58th Annual Festival of the Forks: A Photo Recap

Albion’s 58th Annual Festival of the Forks has come to an end. Take a look at some of the weekends festivities, including images of the car-show, parade, and sister-city mural dedication.

Published:

Sep 22, 2025

Read Time:

2–3 minutes

Albion’s 58th annual Festival of the Forks filled the weekend with community spirit, tradition, and celebration. The festivities began Friday with a classic cruise-in car show featuring more than 50 cars lined up downtown. Saturday brought the heart of the festival: a lively parade, over 100 vendors and food trucks, live music echoing down Superior Street, a petting zoo, carnival rides, and even a dunk tank. Albion College added to the excitement with a home football victory over Rose-Hulman Fightin’ Engineers, the Britons winning 25-17.

The weekend also carried special moments of heritage and recognition. A new French mural was dedicated with visiting officials in attendance, and the Albion High School Alumni Association honored three distinguished alumni. To cap it all off, World Fest featured Alla Boara performing at the Bohm Theatre, weaving international flavor into a weekend full of local pride.

Cruise-In Car Show

Friday evening set the tone for the weekend as downtown filled with polished chrome and classic engines. More than 50 cars lined the streets for the annual Cruise-In, drawing crowds of enthusiasts and families alike to admire the vehicles and kick off Festival weekend.

A Lively and Spirited Parade

Saturday’s parade brought energy and color to Superior Street, with marching bands, community groups, Scouts, and local organizations stepping out to celebrate Albion. Though the photos capture just glimpses of the excitement, the spirit of the parade carried through the heart of downtown.

Festival Grand Marshal Milly Harrison waves to the crowd. She was driven by Sheridan Township Supervisor Dick Porter in one of his vintage vehicles.

Albion College cheerleading squad showcases their school spirit after singing along to “Hey! Baby.”

Sharply dressed Marshall High School Marching Band performing their fight song, accompanied by Band Director Jeremy Root.

Local business owner Ian Barbour leads a three horse and multi-vehicle entourage.

Barbour Heating and Cooling raises the bar for local business participation.

Albion Scouts march with pride down Superior Street.

Marshall High School cheerleaders fill the streets with spirit and pride.

Harrington Elementary School represented by students and families.

Community Action, sponsors of Albion’s Head Start program.

Albion’s Mayor, City Council, and both political parties joined the parade.

No parade is complete without the local firetrucks!

French Officials Attend Sister-City Mural Dedication

A highlight of the weekend was the dedication of Albion’s new French mural, joined by visiting officials and community members. The celebration honored Albion’s international ties while adding a vibrant piece of art to the city’s growing downtown landscape.

Delegation from Albion’s Sister-Cities of Noisy-le-Roi and Bailly, France and their local hosts meet with Albion officials.

A snapshot of the completed Sister-City mural, located in the alleyway between Secretary of State and Anna’s House of Flowers.

Albion College art professor and mural painter Michael Dixon joints the French delegation and local coordinators Diane Guenin-Lelle and May Ola Dunklin at the official dedication of the mural. Over 100 friends and community members joined the celebration.

From the roar of engines to the beat of drums and the brushstrokes of new art, this year’s Festival of the Forks showcased Albion’s tradition, creativity, and community pride — reminding us why the festival remains a beloved highlight year after year.

Albion Life Today