What a great weekend it was for the Back to the Fifties festival! A perfect Friday night for the street dance and beautiful sunny skies for a Saturday full of smiling people, great food and the coolest collection of classic cars in Indiana.

The Boone County courthouse is an impressive backdrop for this annual festival with a band stage set up on the west side that featured “The Rigbys” – a Beatles cover band – on Saturday afternoon. The band was very good with attendees dancing and swaying to the beat of Fab Four favorites.

Gastronomically speaking, the funnel cakes served were the best I tasted so far this festival season. Parky’s BBQ also had a long line at their food tent. One of these days I’m going to try a turkey leg, too.

But to this gearhead, the cars were the true stars on Saturday with everything on display from a 1930′s Boone County police car to a DeTomaso Pantera. My personal favorite was a perfect 1932 Ford pickup with its wood lined bed and deep cherry paint job. Car owners loved to brag about their 4-wheel babies – offering tidbits and tech talk to all visitors.

Congratulations to the Back to the Fifties committee for hosting a great weekend event that was obviously enjoyed by all who attended! And thanks to those of you who stopped by the new Boone County Tourism office on the square.

This weekend it’s the Turning Leaves Festival in Thorntown – from Friday night through Sunday. It’s worth the drive to Thorntown for this event as the Turning Leaves committee continues to add more activities, music, food and specials to this annual festival.

This year festival includes a bluegrass music jam on Friday, parade on Saturday morning, the “Anything Goes” games on Saturday and lots of arts, crafts & great food. Let’s see how good their elephant ears/funnel cakes are in comparison to all the others I’ve enjoyed this season.

Saturday night, Cook & Belle will be performing their eclectic mix of popular and country favorites. To find out more about the Turning Leaves Festival – CLICK HERE

Don’t forget the Taste of Boone County event happens on Friday, October 3 at the Anson Development. 20 great restaurants, live jazz, adult beverages and lots of fun await you at this 2nd annual event that promises great food for all. For more information - CLICK HERE

Have a comment about our Boone County festivals? Send them in and we’ll post them as part of our weekly Boone County Tourism blog. Thanks for reading and see you in Thorntown!