When it comes to festivals, Kendallville knows how to do it right! The Apple Festival stands alone as a cultural icon for our town. In just over 10 years, this small, hometown festival has grown from a handful of vendors with a few hundred residents attending, to hundreds of vendors and upwards of 60,000 in attendance over the two-day, two-location event! With its mid-1800's theme, visitors experience pioneer life as it may have been during the time Kendallville was settled. Complete with traditional garb, demonstrations, open-fire cooking, and handcrafts typical of the time, the Apple Festival has a life of its own. Now in two locations, the original fairground location and the downtown historic area "Main Street Village," visitors to this annual event are sure to find many wonderful treats and treasures!

Kendallville is very proud to be the home of the Mid-America Windmill Museum. Since its opening in 1998, the Windmill Museum and annual Windmill Festival have enabled residents and visitors alike the opportunity to see and understand the significance of generating wind power in the development of our community and our nation. An integral part of the progress of the young rail system across America, windmills were strategically placed to pump water to the powerful steam engines coursing the prairie. At the turn of the century, approximately 75 manufacturers of windmills were located within 150 miles of Kendallville. Included in this count would be Flint & Walling of Kendallville, still making pumps today in its third century of operation. This 30-acre museum houses a large collection of restored windmills and memorabilia.

For over 10 years, the Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association (NIBGA) has chosen Kendallville as its home for two major festivals annually. With its strong emphasis on educating young people about this uniquely American heritage, The Bluegrass Festival is welcomed to our town. Held each Memorial Day and Labor Day weekend, this all-American event draws hundreds of pickers and listeners to the fairgrounds for informal times of "jam'in" off-stage, as well as scheduled performances from nationally known bluegrass artists on-stage. Many attendees camp right at the fairgrounds, and the midway offers arts and crafts as well as food vendors.

The 9,500-square-foot Kendallville Public Library is exceptional, and easily ranks as one of the finest in the state. With over 60,000 holdings, patron computer labs with Internet access and a separate children's section of the building, it's a wonderful place to linger. The Library is the location for many programs on topics of interest to the community.

The Kendallville Public Library also houses a large collection of historical materials pertinent to the early days and progression of Kendallville.

The historic Strand Theatre in downtown Kendallville is alive again after a brief respite. With a facelift and renovation, this original 1890 building now houses two modern movie theatres. From its opening as the Spencer Opera House to the 1892 funeral for respected citizen Capt. Hiram Iddings, through its vaudeville days, the Strand has a long legacy and is now a great place to take in a current movie. Allow your thoughts drift to all this building has witnessed through the years.

The Noble County Community Concert Association brings an extra measure of musical culture to Kendallville at least three times annually. Concerts are held at Cole Auditorium and traditionally include a wonderful holiday performance by the Fort Wayne Philharmonic in December.

The "Gaslight Playhouse Theatre," Kendallville's own theatrical troupe, enjoys rave reviews with each new performance. Approximately 100 people are involved in the three productions seasonally; one of which may be a dinner theatre production. Gaslight Playhouse also offers children's theatrical workshops.

The East Noble High School theatre and music departments enable students to produce and star in five performances throughout the year. Featured are children's theatre, dinner theatre, musical, dramatic, and original works productions. In existence since 1967, the East Noble Theatre plays can be enjoyed in Cole Auditorium at the high school.

Step back to the turbulent times of the 1860's as you enlist with the 50th Virginia Infantry Company D. This family-oriented, non-political group of re-enactors strives to enrich the understanding of Civil War history through authentic presentations. With activities during the spring through fall, this Confederate unit participates at various community events throughout the Midwest.

The Noble County Arts Society encourages artists of all levels and genre to develop their talent and participate in various shows and exhibits throughout the county and surrounding area. Of primary significance is the Art Show held in conjunction with the Apple Festival each October.

Residents and visitors alike will find a wide variety of cultural events and experiences right in Kendallville and surrounding Noble County.

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