PIERCETON — Pierceton Days may be condensed to a one-day event.
Town Marshal Jim Bumbaugh brought this up during Monday’s Pierceton Town Council meeting. Bumbaugh serves on the Pierceton Days Committee and said the group is looking at reducing the event from a two-day to a Saturday-only event.
"Over the 20 years I've been here, it used to be shoulder-to-shoulder," said Bumbaugh. "There's really nobody there (on Friday). I know people have expressed concern over the years that it's dwindling away. But then again, nobody comes to volunteer to take on any tasks that could improve it."
If condensed to a Saturday-only event, Pierceton Days would still feature a parade, car show, vendors, music and fireworks.
"Donations are way down," said Councilman Matt Brubaker. "The last few years, even without the carnival, we were spending $25-$30,000. Last year, we barely got in $10,000 (in donations). It's hard to continue to do everything with no money coming in."
Bumbaugh and Brubaker also said the committee is considering moving Pierceton Days from summer to spring in 2026, depending on how the event's 2025 numbers are.
In other business, Bumbaugh told the council he'd like to increase speed limits on some of the town's roads from 25 mph to 30 mph. He cited the industrial park area and Market Street as some examples. Council asked Bumbaugh to create a list of which roads he would like to change speed limits for.
Bumbaugh is also working on compiling a list of properties in town that are in violation of ordinances. This list will then be sent to Clerk-Treasurer Myra Mast, who will send letters to the violators. Council President Glenn Hall said he had received a couple of complaints from residents about trash at properties.
Bumbaugh also presented Pierceton Police Department deputy James Hastings with a letter of commendation for his work in creating a shooting range for law enforcement training.
"You dedicated numerous hours of off-duty time in single-handedly developing this project," said Bumbaugh. "Your tireless efforts in making this project a reality are a testament to your dedication and commitment to the Pierceton Police Department and the town of Pierceton."
Council also:
• Received one bid for the sale of a Pierceton Police Department 2015 Ford Fusion in the amount of $5,000. The council accepted the bid.
• Approved a road closure request from First Baptist Church on Third Street, from Tower to Market streets, for their annual kids' day event on June 15.
Council's next meeting is at 6:30 p.m. April 14.