08/14/2026
Full statement from the Elwood Indiana Chamber of Commerce on the cancelation of the Glass Festival:
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the closure of this year's Elwood Glass Festival.
This was not an easy decision. This morning, the Elwood Chamber of Commerce Board President and Executive Director met with Mayor Todd Jones, City of Elwood officials and members of the Elwood Park Board to carefully assess the current flooding conditions and discuss the safety of our community, visitors, vendors, volunteers, and everyone involved with the festival. After thoughtful discussion and consideration of the rapidly changing conditions and anticipated weather forecast, the decision was made that canceling this year’s Glass Festival is the responsible course of action.
The Glass Festival is one of Elwood’s most cherished traditions, and we know how much this weekend means to our community, our vendors, our businesses, and the families who look forward to coming together each year, however, the safety of our community and those attending the Glass Festival is our main priority.
Creek levels in and around Elwood are continuing to rise, and flooding has created extremely dangerous conditions throughout the community. More importantly, the high, rapidly moving water poses a serious threat to anyone who attempts to enter or get near the creeks.
The flooding is also affecting major travel routes in the area. State Road 13 and State Road 37 have closures due to flooding, creating additional challenges for residents, visitors, emergency responders, and festival vendors trying to access Elwood. Transportation and emergency-management officials are updating current road-closure information as conditions change.
The seriousness of these conditions, including ongoing flood warnings in Madison County and the Governor’s statewide disaster emergency declaration, further reinforces why canceling this year’s festival is necessary. This is not a decision we made lightly, but it is the responsible decision for the safety of everyone involved.
We know this decision will disappoint many people, and believe us, we are disappointed too. The Glass Festival represents family, friendship, tradition, and the memories we have made together for generations. Ultimately, no festival, tradition, vendor, concert, or event is more important than our community’s safety.
We sincerely appreciate the understanding and support of our residents, vendors, sponsors, entertainers, volunteers, the City of Elwood, the Elwood Park Board, and everyone who worked so hard to make this year’s festival possible.
Please stay safe, stay out of the water, and look out for one another.
