Coffin Days champion tradition, fun for all ages

Mere days separate Fountain City residents from the annual Levi Coffin Days Festival on Sept. 19-20. Promising more than 50 vendors and at least 20 parade participants, the two-day event offers something for everyone. 

This year’s theme, “Celebrating Freedom,” honors the legacy of Levi and Catharine Coffin and the Underground Railroad in addition to America’s 250th birthday. 

The festival opens at 8 a.m. with the parade at 11 on Saturday, Sept. 19. This year’s grand marshal is Larry Stegall, longtime resident and graduate of Fountain City High School. After service in the National Guard and 21 years with American Metal Door Co., the former town council president is a familiar face at Martin’s Country Mart. The parade will be livestreamed courtesy of Northeastern’s Knight Broadcasting Network.

On Sept. 13, fourteen Northeastern students competed in the revived Levi Coffin Royal Court, the festival’s first pageant since 2017. Rather than a traditional pageant, contestants were determined by fundraising totals, with all proceeds going toward improving Fountain City Park. The newly crowned court of the Little Miss, Princess and Queen divisions will participate in festival activities on Saturday.

Fountain City Forward’s Freedom Stage will offer two days of diverse, live entertainment, beginning with saxophonist Tom Cox from 8-9:30 a.m. on Sept. 19. Cox will be followed by Andrew T.’s outlaw country, blues and Southern rock from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Next is Indiana University’s Visions Jazz Ensemble taking part in the Indiana Historical Society’s “Of the People: A Concert for America at 250” from 1-2:30 p.m. 

Saturday evening the Mortonians close the Freedom Stage from 3-6 p.m. Consisting of Kyle Hazard, David Zimmerman and Eric Shaffer, the trio will perform original songs and covers, as well as welcome live-art performer and former Fountain City resident, Dana Brawley, to create a piece during their set. The painting will be sold through a silent auction, with proceeds benefiting the Williamsburg Volunteer Fire Department for its tireless efforts following the Aug. 12 flood. 

After rocking out, families can enjoy a fireworks display at East Ball Diamonds on Fountain City Pike.

The stage welcomes Tom and Zach Walker on Sunday, Sept. 20, 9-10:30 a.m., to perform golden oldies, sing-along favorites and patriotic selections. Midday, 2026’s Wayne County Idol winner, Scott Ross, will perform from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The day’s final two acts will be Jack McDivitt from 1-2:30 p.m.; and Sweaty Boots Line Dancing from 2:45-4 p.m.

In between shows, visitors can indulge in an array of activities, and local food and craft vendors, including the Lions Club’s traditional pork chop and ribeye sandwiches. Whether it’s the Fountain City Police Department’s cornhole tournament or the sawdust dig, there’s activities for all ages. 

In addition to 59 years of the festival, the storied Levi Coffin House marks its 200th anniversary of being a lighted path for those who sought freedom along the Underground Railroad. Attendees can receive $2 off guided tours of the historical site during the two-day celebration. And some can learn more about the harrowing journey at the “Women and the Underground Railroad: Caroline’s Escape” presentation on Friday, Sept. 18. 

Questions regarding vendor registration or festival sponsorships can be addressed to the Fountain City Lions Club. Parade and entertainment information is handled by Fountain City Forward’s Levi Coffin Days Entertainment Committee. For the latest details, visit LeviCoffinDays.org.