Cranberry Community Days is back with some new attractions and old favorites. The event, hosted by the Cranberry Township Community Chest, runs July 13 to 15 in Community Park. The carnival and vendor booths open at 4 p.m. July 13 and 14 and at 1 p.m. July 15.

Back this year after a five-year absence is the Battle of the Barrels, where local fire departments will push a keg on a wire back and forth using water hoses. Cranberry, Adams Area, Harmony, Evans City, Big Knob, Callery and Marshall will compete, said Bruce Hezlep, volunteer firefighter and township supervisor. The battle will begin at 2 p.m. July 15 on the road to the dog park.

Before the opening of the festival, the annual Martini's with Monet art exhibit will open starting at 7 p.m. July 12. In addition to sipping drinks and viewing local artists' works, attendees will help create a community painting, said Bruce Mazzoni, Community Days organizer and township supervisor. With the help of a Cranberry Artists Network member, participants will work together to create a replica of Monet's “Water Lilies” painting.

Art in the Park continues to grow with new pieces by Butler artist Bill Secunda going on display. A life-size bison made from 50,000 nails and a woman riding a 10-foot-tall horse will be on display.

The yarn bombing has expanded again this year, said Brenda Wittman, yarn bombing organizer. More than 60 trees throughout the park will be wrapped with colorful yarn creations. Since the project began several years ago, they've had more than 100 people and groups give a helping hand in creating yarn pieces for the trees.

The car cruise also will return this year from 4 to 10 p.m. July 13.

A carnival with dozens of rides will be constructed in the park, while participants will have a chance to buy a one-price, all-you-can-ride ticket July 13 and 14.

There will be a variety of concerts in the amphitheater and more than 240 vendor booths.

The Lions Club's annual pancake breakfast at 8 a.m. and Community Chase 5K at 8:30 a.m. will kick things off early July 15. The weekend will be capped off by a fireworks display.

Visit www.ctcchest.org/community-days/home.