Foodie Feasts 9th Street Italian Market Festival Pittston Tomato Festival May 20–21 Fun and food come together at this outdoor block party with plenty of Italian specialties, plus a half-ball tournament, grease pole contest, and traditional Procession of Saints. Philadelphia, italianmarketfestival.com August 17–20 Enjoy flavorful fare, live entertainment, a parade with tomato-themed floats, 5K run, and the annual tomato contest. Pittston, pittstontomatofestival.com Time Travel Danville Heritage Festival Danville Whoopie Pie Festival Smoke in the Grove TBD Smoky, saucy, sweet, or savory, you’ll taste all the meaty goodness at this fest featuring the Pennsylvania State BBQ Championship, with 80-plus competition teams. Spring Grove, smokeinthegrove.com TBD Celebrate one of Lancaster County’s delicious and world-famous Dutch confectionery icons through games, contests, music, and culinary merriment. Ronks, whoopiepiefestival.com Mushroom Festival Revolutionary War Days Picklesburgh July 21–23 Held on the Roberto Clemente Bridge, this zesty fest celebrates all things pickled, from traditional international foods (think kimchi and sauerkraut) to zany creations like pickle cotton candy and dill-infused drinks. Pittsburgh, picklesburgh.com Picklesburgh Pittsburgh TBD Have fun with fungi in the “Mushroom Capital of the World” during this event with cook-offs, educational talks, and growing exhibits. Kennett Square, mushroomfestival.org August 12–13 Watch history come to life with a field encampment and battle reenactments at historic Fort Roberdeau, which dates back to 1778. Altoona, fortroberdeau.org Patriots Day Danville Heritage Festival TBD Peek into the past at Brandywine Battlefield with living history demonstrations, musket drills, house tours, and talks with 18th-century medical “experts.” Chadds Ford, brandywinebattlefield.org AppleFest TBD Celebrate the bounty of fall with live music, historic district tours, an apple pancake breakfast, and apple-pie-baking (and eating) contests. Franklin, franklinapplefest.com September 9 This event on Mill Street features historic tours of Danville, living history presentations, a mine hike, 5K run/walk, and live music. Danville, danvilleheritage.com Dedication Day Ceremony Fort Ligonier Days PA Baconfest November 4–5 Here, the streets are lined with food vendors, beer tents, and bands. Bring your appetite and your running shoes for the Racin’ Bacon 5K run. Easton, pabaconfest.com October 13–15 See battle reenactments, 175 juried artisans and crafters, wine tasting, and a huge parade commemorating a key battle in the French & Indian War, which occurred October 12, 1758. Ligonier, fortligonierdays.com November 19 A wreath-laying ceremony, recital of the Gettysburg Address, and a naturalization ceremony commemorate the anniversary of President Lincoln’s speech in 1863. Gettysburg, nps.gov/gett/ index.htm Christmas Day Crossing December 25 See where General George Washington and his troops crossed the Delaware River in 1776 during the Revolutionary War. Washington Crossing, washingtoncrossingpark.org SEASONAL SPLENDOR TOP TO BOTTOM: CODY WIEAND; PITTSBURGH DOWNTOWN PARTNERSHIP April TBD Surround yourself in a botanical paradise of pink sakura (Japanese cherry blossom trees) at historic Fairmount Park, and take in cultural demonstrations. Philadelphia, japanphilly.org Shofuso Cherry Blossom Festival April 26–30 With a tree-tapping ceremony, quilt show, and pancake dinner, this festival celebrates the bounty of the trees, plus the local community. Meyersdale, pamaplefestival.com Pennsylvania Maple Festival July 29 Appreciate nature at the Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art with educational programs and activities such as make-your-own bluebird boxes. Millersburg, nedsmithcenter.org Nature & Arts Festival TBD Marvel at fall foliage and enjoy entertainment such as the Tournament of Leaves Parade, a car cruise, farmers and crafters show, and cultural demonstrations. Clarion, clarionpa.com Allegheny Toyota Autumn Leaf Festival October 20–22 This three-day event showcases the talents of more than 70 local artists as they carve giant pumpkins. See the art, hop on a hayride, and eat festive food. Chadds Ford, brandywinevalley.com The Great Pumpkin Carve visitPA.com 49
Pennsylvania Happy Traveler Guide 2023: Page 49
