FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WLKI)- Visitors heading to the Johnny Appleseed Festival this weekend will notice several changes to the festival grounds after days of rain created problems in areas near the St. Joseph River.
Festival organizers said the weather forced them to make significant last-minute adjustments to the layout, including relocating several popular areas that are normally set up closer to the river. Organizers said it is the first time in decades they have had to make changes of this scale.
"The biggest thing is to just come prepared for the weather," Johnny Appleseed Festival board member Michael Thena said.
The biggest changes affect the lower portion of the festival grounds, where Trappers N Traders, the children's area and the Civil War area are typically located. That section sits in a floodplain and became a concern as the river rose and rainwater continued running downhill from other areas of the festival.
"The lower area, which is where Trappers and Traders is, the children's area, and our Civil War area, is a floodplain," Thena said. "With the river rising and runoff from the upper area of the festival running down there, we had to make a last-minute decision to shut that whole area down."
Instead of eliminating those attractions, organizers have moved them into other parts of the festival grounds.
Trappers N Traders has been relocated near Johnny Appleseed's gravesite. The Civil War area has been moved near the Root Beer stand, while the children's area will now be located near the boat ramp on the hill.
Thena said spreading those areas throughout the festival is an unusual move.
"So we've intermingled them into the festival, and so that's something we haven't done in the 30 years I've been doing it," he said.
Festival Director of Administration Becky Butler said crews began setting up Monday, but persistent rain throughout the week made preparations more complicated than usual.
"We've had to do a lot of dodge and weave to make things happen," Butler said. "But everybody's pulled together, it's been great."
Despite the muddy conditions and revised layout, organizers said the festival is still scheduled to continue rain or shine.
Visitors are encouraged to plan for wet conditions and dress accordingly.
"Come prepared for the weather," Thena said. "Whether it's an umbrella, galoshes, or ponchos."
Organizers said they remain confident the weather will not keep people from enjoying one of Fort Wayne's longstanding annual traditions.
"Even with the challenge of the weather, people will still come out, and they'll still have fun and we will too," Butler said.
The Johnny Appleseed Festival is scheduled for Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Johnny Appleseed Park in Fort Wayne.
Festival organizers are encouraging visitors to check for any additional updates or changes before arriving.