BRIDGETON, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — For the past week guests from around the country have made their way to the famous Covered Bridge Festival.
People wore ponchos, brought umbrellas, and put on boots, determined to soak up the last day of the festival. Bethany Mathews and Kaitlyn Capps have been going to covered bridge festival for over 20 years, and they said they are excited to visit, even on this rainy day.
“Just finding things. It’s kind of like a little treasure hunt, but you don’t know what the treasure is yet,” said Mathews.
Supporting local businesses and definitely trying the food is my main thing,” said Capps.
For one lavender farmer, the support from these visitors means a lot. This year is Vicki Whissler’s second time at the festival as a vendor. Whissler’s small business is called Lavender Meadows.
She said she has been a lavender farmer for 3 years and that it’s not just about the product, it’s about the joy of everyone she meets along the way.
“This environment, from the customers that shop here to the vendors that surround me is very warm and welcoming”, said Whissler. “People make great things and when you can buy something that’s unique for your family for Christmas and your friends, I think that makes a big difference. I love it that they really do support small business.”
Whissler hand-harvests 1400 lavender plants, distils the oil, and uses her registered nurse knowledge to create natural products. She said it’s worth the time to come to the festival and meet lots of people.
“I would just say come out, meet the people that are visiting as shoppers and vendors, and spend some time here because all of us small business owners really appreciate it,” said Whissler.
The Covered Bridge Festival takes place every year in October.
