Join the Roann, Indiana, community as they celebrate their yearly Roann Covered Bridge Festival on September 6-9, 2007. This four-day festival is held yearly, on the weekend following Labor Day, to celebrate the town’s heritage. Founded in 1853, Roann is a close-knit community that retains much of the small-town charm that is so rapidly disappearing from our culture.
Although Roann is a small town in Wabash County, with a population of about 400 (2000 census), the Covered Bridge Festival is one of the most highly attended street fairs in this region. The festival starts off each year with a performance by Spike and the Bulldogs, a popular local rock & roll band that plays 50’s and 60’s era oldies. Live entertainment, vendors, games, the Antique Tractor Pull, a pedal tractor pull for the kids, mud volleyball and other family activities are highlights of the Roann Covered Bridge Festival. The festival’s volunteer committee is working on new features this year, including a hot air balloon launch, 5K fun run, and an antique car, tractor, and motorcycle show. Enjoy the parade, featuring local high school marching bands, dance troupes, local businesses, scout troops and many other entrants.
Roann is known in the area for their antique shops, notably Mom & Pop’s Jazzy Junk and the Antique Mall next door. Lynn’s Restaurant serves a fine meal, with fish a specialty. Other local businesses include A. J.’s Café & Pizzeria, beauty/barber shops, a gas/convenience store, an insurance agency and the post office.
The Roann Covered Bridge is one of only two covered bridges still standing in Wabash County. The bridge spans 288 feet and the floor is made of white oak. The first bridge was originally built in 1841, and was washed away and rebuilt three times over the next several years. The bridge was rebuilt again in 1876, using steel rods to reinforce the wooden trusses, the chief technique that was used on railroad bridges in that era. This bridge still stands, although it has been damaged by fire twice in its history. The residents cherished their bridge so much that they rebuilt it both times, painting it the original red color and reinforcing it with steel beams.
Another Roann landmark you’ll want to visit is the picturesque Stockdale Mill. Situated on the Eel River and operated from 1857 until it closed in 1964, the Stockdale Mill always used water power, and never converted to steam power or electricity like so many others. The original equipment is still in the building.
Roann is also the smallest town to have a Carnegie library. Established in 1914, the Roann Paw Paw Township Public Library is still in the original building. A new addition was dedicated in 2004 to make room for a children’s department and local genealogical and historical studies.
The mild September weather makes this the perfect time of year in Indiana to have a festival. Come join us for the fun or just to reminisce about the good old days. Visit the website at www.roanncoveredbridgefestival.com for a schedule of events.
