SLIPPERY ROCK — The new hotel coming to Slippery Rock is not the first of its kind.

In the 1850s, there was a hotel at the corner of New Castle and Main streets. Not much is known about the hotel, but getting information about it is a goal of this year's memory tent at the Heritage Festival in Slippery Rock.

The 23rd annual festival Sunday will be along Morrow Way on the Slippery Rock University's campus. It will include many usual attractions, including the history tent with pictures and memorabilia.

"People love to pore over those things," said Ken Harris, president of the Heritage Society.

The hotel, where the BP gas station is now, possibly included a restaurant, Harris said. He's been looking for someone with pictures or information about the hotel and will collect it at the festival.

The family oriented festival is popular in the borough because it appeals to all ages and everyone in the family, according to Harris.

The festival will feature the motorcycle ride around campus and through town with John Cigna and the Cigna Riders.

"This was very popular last year," said Dorothy Thompson, Heritage Festival director.

Money collected from registration fees for the ride will be donated to the Slippery Rock Heritage Museum, a facility the Heritage Society hopes to build.

This year a new feature for the festival includes school children. Every art class in the Slippery Rock School District was invited to paint a rock with a historical theme, said Thompson. The contest is called "Like a Rock,"and will be judged during the festival.

Another new addition will be the corn hole competition that will run all day. Thompson said this game, which involves a small bag filled with corn and a wedge-shaped box with holes, has become a popular game.

The festival also will include these regular events:

• C'Zer's Spectrum of Sound, 9 a.m.

• Slippery Rock Jazz Band, 9:45 a.m.

• Talent show, noon

• Slippery Rock Veterinary pet parade and show, 1 p.m.

• Dennis McCurdy and Lonesome No More Band, 3 p.m.

• Jim Augustine memorial awards for the car show

• Car cruise, all day

• Kids Korner, all day children's activities

For more information, call 724-738-2869.