Large crowds descended on Lawrenceburg Fall Fest last year. A.J. Waltz

(Lawrenceburg, Ind.) – Loud rock acts and sweet country harmonies will attract thousands of people to downtown Lawrenceburg this weekend.

Lawrenceburg Fall Fest begins Thursday. The annual celebration organized by the City of Lawrenceburg’s I Luv Lawrenceburg Committee will run through Saturday night with free live music, rides, and more.

The festival does have a new location this year at Todd Creech Park off Walnut Street near U.S. 50. The move was necessitated by the planned Lawrenceburg event center and hotel project at Fall Fest’s old site at the intersection of High Street and Walnut.

Opening night festivities include the Fall Fest Baby Contest at 6:00 and a “Night of Blues” music lineup featuring artists Jimmy Thomas, Platinum Melody, and Dirty River Band.

As has become tradition on Friday night, the main stage will be reserved for rockers. Bachman Turner of “Takin’ Care of Business” fame will play at 7:30 followed by chick rock pioneer Joan Jett and the Blackhearts at 9:00.

On Saturday evening, local group The Skallywags will get the music started at 6:00, followed by American Idol alum and county artist Casey James. Country legend Clint Black – who boasts 13 number one hits – will wow the crowd with his set beginning at 9:00. A big fireworks display caps off the night.

Youngsters can enjoy free amusement rides each of the festival’s three days: Thursday and Friday 6:00-8:00 p.m. and Saturday 12:00-5:00 p.m.

The new location will cause some traffic reconfiguration in the downtown area. Traffic into downtown Lawrenceburg using Walnut Street is being restricted, allowing for no turns from U.S. 50 onto Walnut. Downtown will remain accessible by Front, Short, and Arch streets.

Parking on Walnut Street through most of downtown is also off-limits until the festival clears out on Sunday.

More information on Lawrenceburg Fall Fest can be found at www.LawrenceburgFallFest.net.