The history of the Fishers version of a summer festival has an interesting one.
It all began with a one-day celebration the weekend before the 4th of July in 1989. The population of Fishers was around 7,000, maybe a little less, at that time. The event was named the Fishers Freedom Festival. The community celebration was run by a local nonprofit organization.
That continued for a number of years, as a 2-day Saturday-Sunday festival at Holland Park. I have fond memories of taking the stroller to the park, with my twin daughters, from our Sunblest home in the late 1990s.
The Fishers Freedom Festival did rely on the Town of Fishers, then later the City of Fishers, to provide financial and in-kind support from the Department of Public Works, Parks, Fire and Police Departments. The Freedom Festival also depended on an annual cash contribution from municipal government. The 2017 festival received $85,000 in cash support from the city.
In 2017, city officials decided not to fund the Fishers Freedom Festival nonprofit group. Since the festival relied on that city support, the Fishers Freedom Festival was no more.
When that happened, the City of Fishers announced it would launch a new festival, at the same time of year, prior to the 4th of July, naming it the Spark Fishers Festival.
That has been the Fishers summer festival ever since, with one exception in the COVID year. Fishers has announced the 2024 Spark Fishers Festival will be back, beginning Tuesday, June 25, ending with the parade on Saturday, June 29.
Last year’s drone show was a hit and will return following the Tuesday concert. A fireworks display will follow the Friday night concert.
Here is the lineup for the 2024 Spark Fishers Festival, as provided by the City of Fishers:
Tuesday, June 25 / 7-9 p.m.
Free Tuesday Night Concert featuring Uptown Funk: Bruno Mars Tribute and drone show at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater (6 Municipal Drive).
Wednesday, June 26 / 7 p.m.
5K Race presented by IU Health Fishers around downtown Fishers and the new 1-Mile Walk/Run. Stick around for the 5K After Party at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater with music, food, and games. Registration is now open.
Thursday, June 27 / 6-9 p.m.
Free Car & Art around the Municipal Complex. Applications are now open for car show participants and artist vendors.
Friday, June 28 / 8 p.m.
Friday Night Concert featuring Red – A Taylor Swift Tribute and fireworks show at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater.
Saturday, June 29 / 2-9 p.m.
Street Fair around the Municipal Complex, with a community parade at 6 p.m.
Applications are now open for festival vendors and entertainers through May 10. Parade participant applications are due May 31. Applications can be found at sparkfishers.com.
Several volunteer opportunities are available for all ages and abilities to get involved in this year’s celebration. Learn more and register to volunteer at volunteerfishers.com.