ZELIENOPLE — Members of the Zelienople Historical Society are gearing up for this year’s Horse Trading Days Festival, featuring Amish doughnuts, live entertainment, jambalaya and more.

The festival is scheduled for Thursday through Saturday in Zelienople and will give local businesses and organizations a chance to show off what they have to offer.

“Its just a fun time,” said Jack McMichael. “We’re not trying to make you historians; we’re not trying to make you join up. Just have a nice time and see what we have here.”

The Zelienople Historical Society’s festivities will be at their Passavant House and Buhl House properties on Main Street and will feature food, music and more.

“For Horse Trading Days this year, the Amish doughnut people are coming back. They’ll be right here at the Passavant House,” McMichael said. “On Friday here at the Passavant House, there’ll be a lunch on the lawn from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Then we have a master gardener coming in from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.”

There will also be crafters and live music.

“Down at the Buhl House we have something you don’t find much around here anymore: Jambalaya,” he said. “That’ll be down at the Buhl House 12 to 4 p.m. all three days.”

Both properties will also offer attendees the chance to engage with the borough history and learn about the various historical artifacts housed within.

“There’ll be tours of the Passavant House and the Buhl House,” McMichael said.

The Zelienople Historical Society is hoping this event will give them the chance to show residents and attendees from around the area that their organization is thriving and has a lot to offer people of all interests.

“We think it’s a learning experience. People who hate history will love coming in here. We get those people ... and they’re our best customers,” McMichael said. “Both houses are open so we’d like to get them in here and show that this place is alive and well ...”

The Zelienople Historical Society began in 1975 to preserve and protect the history of the borough.

The group purchased and restored the Passavant House three years later, transforming it into a museum to teach and depict the town’s historic past.

In addition to historic artifacts and miscellaneous memorabilia, the Passavant House includes the society’s research library, complete with historical records, primary resource material and genealogical records of many early immigrant families.

Interested researchers can reach out to the society to learn more or to discuss access to the materials.

The house also features educational programs including tours throughout the week.

Those interested in tours must call and give 24 hours notice so the organization can find a volunteer to host the tour.

In 1991 a Zelienople Historical Society member purchased the Buhl House and transferred the deed to the organization a year later. It is used as a second museum location.

Today the Zelienople Historical Society boasts around 500 members, with more added each year.

The society hosts events throughout the year.

“In August we have Sundae Sunday. For $5 you can get an ice cream sundae with all the toppings you want, and we’re going to have a ventriloquist and The Fantasticks,” said Adel Fatur, Zelienople Historical Society promotions manager. “Sept. 7 we’re going to have Wine Down Friday. It’s $10, and you get wine, cheese, crackers and we’ll have live entertainment for that also.”

For more information or to get involved with the organization, find them on Facebook or call 724-452-9457.