The Billie Creek Village fields will come to life with five area high school bands, drill teams, music, dancing and fireworks at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 11 for the 10th annual 1812 Overture Concert and Fireworks Display. This unmatched musical event will be the largest musical gathering in the history of Parke County.

Award-winning bands and drill teams include those from the Rockville, South Vermillion, Riverton Parke, North Vermillion and Turkey Run high schools. Each area band and drill team will perform a few selections separately during the hour-long concert before united for the grand finale -- the "1812 Overture."

As the overture begins, so will the choreographed fireworks. First a haze of dense smoke, then the distant sound of cannon fire followed by the sounds of gunfire and screaming fireworks aerials, all providing a thrilling background for this classic battle overture.

During the event's first year, the concert drew 247 spectators and has grown to thousands since its beginning.

Corporate sponsor for the concert is the Old National Bank -- Rockville Banking Center. Other assistance for this event is provided by the Parke County Sheriff's Department, Rockville/Adams Township Fire Department and the Rockville Hardee's.

The outdoor concert will be near the new Billie Creek Village Chautauqua Pavilion, and guests are urged to bring their lawn chairs and blankets. The village provides several delicious old-fashioned dinner favorites and snacks.

The 1812 Overture Concert is presented during the annual Parke County Covered Bridge Festival. During the festival, Billie Creek Village is host to the nation's largest gathering of demonstrating turn-of-the-century crafters; offers visitors authentic live entertainment; gives horse, mule and tractor-pulled wagon rides; all in addition to offering authentic foods.

Returning this year is the antique carousel. The antique carousel is only at Billie Creek Village during the Covered Bridge Festival.

There are 10 acres of free parking at the village.

In addition, the village offers a free (with admission) tractor-pulled shuttle ride to Festival Headquarters on the square in Rockville. The Parke County Tourist Center is housed in an 1886 Railroad Depot three blocks east of the square on U.S. 36. Either of these locations can provide visitors with covered bridge maps, brochures and information about what to see and where to find it.

Visitors can also call the depot at (765) 569-5226 for housing and lodging information.