Festival returns for 35th year
ZELIENOPLE — For the 35th year, the Zelienople Country Fall Festival will bring thousands to the borough for two days of live music, food, vendors and other signature events.
The event, scheduled for Oct. 12 and 13 and sponsored by the Zelienople Area Business Association, will take over the “four corners” of the borough as well as Main Street and portions of Harmony.
According to event Chairwoman Ethel Mae Hall, the event has grown over the years, with special attractions added while still maintaining the classic features.
On Oct. 12, the event kicks off at 9 a.m. and features everything from pony rides and antiques to rides on a horse-drawn trolley wagon. Hall said more than 3,000 people typically ride the trolley each year.
The highlight of that day's action is the Chili Cook Off Contest in the parking lot at the corner of Main and West Spring streets. Participants will slow-cook their recipes, with voting beginning at noon. Winners will be announced at 5 p.m., with first place earning $500. Second and third place, plus a people's choice award, also will be given. Proceeds benefit The Strand Theater and the business association.
More than 90 crafters and 20 food vendors are scheduled to be on-hand, Hall said. Oct. 12 also features chain-saw art and a farmers market, with proceeds benefiting local 4H clubs.
The pumpkin decorating contest will also make a return. The pumpkins, which must be decorated and not carved or cut, will be presented in both children's and adult divisions.
The pumpkins will be on display at local businesses, and visitors can vote for their favorite.There will also be a new wrinkle, with professional artists demonstrating pumpkin carving. Hall said those pumpkins will also be raffled off once the demonstration is complete.History will be on full display during the festival, with Zelienople Museum's Passavant House and Buhl House open for historical tours and an historical treasure hunt. Hall said a band known as the Wayward Companions will perform period-specific music from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Oct. 12 to help give the full effect.Elsewhere, historical encampments and demonstrations will help visitors learn about the past.Neighboring Harmony will also get in on the act with special events on Main and Mercer streets. Among the events are the annual wiener dog fun pet fair. Hall said a shuttle bus will run hourly through the entire festival, allowing visitors to go back and forth between Zelienople and Harmony.On Oct. 13, more than 250 cars are expected to rumble to Creekside Plaza for a car cruise. The event from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. will feature music, food and a 50/50 drawing.“There are a lot of exciting things going on,” Hall said.The festival runs from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 12 and noon to 5 p.m. Oct. 13.
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