Kammy’s Kause founder Jared Hiner joins Renée in studio to preview the 22nd Annual Kammy’s Kause, happening Saturday, August 29, 2026, from noon to 10 PM in Fortville, Indiana. This year brings some major changes. With Landmark Park under construction, Kammy’s Kause moves directly onto Main Street in Fortville, creating a one-day street festival packed with music, family activities, food, community resources, and the heart that has defined the event for more than two decades. Jared reveals that 33 bands will perform across five stages throughout the day. The main stage will feature full bands, while four nearby satellite stages bring additional acoustic performances to locations just off Main Street. The goal is to create an energetic, walkable festival experience throughout downtown Fortville. The family-friendly side of Kammy’s Kause is expanding too. Instead of the traditional bounce-house setup, the 2026 event features a carnival-style kids zone with games and prizes, a live animal presentation from Silly Safaris, karaoke, face painting, balloon artists, and more. Food vendors will join Fortville’s existing downtown restaurants and shops, bringing festival favorites including cotton candy, sweet tea, specialty sodas, and other fair-style food. Jared also explains how organizers became more intentional with this year’s vendor lineup. Along with selected returning vendors, a significant portion of available space is being reserved for nonprofit organizations that directly serve local communities, including groups focused on health, mental health, special needs, and other essential services. The goal is for guests to leave not only entertained, but also connected to resources that could improve their lives. At the center of everything remains the mission behind Kammy’s Kause. Jared reflects on how his family was initially given only a few paragraphs of information after his daughter Kammy was diagnosed with 4p- / Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome. What began as one family searching for answers has grown into a movement centered around awareness, support, research, community, and families helping families. He describes Kammy’s Kause as one of the rare days when the outside noise disappears and everyone comes together to simply focus on one another, share some love, and support children and families whose needs are greater than their own. Fortville has embraced that mission so completely that Main Street becomes “Kammy Street” during August, with signs throughout downtown celebrating Kammy and the annual event. Another major tradition returns with the 17th Annual Kammy’s Ride. More than 100 motorcycles typically participate in the escorted ride before returning to Fortville around 2:30 PM. Jared encourages everyone to be there for the ride’s arrival and the powerful gathering that follows. Families affected by 4p- travel from multiple states to take the stage, introduce themselves, share their stories, and celebrate their children. Jared calls the roughly 2:30–3:30 PM portion of the day one of the most meaningful experiences Kammy’s Kause offers. And 2026 brings one especially emotional milestone. Kammy’s Kause began with approximately $1,000 raised during its first year. Jared announces that the organization has now officially crossed the incredible threshold of more than $1 MILLION raised. From a small local fundraiser to a 22-year tradition filling downtown Fortville with music, families, motorcycles, nonprofits, food, and community, Kammy’s Kause continues proving what can happen when people rally around needs greater than their own. The 22nd Annual Kammy’s Kause is FREE and open to the public, Saturday, August 29, from noon to 10 PM in Fortville. Learn more, donate, and get event information at KammysKause.org. Watch more Indiana stories and interviews at http://www.INtheLoop.tv
