Community Grant fuels growth of Rochester’s 2025 Nickel Plate Festival

Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at 9:09 PM

By Staff report

Pictured left to right: RDP Board Member Harry Webb, RDP Executive Director Julie Shambarger, and FCCF Director of Development Brian Johnson.

The Fulton County Community Foundation, a fund affiliate of the Northern Indiana Community Foundation, has awarded a $7,500 grant to the Rochester Downtown Partnership in support of the 2025 Nickel Plate Art & Music Festival.

The annual celebration of local creativity and culture will return to downtown Rochester on Saturday, August 23.

The Rochester Downtown Partnership, founded in 2016, is dedicated to revitalizing and promoting Rochester’s historic downtown. Through business development initiatives, beautification projects, and community-driven events, the organization plays a key role in enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. Through its three annual festivals, the Partnership works to inspire local pride, build community bonds, and support the downtown economy.

“This festival showcases the heart of our community,” said Brian Johnson, Director of Development for the Fulton County Community Foundation. “It’s a celebration of our local talent, our downtown spirit, and the power of the arts to bring people together. We’re proud to support an event that continues to grow in impact and inspire pride in Rochester.”

“Thanks to the Community Foundation, we get to bring even more acts this year,” Rochester Downtown Partnership Executive Director Julie Shambarger reports. “We’ll also have a fine arts tent, ADA bathrooms, and lots more fun!”

For more information about the 2025 Nickel Plate Art & Music Festival, including schedules, visit www.rochester-downtown.com.