Fall Tourism Down In Needy Communities

ROCKVILLE, Ind. -- Tourism dollars don't appear to be flowing as freely as in years past in communities that host popular fall events.

The vivid and brilliant colors of the Parke County landscape usually mean one color for the western Indiana county's agencies and organizations -- green.

The annual covered bridge festival brings in tens of thousands of visitors and their cash from all over the Midwest, 6News' Rick Hightower reported.

From vendors selling buttered sweet corn to those pushing bowls of beans, all are banking on fall tourism dollars to carry them through the year.

The 50th annual Parke County Covered Bridge Festival ended Sunday, with organizers expecting disappointing proceeds once the final numbers are counted. Revenue figures could be down by as much as half.

"We're usually in the neighborhood of $120,000 to $150,000," said Cathy Harkrider, of Parke County Inc., which takes care of vendors on the county courthouse property in Rockville.

Vendors, visitors and organizers blamed the loss in revenue on two main factors -- the economy and poor weather.

Parke County resident Jeff Stinson, who brought his family to the 10-day event, said he didn't spend as much money this year.

"I think they're coming out and not spending as much, and maybe more local people are coming and not traveling from far away," said Stinson.

Parke County officials said some organizations simply won't get as much funding from the festival as they did last year.

One county fire department sells slow-roasted chicken quarters during the festival to fund its volunteer operation.

"We probably didn't do three-quarters what we did last year," said firefighter Bryan Nataly, who added that the county's unemployment rate may play a role, too.

Candy vendor Sue Engle said she'll return in years to come, regardless of tough sledding this year.

"I've been here 40 years. I think I'll come back next year," she said.

Numerous other counties, especially Brown County, count on fall tourism dollars to get them through the year.

Tourists are beginning to flock to Nashville to enjoy the fall foliage, but time will tell if they're willing to spend the same amounts as in the past.