Jun 14th, 2008
Summer fun in the region
Starting this month and stretching through early September, numerous festivals are planned throughout Western Pennsylvania. The festivals’ themes range from the arts and culture to ethnic and home-grown fruits to animals and boats. The events’ sizes range from small to huge, and their settings range from rural to urban.
“It’s everything from strawberries to probably leatherworking,” Karen Hall says. She is the director of the Pittsburgh Folk Festival and the president of the board of the festival, which kicks off the season on May 16.
Summer festivals are appealing and charming for many reasons, including the opportunity to learn something new and try something different, Hall says.
“I think it’s because there’s a lot of other people that get together to share common interests,” she says. “People that have similar interests can come together and learn and share. … Our daily lives are so different than what these different festivals specialize in.”
The nice weather during the sunny months also gives people the desire to get out and do something, Hall says.
Following is a listing of some of the festivals — big and small.
52nd Pittsburgh Folk Festival: Noon-6 p.m. today. David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Downtown. Highlights the cultural diversity of more than 25 nationalities in the Pittsburgh area. Traditional ethnic food, cultural exhibits, fold crafts, music and dance, marketplace, children’s crafts. $10, $4 for ages 4-12, free for younger than 3. 412-278-1267.
National Road Festival: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. today. Nemacolin Castle, Front Street, Brownsville. Art and craft booths, information booths, food, High Ryder Country Band, castle tours (11 a.m.), ghost tours (7-10 p.m). Castle tours: $7, $4 for age 12 and younger. 724-785-6882; info@nemacolincastle.org
Buffalo Township Community Day: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. today. Lernerville Speedway, Sarver. Crafts, displays, games, Rainbow Express Train Ride, Syria clowns, petting zoo, pony and hayrides, food booths. Free. 724-295-3653 or 724-352-3316 after 5 p.m.
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