🍁🥃 Harvest Festival at Hard Truth

Come celebrate the unsung heroes of fall - farmers - with live music, autumn festivities, and the highly-anticipated third release of Hard Truth x Mellencamp Whiskey Co. (Yes, it’s delicious).

Kick back with some specialty fall cocktails and try the new Hard Truth x Mellencamp Whiskey. Need more fall vibes? Head over to the s’mores station, hop on a hay ride to soak in those autumn views, and show off your creative side with some pumpkin painting (no judgment on skill level).

For whiskey lovers, the whiskey tent has you covered with tastings, bottles you can take home, and a cigar lounge to keep it classy.

The marketplace will be buzzing with vendors offering everything from pumpkins to apple cider, coffee, and a bunch of other fall treats you didn’t even know you needed.

Tickets are just $10 for ages 12 and up.

Schedule:

• Meet the Makers: Meet-and-greet and bottle signing with Hard Truth and Mellencamp Whiskey Co., noon to 2 p.m.

  • A commemorative tasting glass will be given to the first 100 guests to arrive.

• The Harvest Festival begins and whiskey tent opens, 2 p.m.

• Live Music

  • Stampede String Band, 2-5 p.m.

  • The Cliffs, 5:30-7 p.m.

  • Justin Wells, 7:30-9 p.m.

GRAB YOUR TICKETS HERE

☀️ This week’s INsights

This week in Indiana History - The Last Issue of the Indianapolis News 📰

The Indianapolis News wrapped up its 130-year run on October 1, 1999. After covering everything from local headlines to winning a Pulitzer Prize for Public Service in 1932, the paper finally called it a day. 🗞️

Founded by 23-year-old John Holliday—who was clearly more ambitious than most at that age—it left a lasting legacy. Holliday wasn’t just about the news; he was a philanthropist too, gifting the city Holliday Park. And even after he retired in 1892, his book collection found a permanent home at the Indiana State Library, now known as the Holliday Collection.

For those who enjoy a good throwback, historic issues of the paper are available online through Hoosier State Chronicles. Because who doesn’t love a little history with their morning coffee?

⚡ Hoosier Headlines ⚡

Indiana’s Got Talent 🏆 - Richard Goodall, the 'Singing Janitor' from Terre Haute, just won America's Got Talent and a cool million dollars. This guy went from cleaning classrooms to being the Season 19 champ. Only in America, right?

After his win, Richard said, 'Simon told me two minutes could change your life, and it sure did. Now I want to help others, one song at a time.' Honestly, that’s pretty impressive—he’s not just singing, he’s inspiring. 🎤

For his final performance, he sang Don't Stop Believin’ again, but this time with Journey themselves. Yeah, Neal Schon and the band backed him up. Schon even said, 'He’s an amazing singer,' which probably beats any janitor feedback he’s ever gotten.

And Richard? He’s just over there saying, 'Somebody pinch me.’

Seriously, this is worth a watch ⬇️

The Heartland Film Festival Returns 🎬 - Move over, Hollywood! Indiana's cornfields are sprouting Oscar dreams. Who knew the road to Academy gold was paved with Midwest charm?

Heartland Film's dynamic duo of festivals - Indy Shorts and Heartland International - turn the Hoosier State into an unlikely cinematic hotspot.

Plus, these festivals are snagging Oscar contenders left and right. This year, they've hit the jackpot with 11 films nominated for a whopping 35 Oscars. 🎥 

One of this year’s films is Dirty Laundry, which was filmed in Indiana and stars two friends from Indianapolis.

This year’s festival runs from October 10-20 with the theme “Expand Your Universe.” Attendees will have the chance to explore over 110 films from around the world.

For more details, check out the Heartland Film Festival website!

🎧 Listen to Our Latest Podcast 🎧

🎙 On today's episode I sit down with Rocky Walls of 12 Stars Media and Greg Sorvig of Heartland Film.

They are both huge players in Indiana's film scene.

In the episode you are going to learn about:

• The Size and Scope of Film in Indiana

• The Business of independent Filmmaking

• Another world premiere happening in Indianapolis

We also dive into the festival's influence on both local and international filmmakers, the state's unique economic landscape for indie films, and opportunities for filmmakers in Indiana.

Listen on Spotify, Apple, or Youtube ⬇️

😃 Hoosier Hype 😃

Reply to this email with your photos of the Hoosier state to get them featured!

 💎 Hidden Gem 💎

Parke County Covered Bridge Festival  🍂🍃 It's not just a festival; it's a 10-day celebration of history, craftsmanship, and autumn beauty.

Imagine this: 31 historic covered bridges scattered across picturesque countryside, each with its own story. The festival, running strong since 1957, kicks off on the second Friday of October - prime time for fall foliage.

Now, you might be thinking, "Bridges aren't exactly thrilling." But hear me out. This isn't just about bridges. It's a full-on cultural experience. We're talking authentic arts and crafts, mouth-watering local food 🥧, and small-town charm you can't find in the big city.

NINE different communities in Parke County bring something unique to the table. Rockville serves as the festival headquarters, the nerve center of all the action. Bridgeton offers a deep dive into history with its restored mill and iconic bridge. And Mansfield? Well, that's where you go when your stomach starts rumbling and your wallet's itching for some shopping therapy.

What makes this festival special is its diversity. Whether you're a history buff, an art enthusiast, a foodie, or just someone looking to enjoy a crisp autumn day, there's something here for you.

So, if you're looking for a fall getaway that's a little off the beaten path, consider the Parke County Covered Bridge Festival. It's a chance to step back in time, support local communities, and maybe learn a thing or two about covered bridges.

Click here to learn more about this festival

👏 1 Big wIN 👏

⛳ Korn Ferry Tour Championship Coming to French Lick Resort

Get ready for a golf spectacle that's anything but par for the course! The Korn Ferry Tour Championship is teeing off at French Lick Resort's Pete Dye Course from September 29 to October 6, 2024. This isn't just another day at the links - it's where golfing dreams come true (or occasionally slice into the rough).

For the next five years, French Lick Resort will be the stage where rising stars aim to graduate from the Korn Ferry Tour to the big leagues of the PGA. The Pete Dye Course is known for its challenging layout and spectacular views.

Since 1990, the Korn Ferry Tour has been golf's ultimate talent incubator. An astounding 88% of current PGA Tour members cut their teeth here. The championship culminates in the PGA Tour Card Ceremony - think of it as golf's version of draft day, minus the oversized suits and awkward hugs.

This year, these amateur golfers will compete for a $1.5 million dollar purse. So mark your calendars, golf fans, and get your tickets for this must-see tournament. You can learn more here.

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