Haynes Apperson Festival Returns for its 46th Year
Thousands expected at annual festival to honor local automotive heritage
By HEIDI PRUITT
The Kokomo Post Staff
TKP Photo | Heidi Pruitt
The scent of funnel cakes, the shrieks of carnival riders, the heavy thump of drums and a parade that snakes through downtown are all set to return this week — in the city’s largest celebration of automotive history.
The Haynes Apperson Festival returns to Foster Park for its 46th year from June 30 to July 2. This jam-packed weekend brings everyone together for one of the most anticipated festivals of the summer.
The Haynes Apperson Festival began in 1976 as a commemoration of Elwood Haynes and the Apperson brothers, who both had a huge historical impact on Kokomo.
“It’s a community event that celebrates everything that’s great about Kokomo and Howard County,” said Festival Chairman, Paul Wyman.
Elwood Haynes was an inventor known as the "Father of the Natural Gas Industry" in Indiana. He invented the vapor thermostat in 1888 and moved to Greentown five years later as the Superintendent of the Indiana Natural Gas Company.
Haynes also was behind the idea of a "Horseless Carriage.” After moving to Kokomo he hired Edgar and Elmer Apperson to build the first automobile in 1893.
Throughout the last 40-plus years, the Haynes Apperson Festival has evolved into one of Kokomo’s most memorable events, said Wyman.
This three-day event brings, on average, 15,000 people to downtown Kokomo each year. Festival-goers can experience live music from well-known bands all weekend long.
“We have some really big names this year that we’re excited about,” said Wyman. On Thursday night, returning festival-favorite, Here Come the Mummies will be taking the stage to open up the weekend.
On Friday night festival-goers will enjoy music from an American rock band, Jefferson Starship.
Wrapping up on Saturday night is contemporary swing band, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.
Admission to these concerts is free, with VIP tickets available for $20 a night. VIP tickets include a guaranteed seat close to the stage.
Following Saturday night’s concert is a firework show in the park.
“It just makes for a really fun night and that’s a moment that we get to celebrate not only what’s great about our community but also our country,” said Wyman.
You can also shop from dozens of local food, businesses, and vendors during this event.
Pam Bailey, the vendor chair of the festival, credits the success of the festival to the volunteers and the board that plans it.
“This is a community festival, and I’m glad we’ve been able to keep it alive. It’s something that most people look forward to every year,” said Bailey.
Another crowd favorite at this annual event is the Haynes Apperson Sports Festival. Kids and adults are invited to register and compete in this community-wide competition that includes sports such as basketball, karate, golf, corn hole and more.
“My favorite part of the festival is when I see thousands of people from our community come downtown and have a great time celebrating our community,” says Wyman.
IF YOU GO:
When: June 30 through July 2
Where: Foster Park
Cost: Entry is free
Where to buy VIP tickets for the concerts: At Palmer’s Jewelry or The Wyman Group
Schedule of Events:
5 to 11 p.m. Thursday, June 30
3 p.m. - Lineup for Commemorative Run
4:30 p.m. - Leaving Church for the Kickoff off Commemorative Run ending at Foster Park
5 to 9 p.m. - Pioneer Auto Club Cruise-in
5 to 11 p.m. - Carnival Rides
8 p.m. - Here Come the Mummies
5 to 11 p.m. Friday, July 1
Sports Festival begins (see sports schedule for your event)
5 to 11 p.m. - Carnival Rides
5 p.m. - Kokomo Street Scene Cruise-in
8 p.m. - Jefferson Starship
Noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, July 2
Sports Festival begins (see sports schedule for your event)
Noon to 5 p.m. - Carnival Rides
9 to 3 p.m. - 46th Annual Haynes Apperson Car Show
Noon - Parade check-in and lineup
2 p.m. - Parade downtown on Main Street
8 p.m. Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
10 p.m. Fireworks show in the park