Harvest Homecoming eliminates rides at annual fall festival

The Southern Indiana staple announced Thursday, they will be focused on what makes Harvest "truly unique"- including local food, live entertainment, arts and crafts and family friendly activities.

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A nearly 60 year old tradition in Southern Indiana is making a big change this year- no amusement rides at Harvest Homecoming.

The now week-long event started as a three day pumpkin festival back in 1967. Since then it has grown to include pageants, a parade, Pumpkin-Chunkin' contest, booths, balloon glow, baby crawl contest and more.

It's a beloved tradition in New Albany that brings in both locals and visitors from near and far. And amusements rides have long been a part of the festival.

So why the change this year? The post on social media left some of the explanation up to the imagination. The Harvest Homecoming Festival Committee made the announcement saying simply, "we appreciate your continued support and look forward to celebrating Harvest Homecoming together."

But we can't forget what happened last year.

Harvest Homecoming canceled the festival after two rival groups began shooting at each other, two people were injured, 18-year-old Bryce Gerlach was killed. All three were innocent bystanders.

The teen from Corydon was a beloved member of the high school football team. His younger brother would go on to walk in his place, with his parents, on what would have been Bryce's senior night.

“When that shooting happened, the lives of three families were changed forever,” said Floyd County Prosecutor Chris Lane said during an October 2024 press conference.

Since the shooting, four people have been charged in the case and two have been sentenced to prison time. The two remaining suspects have trials set for later this year.

As for Harvest Homecoming 2025, the theme is Heart of Harvest, which has been described as a celebration of the people who make it happen and a shared pride of New Albany. The festival is set for October 9th- 12th.

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