The Spirit of Athletics and Community: The Haynes-Apperson Sports Festival

An exciting weekend of entertainment returns as the Haynes Apperson Festival takes over Foster Park and the surrounding areas from June 31 to July 1.

Named after the renowned pioneers of the automotive industry, Elwood Haynes and the Apperson brothers, this festival combines the spirit of community and free family fun. Included in this annual event is the Haynes Apperson Sports Festival.

“Some people like to come out and ride rides, some love to eat all the good food and listen to the live music and some like to participate in sports. It’s just about people coming together and celebrating our community for the weekend,” said Paul Wyman, festival chairman.

During the three-day event, sports enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels come together to participate in a wide range of athletic and recreational activities. The festival offers a diverse lineup of sports that includes golf, cornhole, a kids track meet, pole vaulting, men’s and women’s softball, a 5K race, volleyball, disc golf, tennis, pickleball, basketball and a canoe/kayak trip.

Some sports have come and gone, but there are 13 sporting events are featured in the 2023 event.

“The philosophy is let’s have something for everybody. Some of the sports are strenuous and some aren’t. There’s no requirement to participate, you just register and show up,” said Dana Neer, sports festival chairman.

An important aspect of the Sports Festival is having tournaments and competitions at various locations throughout the city, according to Neer.

“We’re at all these great locations throughout Kokomo. It’s not just downtown, it’s everywhere.”

Neer has been involved in the festival for the last 23 years, but even before taking the position of leadership on the planning committee, he participated as a runner in the Haynes Apperson Festival 5K. What keeps him coming back?

“It always comes back to the one word, community. I love the Kokomo community,” he said.

You can learn more about the Haynes Apperson Sports Festival and how you can register by visiting this link.