Backyard Adventures

BACKYARD ADVENTURES 2019 PIKE PUBLISHING 3A Welcome to Backyard Adventures 2019! This extensive collection of local attractions and activities has been the premier guide to southwestern Indiana's festivals, tourist spots and everything there is to do in summer since 2011. This is Backyard Adventures' ninth year, and there's more adventure to discover every year. Backyard Adventures focuses on the local wonders of southwestern Indiana, especially in Pike and Gibson counties. Almost every small town is full of hidden gems, and this publication gives you the information you need to pick out your favorites. Whether you're trying out something new in your hometown, or you just happen to be in the area and want to experience some true local flavor, you'll more than likely be pleasantly surprised at how much there is to do around here. While our guide is centered around Pike and Gibson counties, we've got the scoop on summer fun, anywhere from French Lick to Evansville to Perry County. Small-town festivals and attractions are not just a unique slice of life, they're often a vertebra in the backbone of the local economy. That means while you're having fun in the sun—eating bratwurst and homemade ice cream, watching the glow-in-the-dark parade, or shopping at the flea market—your fistful of dollars is making our community a better place, whether that's through a scholarship for a student, a new bench at the park, or any other number of civic endeavors. So, wherever you may travel this summer, take some time on your way out of town to stop and smell what's cooking just around the corner. There are plenty of adventures in your own backyard, and Backyard Adventures will give you a head start in your own summer journey. We promise you'll find something fun—maybe even something unforgettable—within the pages of the 2019 edition of Backyard Adventures, and we bet you'll find it close to home. John B. Heuring and Andy Heuring, Publishers Andy Heuring, Senior Editor Janice Barniak, South Gibson Star-Times Editor John B. Heuring, Adv. Manager Eric Gogel, Production Manager Monica Sinclair, Office Manager Cindy Petty, Adv. Sales Pam Lemond, Adv. Sales Matthew Haycraft, Adv. Designer Telephone 812-354-8500 820 Poplar Street, P.O. Box 68 Petersburg, Indiana 47567 www.pressdispatch.net www.sgstartimes.com • • • • • • Written By: Andy Heuring, Janice Barniak and Kenzie Rudolph Photography By: Andy Heuring, Eric Gogel and Jeremy Ross Calendar Items Compiled By: Eric Gogel and Kenzie Rudolph Proofread By: Monica Sinclair Designed By: Eric Gogel Advertising Designed By: Matthew Haycraft and Eric Gogel Cover photo: The lights of 2018 Buffalo Trace Festival, taken by Eric Gogel FEATURE STORIES: 4A Patoka River NWR 1C Oakland City New Lake 1D LST Museum WHAT'S AROUND: 1B 2019 Event Calendar 2B Farmer's Markets 3C Pike County Overview 4C Gibson County Overview 6C Surrounding Area Overview 6D Kids' Puzzle & Activity Page 4D Swimming Spots 4D Online Resources FESTIVALS: 1B Fort Branch Townfest 3B Haubstadt Sommerfest 4B Jefferson Twp. Ruritan 4th of July 5B Gibson County 4-H Fair 6B Clog the Patoka 6B Pike County 4-H Fair 7B Owensville Watermelon Fest 10B Oakland City Sweet Corn Fest 11B Zoar Mosquito Festival 12B Golden Heritage Days 12B Winslow Community Festival 13B Buffalo Trace Festival SPECIALTY GUIDES: 8B Petersburg Shopping 11B Mt. Carmel Shopping 2C Jasper Shopping 7C Huntingburg Shopping 8C Antique Guide 5D Golf Guide explore! let's INSIDE

• Cover