Brook, Indiana — The George Ade Historic Preservation Commission will host the 2nd Hazelden Festival on Sunday, October 12, at the historic Hazelden Estate in Brook. This free, family-friendly event will celebrate the unveiling of George Ade’s restored Indiana-shaped garden and serve as the official kickoff of the estate’s full restoration project.
According to information provided, originally created by author and playwright George Ade, the Indiana-shaped garden is a cherished feature of the estate’s historic landscape. The restoration of the garden is the result of a successful Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) Patronicity matching grant, made possible by the generosity of donors and strong support from the community. This unveiling marks the first time the garden has been restored to its full glory since George Ade’s passing in 1944.
The Hazelden Festival is not just a celebration of a restored garden, but a major milestone in a long-term preservation effort. Since 2018, the George Ade Historic Preservation Commission has been actively developing plans for the estate’s restoration—researching the specific needs of the home, assessing the feasibility of the project, and identifying ways the property can best serve the Newton County community for years to come.
“This is a major milestone not just for Hazelden, but for Newton County,” said Kristine Wright, president of the George Ade Historic Preservation Commission. “It’s the first completed piece of a complete estate restoration and a symbol of what’s possible when a community comes together to preserve its heritage.”
Festivities will begin at 3 p.m. and will include food trucks, complimentary ice cream, games, inflatables, face painting, balloon animals, and live entertainment. Local author Will Ade will be on-site for a book signing.
At 3:30 p.m., the Newton County Honor Guard will present a formal flag ceremony, followed by the garden ribbon cutting at 3:45 pm. At 4:00 p.m., the event will feature the dedication of a Sigma Chi National Historic Site plaque, honoring Ade and Hazelden’s fraternal significance.
The festival will conclude with a fireworks display at dusk, offering a festive ending to a day filled with celebration and community pride.
The Hazelden Festival also marks the launch of the larger restoration project for the estate. Planned improvements include the restoration of the museum, conversion of the West Wing into a Newton County Visitor’s Center, and transformation of the Carriage House into a rental venue for private events, including weddings, showers, open houses, and community gatherings.
One of the key goals of the restoration is to create a self-sustaining future for Hazelden, where income generated from event rentals and visitor services can help fund ongoing maintenance and protection of this historic home for generations to come, as well as support and promote all of Newton County’s historical assets.
“This isn’t just about preserving the past—it’s about building a sustainable future for one of Newton County’s most iconic landmarks and calling attention to all of Newton County’s historical sites,” said the Commission. “We invite the community to be a part of that future by joining us on October 12.”
Admission is free and open to all. For more information, visit the George Ade Historic Preservation Commission’s Facebook page or email director@brook.lib.in.us
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