Visitors across the nation come to the annual Covered Bridge Festival

BRIDGETON, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — To most people the Covered Bridge is just another annual fall activity, but to others it is a tradition that they uphold every single year. 

Millions of people come to the covered bridge festival in Parke Co. every single year, but what do they love about it so much? 

 “This little guy had some ice cream and I was just telling them that I spent probably 50 bucks on food,” said Trevor Beard a visitor of the festival.

Although some people from around the area make it a tradition to come every year there are people all across the nation that want to get in on the fun as well.

“I saw a wonderful Instagram reel about the covered bridge festival. I think it was two years ago actually and I was hooked,” said Jamie Joe a visitor of the festival. “I love all things fall and wanted to come but wasn’t able to make it last year due to an obligation but this year I grab my mom and my two aunts, and we came all the way from Florida and is our first stop.”

Out of all the people I spoke to coincidentally two families were visiting from the state of Florida, showing that Indiana hospitality spreads thousands of miles.

“One thing that I think the Midwest has been that small town feel we don’t have that in Florida,” said David Rowell a visitor of the festival. “We definitely don’t have covered bridges in Florida so something like this brings the community together. you get to look at cool stuff. I mean enjoy local stuff enjoy local eateries. it’s the culture surrounding it to me that no one else has.”

The covered bridge festival happens in 9 different locations, andpeople are always drawn to the beautiful scenery and what it represents as a whole

‘’I’ve never been, this is my first time, so this is crazy that this is the thing I’ve never seen a covered bridge before coming here,” said David.

“We don’t get a traditional fall in Florida so of course we’re always chasing those changing colors. that’s what we came for was to see all things fall pumpkin ice cream. we had persimmon ice cream so we’re loving all the fall stuff so far,” said Jamie.

This rich history and tradition are not something you want to take for granted. You can learn more about all the covered bridge locations here.