GenFest 2009 - GenFest's 5th anniversary! - is upon us and Shelbyville, Indiana has a
host of great things planned for us. All GenFest activities are Free except for the
performance noted. Shelbyville has several other things happening the same weekend so the
whole family, even those strange family members with no interest in delving into our
long-gone ancestors, will have plenty to do.
- GenFest 2009 will begin with Meet and Greet at The Strand Theatre on Friday night, June
12th between 6:00 & 6:45 p.m.
- At 7 p.m. performer Danny Russel will portray our renowned Indiana author, James
Whitcomb Riley.
- Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday at The Strand Theatre. Goody bags
with all manner of treasures, maps and discount coupons will be distributed to
registrants.
- Vendors of all types and other participants (libraries, counties, historical
alliances, and other genealogical and historical organizations) will be distributed
throughout the Genealogy House, the Genealogy Society, the Shelbyville - Shelby County
Public Library and the Grover Museum. All are within very easy walking distance of each
other and all will be open for research and browsing. Parking, including plenty of
handicap parking, is close.
- Saturday at 1 p.m. - a guided walking tour of the historic Forest Hill Cemetery which
includes some interesting and famous burial locations. (Those unable to walk may follow
the tour in their car.)
- Saturday, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. - free root beer floats will be served at the Emporium in
the Grover Museum and Shelby County Historical Society. You won't want to miss
"The Streets of Old Shelby" display while there.
- Saturday evening - 7 p.m.The Strand Theatre will feature a performance of The
Wilderness Plot with songs and stories of the settling of the American frontier between
the Revolution and the Civil War. This event is sponsored by The Grover Museum. Cost -
$15
- Sunday will feature a guided walking tour of the interior architecture of the old
buildings of downtown Shelbyville.
OTHER events in Shelbyville the same weekend are available:
- Saturday, June 12 on the circle in downtown Shelbyville is the Senior Citizens
Strawberry Festival. BBQ sandwiches will also be available.
- Friday & Saturday - Antique Tractor Show at the Shelby County Fairgrounds with
games, food and beverages.
- Southeastern District Association of Baptist Churches of Ind - June 8-12 at the
Shelbyville Second Baptist Church.
- Eagles Lodge State Golf Tournament, June 13-14.
- Shelbyville/Shelby County Farmer's Market June 13 from 8 A.M. - 11 A.M. in
downtown.
Shelbyville is a great town with everything centrally located and full of wonderful old
buildings. The downtown circle has interesting shops and an abundance of places to eat,
browse or buy gifts and treasures. Our GenFest event is convenient to all this.
More good news! GenFest 2010 is in the works and will be back in Muncie, Delaware County.
Even MORE good news! GenFest 2011 will be hosted by the Kokomo - Howard County Public
Library. By the GenFest 2011 event rolls around, they will have a newly remodeled
library.
See you in Shelbyville!
Shirley Pearson
GenFest Coordinator
unicorn1945(a)comcast.net
Home: 765-287-0392
Cell: 765-702-3479