Covered Bridge Festival, Matthews, IN

For those residing in or visiting Indiana, the fall season often brings with it a desire to experience the rich cultural heritage and community spirit that defines the Hoosier State. Among the many seasonal attractions, the Covered Bridge Festival holds a special place, with various iterations celebrating Indiana's historic bridges. Our focus today is on the Cumberland Covered Bridge Festival, an annual event held in Matthews, Indiana. While the term "campground" might suggest a permanent camping facility, the Covered Bridge Festival in Matthews is, in fact, a vibrant yearly festival that draws visitors to celebrate local history, crafts, entertainment, and food around the iconic Cumberland Covered Bridge.

This article aims to provide Indiana locals with a comprehensive guide to what the Cumberland Covered Bridge Festival in Matthews is all about. It's more than just a gathering; it's a celebration of community, a showcase for local artisans, and an opportunity to experience a piece of Indiana's past. Understanding the nuances of this event, its location, what it offers, and how to participate, will help residents plan their visit and fully appreciate this unique autumnal tradition. Unlike a typical campground, this festival offers a temporary, lively atmosphere designed for day visits and cultural immersion rather than overnight stays in tents or RVs directly at the festival grounds.

We'll delve into the specifics that make the Cumberland Covered Bridge Festival a beloved event. From its accessibility within the state to the diverse array of activities and vendors, we will cover all the essential information. Whether you're a long-time resident of Indiana or new to the area, discovering events like this festival connects you with the heart of the community and the unique charm of the Hoosier landscape. Prepare to learn about the engaging features and highlights that make this festival a must-visit destination for those seeking family-friendly entertainment and a taste of local Indiana culture.

Location and Accessibility

The Cumberland Covered Bridge Festival is centered around the historic Cumberland Covered Bridge, located northeast of Matthews, Indiana. The specific address often associated with the festival, or the town itself, is 625 Massachusetts Ave, Matthews, IN 46957, USA, which is a central point in Matthews. However, the festival activities are spread out in the vicinity of the Cumberland Covered Bridge, which itself can be found at 11160 S. – 990 E., Upland, IN, as it spans the Mississinewa River near Matthews.

Matthews is a small town nestled in Grant County, Indiana. Its location provides a relatively easy drive for many residents across central and eastern Indiana. For example, it's approximately an hour's drive northeast of Indianapolis, and a shorter drive from cities like Muncie, Marion, and Anderson. The festival's setting in a rural part of Indiana offers a scenic backdrop, especially during the fall when the event typically takes place, allowing visitors to enjoy the vibrant autumn foliage.

Accessibility to the festival is generally straightforward by personal vehicle, with ample free parking typically available for visitors. While public transportation options might be limited in a smaller town like Matthews, the road networks leading to the area are well-maintained, making it convenient for visitors traveling from various parts of Indiana. The festival's organizers often provide clear signage to guide attendees to parking areas and the main event grounds. The focus on the historic covered bridge itself means that the festival utilizes the natural and historical landscape, creating a charming and accessible environment for all who wish to experience this unique Indiana tradition.

Services Offered

The Cumberland Covered Bridge Festival, as an annual event, offers a range of services and attractions designed to create a vibrant experience for attendees. It's important to clarify that as a festival, it provides temporary services rather than ongoing, permanent ones typically found at a campground.

Craft Exhibits and Vendors: A wide array of unique craft exhibits and various vendors offering their goods.
Food Vendors: A diverse selection of food vendors providing a variety of culinary options.
Live Entertainment: Scheduled performances featuring live entertainment for all ages.
Antique Engines and Equipment Displays: Showcases of antique engines, including a steam-powered sawmill and an antique tractor pull.
Children's Activities: Inflatables, horse rides, and other fun activities designed for kids.
Car Show: The Matthews Fire Department often hosts a car show as part of the festivities.
Free Parking: Ample, complimentary parking is typically provided for attendees.
Restroom Facilities: Temporary restroom facilities are usually available during the festival hours.
Information Booths: Points of contact for festival information and assistance.

Features / Highlights

The Cumberland Covered Bridge Festival in Matthews, Indiana, is celebrated for several distinctive features and highlights that draw visitors annually:

Historic Cumberland Covered Bridge: The focal point of the festival is the 1877 Cumberland Covered Bridge, a beautifully restored 181-foot timbered bridge spanning the Mississinewa River. Visitors can walk or drive through this historic landmark.
Diverse Entertainment: The festival prides itself on offering "The Most Entertainment in Indiana for $2.00" (referring to the admission fee), featuring live music and various stage performances.
Unique Craft and Flea Market: A "huge crafts and flea market area" provides opportunities to discover unique handmade items, local artistry, and various goods from a wide array of vendors.
Variety of Food: Numerous food vendors offer a diverse selection of culinary delights, catering to different tastes. The "world famous Matthews Lions Club frosted malts" are a particular highlight.
Antique Equipment Demonstrations: Enthusiasts can enjoy displays of antique engines, a working steam-powered sawmill, and an antique tractor pull, offering a glimpse into agricultural heritage.
Family-Friendly Activities: With inflatables, horse rides, and other attractions, the festival provides fun for "all the kids in your life."
Community Spirit: Organized by the Matthews Lions Club, the festival embodies a strong sense of local community and tradition, celebrating the unique history of Matthews.
Car Show: A popular feature is often the Matthews Fire Department car show, showcasing classic and unique vehicles.
Accessible Admission: With a low admission fee (often $2 for adults and free for children 10 and under), the festival is an affordable outing for families.

Promotions or Special Offers

As an annual festival, the Cumberland Covered Bridge Festival typically operates with a straightforward admission model rather than complex, ongoing promotions. The primary "special offer" that consistently stands out and is often highlighted by organizers is its exceptional value for entertainment. The festival is frequently advertised with the tagline, "The Most Entertainment in Indiana for $2.00," referring to the adult admission fee. This low cost makes it an incredibly accessible and affordable option for families and individuals looking for a fun and engaging outing in Indiana.

Furthermore, a significant benefit for families is that "Children 10 years old and under are admitted FREE!" This policy ensures that the festival remains a highly family-friendly event, encouraging parents to bring their younger children without additional cost for their entry.

Beyond these consistent features, specific short-term promotions are not generally advertised far in advance for this type of community festival. Any potential discounts or unique offerings related to specific vendors or activities would typically be announced closer to the event date or on-site. Visitors interested in the exact details of the upcoming festival, including any potential new features or special arrangements, are best advised to consult the official festival website or contact the organizers directly closer to the event dates. The consistent affordability, particularly for families, remains a key and enduring "special offer" of the Cumberland Covered Bridge Festival.

Contact Information

For inquiries regarding the Cumberland Covered Bridge Festival in Matthews, Indiana, including vendor information, entertainment schedules, or general questions, you can typically reach the organizers through the following channels:

Address (Festival Location Reference): While the main activities are around the Cumberland Covered Bridge, a central reference point in town is 625 Massachusetts Ave, Matthews, IN 46957, USA. The bridge itself is located northeast of Matthews, at 11160 S. – 990 E., Upland, IN.
Organizer: The festival is sponsored by the Matthews Lions Club.
Phone (for Entertainment/Features & Amusements): Roger Richards, often listed as a contact for entertainment and features, can be reached at 765-998-2928.
Email: An email contact often provided is covbridgefest@sbcglobal.net.
Mailing Address: Matthews Lions Club, Box 55, Matthews, Indiana, 46957.

It is always recommended to check the official Matthews Covered Bridge Festival website or the Grant County Visitors Bureau website for the most up-to-date information, schedules, and contact details, especially as the festival dates approach.

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

For residents across Indiana, the Cumberland Covered Bridge Festival in Matthews offers an exceptional and highly suitable experience, particularly for those seeking a blend of cultural enrichment, family-friendly fun, and a connection to local heritage. This annual event is not just a temporary attraction but a cherished tradition that deeply resonates with the Hoosier spirit.

One of the primary reasons for its suitability is its incredible value. The low admission fee, coupled with free entry for children under 10, makes it an accessible outing for almost any family in Indiana. This commitment to affordability ensures that a wide demographic can enjoy the diverse offerings without financial strain, making it a popular choice for a day trip or weekend adventure.

Furthermore, the festival provides a rich cultural experience. Centered around the historic 1877 Cumberland Covered Bridge, visitors get to engage directly with a piece of Indiana's past. The inclusion of antique engines, a steam-powered sawmill, and tractor pulls offers a fascinating glimpse into rural Indiana's agricultural and industrial heritage, appealing to history enthusiasts and curious minds alike. The presence of unique craft exhibits also supports local artisans and provides opportunities to find distinctive handmade goods, reinforcing the local economy and creative talent.

The festival's atmosphere is another significant draw. Described as a place that people "Love," it fosters a lively and positive environment. The wide array of food vendors, including the famed Matthews Lions Club frosted malts, adds to the festive ambiance, offering a taste of local flavors and fairground favorites. Live entertainment and dedicated children's activities, such as inflatables and horse rides, ensure that there is something to engage every age group, making it an ideal destination for family outings.

Lastly, its location in Matthews, while providing a quiet, "country" feel, is also reasonably accessible from various parts of central Indiana. This allows residents from both nearby towns and slightly farther cities to comfortably plan a visit, especially during the picturesque fall season. The free parking further enhances the convenience for visitors driving to the event.

In essence, the Cumberland Covered Bridge Festival in Matthews is a quintessential Indiana experience. It combines historical appreciation, community celebration, affordable entertainment, and local flavor into an event that truly caters to the preferences and values of locals, making it a must-visit autumnal tradition for anyone in the Hoosier State.