first place. 

"We have had community support like you cannot believe," said Hometown Days President Dawn Turner. "The community has come together, helped people put their tents back up, set the tables back up, we are ready, we are ready to go." 

Organizers estimated around 40 vendors received some kind of damage, but thanks to community efforts, more than 3/4 of the damaged booths were able to stay for the final day.

While most would have classified the situation as a disaster, the New Carlisle community saw it as an opportunity to come together and support one another. 

The final day of the Hometown Days festival features food, games, public church services, craft vendors and plenty more.

The festivities last until 4 p.m. Sunday and is located at 485 Lincoln Highway in New Carlisle.