Overview

• Saturday’s parade drew hundreds along downtown New Albany to mark the start of the festival.
• This year’s plan removes carnival rides and adds fencing, more officers, enhanced lighting, and earlier closings on Friday and Saturday nights.
• Officials said the measures follow the 2024 shooting that killed 18-year-old Bryce Gerlach and injured two others near the rides.
• Booth Days run Oct. 9–12, with daily lead-up events including a pumpkin-decorating contest, a dog show, and a balloon glow.
• Interim festival president Glenn Dethy urged families to come out, emphasizing a safer, community-focused atmosphere.