Fall Festivals in Indiana are in full swing through Spetember and October, however those celebrating fall harvest items have had a bit of challenge in their planning and organization.

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With the state's corn crop taking a major hit from the summer drought. The Sullivan County Rotary Corn Festival has shifted gears this year to celebrate more of the importance of farmers rather than so much on the corn given the year's low yield. Committee member Paul McGlasson says the committee decided this year's festival themewould be "Hats Off to Our Farmers" to show them the community at large is with them as they struggle in a low yield year.

Instead of a celebrity or VIP, this year's parade chair is also a local corn and soybean farmer to further support the theme. As for the festival namesake, McGlasson says the club has had to spend more money and reach out father to make sure there is enough corn to support the festivals' free corn feed for the public, but says that is a central part of the festival that will go on.

In Nappanee, organizers of the Apple Festival have had to make similar arrangements to make sure there are enough apples to support this year's event. Festival Director Dustin Geyer says the committee has had to reach out beyond their usual suppliers to guarantee enough stock for the festival. However, Geyer says that is only a minor setback and the festival will go on with its usual events.

The 66th Annual Mitchell Persimmon Festival looks like the persimmon crop may have withstood the drought without difficulty, however festival organizer Larry Hardtman says it's hard to tell. Hardtman says the persimmon trees in the area look to be good and boutiful. but only time will tell how they taste. Still, the festival is guaranteed to have lots of baked goods made with persimmons on-hand including lots of persimmon pudding.

The Nappanee Apple Festival comes up September 13th - 16th.  The Sullivan County Rotary Corn Festival is set for September 19th - 22nd.  The Mitchell Persimmon Festival will be September 22nd - 29th.