Header
 


Fall Old Court Days

Lemon Shake Up cart has been a mainstay at area summer festivals

North Vernon’s Maschino enjoys meeting people

(September 2017) – Twice a year for the past 40-plus years, the streets surrounding the Jefferson County (Ind.) Courthouse take on a new life when vendors set their booths to sell home crafted wares during Old Court Days.
Along with the crafts, antiques, collectibles and custom made items, attendees can find an array of refreshment options including Lorie’s Lemon Shake Up cart. Owned by Lorie Maschino, the cart has been located on the corner of Jefferson and Second streets for the past six years at the festival.

Fall Old Court Days

Sept. 29 – Oct. 1 in Madison, Ind.
• 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sunday
• Sponsored by The Pilot Club of Madison
• Information:
(812) 701-2733

Hosted by the Pilot Club of Madison, Old Court Days are held in the spring and the fall. To stay aligned with Madison Chautauqua Festival of Art, this year the fall event has been moved to Friday through Sunday, Sept. 29-30 and Oct. 1. Booths will line a several block area bound by the streets of Main, Walnut, Blaine and Jefferson. Hours of operation will be 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. A fish fry will be held on Saturday at the Fairplay Fire Co. on Main Street.
Crediting a fluke for helping her secure such a prime spot for the event, Maschino says she enjoys all the action of Old Court Days and seeing customers return year after year.  A single mom looking for a way to make additional money, she was alerted about an open spot at the event by Audrey Barnes, who was the local health inspector at the time.
“A high school parents group had the spot originally, but they decided not to return and luckily my cart fit in just perfectly,” Maschino explained. “I joke to my friends about spending the weekend working the corner in Madison.”
A resident of North Vernon, Ind., she participates in events in Columbus, Ind., including the Saturday Farmers’ Market and the various community festivals. Old Court Days in Madison marks the beginning and the end of her annual season. New this year has been the introduction of blueberry and strawberry flavorings made from frozen fruit rather than from commercial syrups. If her customers like the fruit flavoring, there may be more added in the future, although due to the size of her cart, she is limited in how many fruit variations she can provide at a time.
Attracting vendors and buyers from across the Midwest, the proceeds from Old Court Days fund the activities of the Pilot Club throughout the year.

Photo provided

Lori Maschino’s Lemon Shake Up cart is a crowd favorite at Old Court Days.

“We re-invest the money right back in to our community,” explained Linda McDaniel, a Pilot Club member who also serves on the Old Court Days committee.
“We support local children in programs such as Lide White Boys and Girls Club, Girl’s Inc. and All Kids Can.”
In addition, the club purchases undergarments and warm clothing, which are donated to the schools for distribution to children in need.
Ten years ago when she joined the organization, McDaniel said she discovered a void in her life that she did not know existed until she became involved with Old Court Days.
“The Old Court Days are my passion,” she said. “I have made a lot of friends among the vendors, and even though I may only see them two times a year, it is always fun to reconnect and get updated on what has been happening in their lives.”
Maschino sings the praises of McDaniel saying she does a wonderful job working with the more than 100 vendors who participate in the spring and fall events.
The Madison Pilot Club was chartered on March 24, 1973, and is part of a five-club district associated with Pilot International. Founded in Macon, Ga., in 1921, Pilot International is a volunteer service organization for executive, business and professional leaders. Pilot members work together to improve the quality of life in local communities, promote awareness of brain-related disorders through volunteer activities, education, and financial support. Clubs are located across the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Bahamas and Japan.

• For more information on the fish fry or to obtain a vendor map, call the Pilot Club of Madison at (812) 493-2024 or visit: www.pilotclubofmadison.com.

Back to September 2017 Articles.

 

 

Copyright 1999-2017, Kentuckiana Publishing, Inc.

Pick-Up Locations Subscribe Staff Advertise Contact Submit A Story Our Advertisers Columnists Archive Area Links Area Events Search our Site Home Monthly Articles Calendar of Events Kentucky Speedway Madison Chautauqua Madison Ribberfest Madison Regatta