One of my favorite annual events in Hendricks County, Indiana, takes place over Labor Day Weekend each year: North Salem Old Fashion Days. I can't wait for Aug. 31-Sept. 2 to get here because Old Fashion Days always has so much to offer my entire family. I love the small town of North Salem, and my favorite restaurant is there.
I'll hit the high points and trust that you'll experience North Salem Old Fashion Days for yourself.
Old Fashion Days Parade
The Old Fashion Days parade is not to be missed. Incredibly, this little town of just over 500 people hosts the largest parade in Hendricks County!
The parade begins at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 31, but you'll want to get to North Salem earlier than that to claim your spot. More than 100 classic cars, antique tractors, emergency vehicles and other entries will parade through town. Bring some sort of receptacle to hold candy, too, because they make it rain up in North Salem.
Horse and Truck Pulls
Watching stuff get pulled around is always fun at festivals, and this festival doesn't disappoint. On Saturday, Aug. 31 at 5:30 p.m., the heavyweight trucks will fire up their engines and see how far they can pull sleds during the Truck Pull.
On Sunday, Sept. 1 at 7 p.m., the heavyweight horses will get after it at Machinery Field during the always popular Horse Pull. Both events feature a whole lot of horsepower, excitement and good clean family fun.
Old Fashion Days Walk/Run
How about getting some exercise on the morning of Monday, Sept. 2 while enjoying scenic Hendricks County? North Salem Old Fashion Days offers a 5K run/walk and a 10K run.
The runs and walk start at 8 a.m. with registration open from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. Save time and money by registering online.
Bed Race
One of the most entertaining spectacles at North Salem Old Fashion Days is the iconic Bed Race, which will take place on Monday, Sept. 2 at 2 p.m.
Hilariously unhinged teams, often dressed in wild outfits, race down Pearl Street on beds -- yes, beds -- at break-neck speeds. Because, what else would you use a bed for?
Shopping and Food
There are always a ton of craft and food vendors at North Salem Old Fashion Days, so bring your shopping shoes and your eating pants.
This is a juried festival where no commercial items are allowed, and you'll find all sorts of unique items there to meet your shopping needs. Local businesses will also be open during Old Fashion Days, so be sure to stop in and take a look.
My favorite restaurant in Hendricks County is in North Salem -- Perillo's Pizzeria. They host a pizza-eating contest during Old Fashion Days, but if you prefer eating your pizza at a leisurely pace, make sure you visit Perillo's for truly authentic Italian food.
