Enjoy a Mural Moment during Walktoberfest 2026

Fleig’s Cafe at 905 Main Street has long been an iconic fixture in the heart of Ferdinand, Indiana. It is situated across Main Street from the site where, 188 years ago, Rev. Joseph Kundek hammered a sign to a tree bearing the name of the village he was founding. 

Over the past few months residents and visitors alike watched in awe as artist Adam Long used the massive 1,875 square foot, south-facing wall of Fleig’s as his canvas to paint the story of Ferdinand. 

On Saturday, October 10, the mural will be dedicated during Ferdinand Walktoberfest — and everyone is invited. The entire day will be filled with activities all around town but the fun begins at Fleig’s where a breakfast buffet will open at 7 a.m., prior to the dedication, which is set for 10 a.m. 

The mural itself is a collaboration between a variety of entities, but was the brainchild of COO Alexianna Mundy, and Ann Knebel, founder of Traditional Arts Today, located just down the street at 314 West 9th. Partners include Framing Ferdinand, Ferdinand Merchants and Tourism Commission, the Ferdinand Historical Society, and last but not least, Ben and Sabrina Rickelman owners of Fleig’s Cafe. 

Traditional Arts Today is a 501c3 non-profit, dedicated to preserving the traditional arts. In addition to offering a venue for the work of local artists and artisans, Traditional Arts Today provides classes on a wealth of subjects, along with space for groups to gather in a comfortable environment. 

Knebel believed the story of Ferdinand, founded by a Croatian priest and home to Monastery Immaculate Conception a/k/a the Castle on the Hill, is a tale worth sharing, and what better way than through art? 
 
A neat feature of the mural is the inclusion of 21 Seek and Find features, reminiscent of the seek and finds generations of kids enjoyed in Highlights magazine. 

A work sheet with the seek and find features can be completed and turned in at Traditional Arts for a chance to win tickets for the 2027 season to Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, Wilstem Ranch or Big Splash Adventure, as well as Traditional Arts class gift cards. 

When you drop off your entry be sure to vote on your favorite Scarecrow adorning the wrought iron fence surrounding Traditional Arts Today. From 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Traditional Arts will provide a Fall Yarn Craft for kids, as well as hot cocoa, coffee and tea samples. 

West 9th Street and a portion of Virginia Street will be closed from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for an outdoor Vendor Market filled with family activities, food and beverages, as well as unique items for sale. Enjoy pumpkin painting, games, crafts and fall treats as well as live music. 

Activities will be ongoing throughout town as well, from a Book Sale at Ferdinand Branch Library along with a free 3D pumpkin making workshop, to a mug giveaway at German American Bank, chili and apple strudel with discounted brews at St. Benedict Brew Works, a dog meet and greet hosted by the Dubois County Humane Society and so much more. 

The Town of Ferdinand has long been known for hosting free events for the enjoyment of all, and this special day will be no exception. 

That evening, Ferdinand Tourism is hosting Octoberfest at the gazebo adjacent to Main Street Bistro (the lawn of the Wollenmann House between 11th and 12th on East Main). 

Incredible chanteuse Debbie Schuetter will perform a free concert from 6-9 p.m. Burgers, brats and pretzels will be available, along with that German favorite beverage and soft drinks for those who don’t wish to imbibe. 

This is just a snippet of what you can expect. The Town of Ferdinand, Indiana, will be awash with food, fun and merriment from morning to night on Saturday, October 10, in celebration of Walktoberfest — and everyone is invited. 
 
A little history 
Fleig’s Cafe wasn’t always Fleig’s Cafe and there hasn’t always been a Fleig at the helm. In fact, there hasn’t been a Fleig’s there since 1971. 

Edward B. Fleig owned and operated it for the 40 years prior. He was hit by a car when turning off the town’s Christmas lights on the pole outside and his health failed until his death on March 24, 1971. 

Rich Helming and Louie Hartwig purchased it and ran it together until Hartwig sold out his half and opened Louie’s Tavern in Fulda. Rich Helming was the lifeblood of the place until he sold it to Rob Kitten. 

Last year, Ben and Sabrina Rickelman took the plunge and purchased the thriving restaurant and tavern and are currently putting their own stamp on a place reminiscent of Cheers. 

The building also went by other names in the past, and was once operated by Spike Meyer before he relocated to St. Mark’s. Carly Olinger, who owned Carly’s Place down the street, operated it as the Carriage House, which was only open on Friday and Saturday nights. Waiters in white shirts and ties would serve steak dinners while talented organist Vita Bartley tickled the ivories at the piano bar. Corporate meetings were even held there.