68th annual autumn festival flourishes again
CLARION — The Allegheny Toyota Autumn Leaf Festival is perhaps one of the grandest fall festivals in Western Pennsylvania.
It is estimated that nearly 500,000 people attended the festival over nine days, from Oct. 2 through Sunday in Clarion.
“Last year because of COVID, we tried to do the festival on a small scale offering many events online, but we were so excited to be able to plan this year and open Clarion up to celebrate and gather together again,” said Tracy Becker, executive director of the Clarion Are Chamber of Business & Industry.
This year's theme was “Turn over a new leaf” which was especially appropriate as the country prepares for new life and possibilities
The festival began with the FirstEnergy Autorama Cruise-In.
Other major events that took place during the week included the Butler Health System Women's Care Associates and BHS Pediatrics “Kiddies Parade,” the Kronospan USA “Farmers and Crafters Show,” the Butler Health System-Clarion Hospital “tournament of leaves parade” and Clarion University's homecoming football game. The event ended with the Central Electric Cooperative “Antique Tractor Show.”
Additionally, there was the United Way's 5K and 10K run, cultural night, children's games, live entertainment, a fiddle contest, Junior Olympic events and much more throughout the week. There truly was something for everyone from young to old.
Minnie Logue of Sligo, Tracy Patton of Chicora and Joyce Aughton of Emlenton perused the booths of the farmers and crafters on Friday. They shared a coworker/friend reunion as they examined the many offerings of the artisan vendors.
“I am just so happy to be able to come to the craft show again with my daughter and see all these people enjoying the festival this year,” Aughton said. “It is a such a special tradition for us.”
Logue, who was headed to the popular County Seat restaurant with her friend, Tracy Patton, concurred.
“I agree. We are just so pleased to be able to see each other and share moments like these with friends,” she said.
Main Street was lined for more than a mile with food vendors and artisans and was buzzing with activity and enthusiasm. Sarah Nettles and her young daughters from McMurray were happy to participate in farmers and crafters day.
“It is the perfect weather, and so refreshing to see people out and about,” Nettles said.
Many area students had the day off to attend the festival.
Kaylene Hillwig, Larkin Pollock and Katelyn Wolfe, of Parker, met their friend Cami Marino, of Clarion, to see all that the festival had to offer.
“It was so sad last year that we couldn't come and see our friends. This year, all that is forgotten and we are happy to be here,” Hillwig said.
Week-long events and activities led up to the tournament of leaves parade followed by the homecoming football game for Clarion University.
The parade began with a special tribute to past, present and future armed service members from American Legion Post 66 and Ross A. McGinnis VFW Post 2145 color guard. The crowd stood and applauded the commitment of men and women who serve.
The presentation of the flag was followed by Clarion University band and the homecoming king and queen. Seniors Brady Bizzarri of Philipsburg and Nicole Stewart of McDonald were crowned this year's homecoming royalty.
Children scrambled into the street for treats thrown from community service vehicles, special group floats, sorority and fraternity floats and from other parade entries as well.
This year's parade marshals were Tim and Donna Cochran of Shippenville. They were named 2019 volunteers, but due to the pandemic, they were honored at this year's event.
