Monroe County town is hosting its small festival this week

STINESVILLE — Unless someone offers up a convertible or some kind of classic car, and soon, the woman selected Senior Queen at this year's Stone Quarry Festival will be riding in a golf cart in Saturday afternoon's parade. 

"The winner gets a crown and a sash, and gets to be in the parade," said Kelsey McGlocklin, one of five Stinesville residents on a committee overseeing the annual festival. "And we're looking for a last-minute car for the queen."

Three local women over the age of 55 will vying for the title the evening of Sept. 23, when the event kicks off in the town of 200 northwest of Bloomington. The festival also features a Prince and Princess Contest Friday night for preschoolers through fifth graders.

Stinesville, a bustling town at the height of the county's limestone era decades ago, has faded and most businesses have closed. But the town's general store, The Merchantile, remains in business and will be at the center of activity along Main Street Thursday through Saturday.

'Really interesting history here':Town of Stinesville may seek historic designation

This small town puts on a true small-town festival. Instead of carnival rides, beer gardens and entry fees, there's a homemade pie contest, a Family Feud-type game pitting the town police against members of a church, bands performing on the basketball court and a kiddie tractor pull.

There is one big-city attraction this year: the Indianapolis Colts in Motion traveling semi trailer will be parked on Main Street Saturday for football fans to experience.

Music will abound, ranging from an Edgewood High School duo to old rock and roll.

McGlocklin is 31 and has attended the festival since she was a child. It's a big deal in Stinesville. She invites everyone over, and is praying for no rain.

Schedule of events

Thursday night

Senior Queen Contest, 6:30.

Festival Feud between the town parks board and members of Yeshua Tabernacle Church, 7:15.

Jim Hayden and the Country Playboys, 8 to 10.

Friday night

Prince and Princess Contest, 6.

Festival Feud between town police officers and members of Stinesville Nazarene Church, 7:30.

Edgewood High School seniors and singing duo Derrick Weidner and Olivia Doyle from 7:30 to 8.

The Herb and Jack Show (folk and old rock) from 8 to 10.

Saturday

Pies need to be at the park shelter house before the 10 a.m. judging begins. The auction of pies — each with one missing slice for judging — will follow. Proceeds are used for upkeep of the town park. Bidding can be fierce; a single pie often brings hundreds of dollars. "We never know how many we'll have until they've been brought in," McGlocklin said.

The Colts in Motion semi will be parked on Main Street from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.

The Stone Quarry Festival parade through downtown begins at 2 p.m. The kiddie tractor pull follows.

The Indiana Dance Co. cloggers will perform at 3 p.m.

The Festival Feud playoff between the previous winners will at 4:30 p.m.

South 40 country rock band plays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m..

The festival ends, as it always does, with a street dance with a DJ on Main Street from 8:30 until 11.

Contact reporter Laura Lane at llane@heraldt.com, 812-331-4362 or 812-318-5967