RICHMOND, Ind. – Richmond’s oldest street festival celebrated its 44th year on the first weekend of October.
Held on South 4th Street in Richmond’s historic district, the fair took place October 4 and 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Admission was free.
This year’s event included around 136 vendors, offering a wide variety of handmade goods, arts, and crafts. A special Kids’ Zone, organized by Life Spring Church, featured games, a bounce house, and a new obstacle course.
Near South B and South D Streets, two food courts served up a range of food options, including baked goods. The fair had 14 vendors dedicated to food. Several tents were set up, offering spots for people to sit, rest, or enjoy a meal.
Live music was held on two stages throughout the weekend, and visitors took part in giveaways and raffles.
Handicap-accessible parking was available near 4th Street, and additional parking was organized to keep vendor and public areas separate.
“Parking has always been my biggest desire to improve,” said Tom Davis, co-organizer of the fair.
Preparations were in place for weather, with shelters set up in case of rain or early snow.
South 4th Street is home to over 200 buildings that are hundreds of years old. The fair first began 44 years ago with a woman named Gertrude Lucky-Ward. Ward started the fair to shine light in an area of Richmond that was struggling. The fair was a way to draw attention to the neighborhood’s charm.
“This particular section of town was having difficulties and problems. So, what she did was begin with an arts and crafts type fair to begin to make people aware of this area,” said Tom Davis. “It turned from one of the most negative areas of Richmond to one of the positive areas.”
The fair is now run by 4th Street Foundation Inc., a nonprofit formed by Tom and Gail Davis in 2022. The Foundation was set up to keep the fair going, after it was once struggling.
The Davises first moved to Richmond in 2021 and quickly got involved with local events including the fair.
“The houses, the different things about it have such an aura to it. I love to explore and see what’s going on,” said Tom. “There’s just so much here that is so much fun.”
Proceeds from the fair benefit 4th Street Foundation, Inc. and organizations they give back to. This also includes public art installations by local artist Dale Lewis, who is carving tree stumps around Richmond into sculptures. One stump was carved at the fair. The Foundation is also supporting the addition of new LED streetlights in surrounding neighborhoods.
The Davises said they’ve seen growing enthusiasm from locals. A Facebook post asking for fair memories received more than 300 responses. The fair isn’t just about vendors and music, it’s about pride in a place they hope continues to grow stronger.
“The people of Richmond respond, they’re looking for a direction of guidance,” said Tom Davis.
With a banner hung across South 4th Street, the fair once again welcomed neighbors, families, and first-time visitors to celebrate Richmond.
“It’s really exciting when RFD strings the banner across the street with their mega trucks and extension ladders, it just brings the excitement that this is it,” said Gail Davis.
Image courtesy of Jessi Thornburg.
