Persimmon Festival
The Persimmon Festival celebrates a fruit that grows abundantly throughout Lawrence County, Indiana. The 65th edition of the fest is set for September 22 through 29, 2012, in Mitchell, Indiana (map).
Don’t know it? A persimmon is a plum-sized fruit that has an orange color and a figgy-citrus flavor. Of course, we’re talking about the American persimmon (Diospyros virginiana), which is native to the eastern United States.
Highlight of the festival is the persimmon pudding contest, producing a baked pudding dessert that has the texture of gingerbread and is usually served in squares with a dollop of whipped cream.
Don’t grow your own? Road Trips Foodies can purchase locally-made persimmon pulp at Applacres, an orchard and general store in nearby Bedford. The award-winning recipe will be posted on on the Lawrence County Tourism Commission’s website.
The festival’s week-long schedule is filled with, kids’ activities, exhibits, contests, live entertainment, a carnival and one of the state’s largest parades. The festival kicks off with the Candlelight Tour of the Pioneer Village at Spring Mill State Park. Costumed interpreters demonstrate pioneer life at the historic buildings and the working grist mill. There’s also a community-wide yard sale, horseshoe tournament, road rally, karaoke, a 5k run/walk, antique tractor show and food.
For more information on Mitchell and the region, check out the Lawrence County Visitor Center, 533 West Main Street, Mitchell, Indiana, or go online.
(Photo by Cybus Zanthalon)
