Winterset, Iowa – The beloved Madison County Covered Bridge Festival returns this weekend, bringing together families, artisans, and music lovers for a two‑day celebration of local heritage.

Schedule and Activities

The festival opens Saturday at 9 a.m. on the historic courthouse square and runs until 7 p.m. Sunday activities begin at 9 a.m. and conclude at 3 p.m. Visitors can explore over 150 food and craft vendors, enjoy a lineup of live musical acts, and watch old‑time demonstrations that showcase traditional skills such as blacksmithing, quilting, and barn‑raising techniques.

Parade Highlights

Sunday’s highlight is the community parade, scheduled to start at 3 p.m. Local schools, churches, veteran groups, and marching bands will march past the square, offering a colorful display of flags, floats, and hometown pride.

Family‑Friendly Fun

In addition to food and music, the festival provides a variety of family activities. Kids can participate in face‑painting stations, craft workshops, and interactive games designed to teach the history of Madison County’s iconic covered bridges.

Tradition Since 1970

First held in 1970, the Covered Bridge Festival has become a cornerstone of Madison County’s cultural calendar. Organizers say the event not only celebrates the region’s historic bridges but also supports local entrepreneurs and preserves the county’s rural heritage.

Visitor Information

Parking is available in the surrounding streets and designated lots. All events are free to the public, though vendors will be selling food, beverages, and handcrafted goods. For a complete schedule and vendor list, visitors can consult the festival’s official guide online.

Whether you’re a longtime resident or a first‑time visitor, the Madison County Covered Bridge Festival offers a welcoming atmosphere that highlights the best of Winterset’s community spirit.

Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.