WINTERSET, Iowa — A 55 year tradition in Madison County took place this weekend celebrating the county’s rich history.

The Covered Bridge Festival drew thousands to the historic city square in the middle of Winterset. It’s a festival that has been hosted since 1970.

The celebration brings the community together for a chance to honor the rich history that comes with the county through it’s six historic bridges. It all started with a novel written about the bridges that was later turned into a movie staring Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep. A musical also debuted in 2014.

Sarah Pugh, Executive Director of the Madison County Chamber of Commerce, said that a festival like this gives locals knowledge of the town’s rich history and shows why people come to visit for the covered bridges and other historical markers.

The festival has always took place on the second full weekend in October, sticking with the long running traditions of both the county, and the city of Winterset.

The festival featured over 100 vendors, food trucks, kids play areas, local youth entrepreneurs, live music and performances, and a parade to round things out on Sunday at 3 p.m. going through the heart of the community.

For more information on the festival and the history of Madison County, click here.