HARVEST HOMECOMING PRESENTS UPDATED FESTIVAL PLAN TO CITY

HARVEST HOMECOMING PRESENTS UPDATED FESTIVAL PLAN TO CITY

This morning, following a series of planning meetings with Mayor Jeff Gahan, Police Chief Todd Bailey, and other City of New Albany officials, Harvest Homecoming organizers presented their updated plans for this year’s festival to the Board of Public Works and Safety.

Harvest Homecoming, now over 50 years old, is widely recognized as the third largest festival in the state of Indiana, behind only the Indianapolis 500 and the Indiana State Fair.

The Board of Public Works and Safety is responsible for approving festival permits, and regulations require permits to be submitted 60 days prior to an event. Harvest Homecoming has submitted permits for similar events as previous years, but a plan for the Fiesta Rides has not been submitted as of this time.

During the presentation, the Harvest Homecoming Board President shared highlights of this year’s updated safety protocols, revised hours of operation, and a wide range of exciting events and attractions. Key updates include:

✅ Revised Festival Hours (1 hour earlier closing time on Friday/Saturday) 

✅ New Security Fencing for improved crowd control and safety

✅ Enhanced Lighting Plan to keep downtown well-lit into the evening 

✅ Expanded Family-Friendly Programming with appropriate marketing

✅ Marketing the festival as family friendly and weapons-free 

✅ New Police Security Camera System for increased safety

✅ Enhanced Law Enforcement Presence throughout the festival footprint 

Mayor Gahan commended the work of festival organizers and city departments to improve safety at this year’s festival, stating:

“I appreciate the effort that has gone into the revised plan. As always, we are proud to host Harvest Homecoming in downtown New Albany.”

Police Chief Todd Bailey echoed the mayor’s comments, adding his support for the updated safety approach. 

The City of New Albany remains committed to partnering with Harvest Homecoming volunteers to ensure a safe and successful event for all who attend.