Color Drive returns in fall
Published 3:05 pm Monday, June 8, 2026
PITTSFIELD — The Pike County Color Drive name, along with some of its signature elements, returns this fall.
“Even after the event stopped using the name, people continue to ask about the Color Drive and why it changed to Fall Pickin’ Days,” Trisha Scott said. “We felt the timing was right to bring back a name that has such strong recognition and nostalgia about it, especially in Pike County. The response has been overwhelmingly positive. We think it will be a good thing.”
Scott and other volunteer committee members for the event hope the change brings renewed energy to the third weekend of October — for Pike County and its visitors.
“They’ll be able to see a lot of things they’ve seen in the past. There will be antique and vintage vendors set up, flea markets and yard sales, lots of food trucks, and live music,” said Scott, who owns Midwest Vintage, which typically hosts dozens of vendors during the weekend.
“We also want to bring back the demonstrations, the old crafts like blacksmithing and glassblowing. People could sit and watch how something was done years and years ago. It used to be a very popular thing back when the Color Drive was big. It might be a slow resurrection, but it will be neat to see stuff like that again.”
Children’s activities will be available, along with historic sites across the county, local businesses, and restaurants.
Organizers hope the event will be bigger and better than recent years.
“We’ve had some towns step up that in the past several years bowed out,” Scott said. “People seem to be volunteering a little easier this time. The name itself brings back legitimacy.”
The Color Drive continued for three decades, then ended in 2018 because of liability concerns. Fall Pickin’ Days, held the third weekend in October, continued the county’s tradition of offering a fall attraction. “We’ve been trying to keep it going, but there’s been confusion,” Scott said.
“This event has always been about celebrating Pike County, supporting our small towns, and giving families a reason to explore the area during one of the most beautiful times of year,” organizers said. “We’re excited to bring that tradition back while continuing to grow what Fall Pickin’ Days has become.”
The third weekend in October is scheduled for the community groups, businesses, vendors, musicians, and volunteers who are encouraged to participate. More information about the Pike County Color Drive, town activities, maps, and vendor details will be announced through the summer on the official Facebook page at facebook.com/PikeILColorDrive/. Participation information is available by contacting organizers at pikecountycolordrive@gmail.com.
