On Sept. 25-27, crowds and cars crammed into downtown Fairmount for its 50th James Dean Festival. Though Fairmount’s forever-young film star, James Dean, passed away over 75 years ago, the Hollywood darling continues to leave his mark on Grant County through the annual celebration that bears his name.
Organized by the James Dean Museum, the three-day festival includes activities ranging from a car show to a parade to a James Dean Look-Alike contest. The event is a “wholesome” and “wonderful celebration of small town life,” Dorothy Schultz, the curator of the James Dean Museum, said.
In optimal weather conditions, the festival welcomes anywhere from 20 to 40,000 attendees from across the nation and the world. At last year’s celebration, places such as Germany, Japan and Alaska were represented, Schultz said.
Over time, the festival has evolved into a tradition and cultivated a community, Schultz explained. She compared attending the event to jumping into an episode of the Andy Griffith show.
“There are some people who I consider friends now who I only ever see during the festival because they live in California,” Schultz said. “So it becomes almost like a reunion of James Dean fans and just friends in general … just everything about it is very heartwarming.”
The event draws people for different reasons, she explained.
Some individuals come to peruse vintage vehicles while others attend to celebrate James Dean’s legacy and wander through the museum. Still, others just come for a fun weekend activity.
“We try to provide for all demographics,” Schultz said. “And we’re always, throughout the year, trying to come up with ways to make our festival even more … appeasing for everyone.”
Organized by the 9th Street Gang Car Club, the festival’s car show — called the James Dean Run — welcomes around 1,500 vintage cars from across the nation annually, Schultz said. After trundling through Fairmount, the vehicles assemble at Playacres Park, near the former location of Fairmount High School, where James Dean received his high school education.
“One of the most magical things about the festival is the Thursday before, when you start to see the old cars coming into town,” Schultz said. “It almost feels like a time warp to the 50’s. It almost makes you feel like Marty McFly in Back to the Future where you’re like, ‘Where am I?’”
Every year, Marcus Winslow Jr., Dean’s younger cousin who grew up with him in Fairmount, participates in the car show, Schultz said. This year, American Graffiti actresses Candy Clark and Mackenzie Phillips met fans and signed autographs at Playacres Park, Schultz said.
Another big event was the James Dean Look-Alike Contest, where participants were scrutinized for their similarity to the roguish actor.
Jim Grindle, Dean’s classmate at Fairmount High School, serves as a judge. At 95, Grindle is the same age Dean would have been if he were still alive.
“It’s really neat ‘cause a lot of the older people in town still remember Jimmy,” Schultz said, “and they have all these just wonderful stories to tell about him.”
Saturday’s grand parade was another tradition, featuring floats decorated by members of Grant County. Every year, the floats compete for themed awards, such as “Best Entertainment” or “Most 50s-inspired.”
“It’s so great,” Schultz said. “They’ll have little motorbikes and horses … it’s really small-town America at its best.”
Other activities include a lasso contest, a 50s dance contest, a carnival, a cornhole competition and a 50s fashion show.
During the festival, culinary and craft vendors line Main Street, offering everything from elephant ears to boutique clothing.
Throughout the weekend, bands play live music in Playacres Park, performing on the former Fairmount High School stage where Dean launched his acting career.
Though she appreciates the bustling crowds and range of activities, Schultz’s favorite parts of the event are reuniting with old friends and watching newcomers wander through the James Dean Museum.
“I love when people come in who have never visited the museum before and to see them get so excited to see Jimmy’s belongings,” Schultz said. “To see someone’s eyes light up when they see Jimmy’s Triumph motorcycle or to hear someone say, ‘I’m from Sweden, and I’ve dreamed about coming here forever,’” — and they’re just such devoted fans … it’s just very special.”
