Festival in the Park returns this weekend
PUNXSUTAWNEY — It’s that time of year again folks, as Festival in the Park rolls around once again next week. The festival will feature a variety of activities and bands, bringing fun for the whole family.
Punxsutawney Area Chamber of Commerce president Katie Laska said, “With the cost of gas right now, it’s a great time to go out to something local every day. There’s something to do every day and night. It’s a free event, with kids games and bouncy houses for the kids. Come out and listen to the music. We will not have the fence up this year, so everything will be open. You can bring your chairs early and come back to listen to the music. It’s a nice family atmosphere, the kids can just enjoy themselves. It’s an atmosphere for all ages.”
There will be plenty of bands this year at the festival, with several of note including Eagle-Mania, an Eagles tribute band on Sunday, July 3, from 7:30 to 9 p.m., Meatloaf tribute band Bat Out of Hell on Wednesday, July 6, at 7:30 p.m., and Elvis impersonator Jesse Garron, “The Closest Thing to the King,” on Friday, July 8, from 7:30 to 9 p.m.
All in all, Laska said the bands this year cost a little over $25,000. She said there will be bouncy houses for the kiddos this year, which cost $5,200. She said there will be a fee to enter the bouncy houses. The chamber of commerce will offer two water tents, where bottled water will be sold to offset some of the costs. Laska said the chamber would like to thank all of the sponsors who donated this year, as the festival could not happen without them.
The festivities kick off on Saturday, July 2, with the Fireman’s Parade at 4 p.m. Right after the parade, the parade winners will be announced on the stage before the band performance. The festival will be officially kicked off with a National Anthem performance by Heidi Jones. Olivia Wright will close out the ceremony by singing the National Anthem.
Church in the Park will be held Sunday, July 3, from 10:15 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. featuring the music of local band Reach the Masses. The Punxsutawney Lions car cruise will also take place on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the CNB Bank parking lot.
On the Fourth of July, a cornhole tournament will be held at 10 a.m., with pre-registration at 9:30 a.m. The entry fee will be $10. The fireworks show, sponsored by Lily’s Restaurant and Bakery in memory of the Defelice family, will be
held after sunset. Laska said the chamber would like to thank Harold and Barb Elkin for letting them use their property.
On Tuesday, July 5, the annual Teddy Bear Picnic will be held at 11 a.m.
Wednesday, July 6, will be Fireman’s Day, and will feature the Exotic Edventures animal show returning on Friday, July 8, performing two shows at noon and 2 p.m. Come out to see a variety of animals from around the world!.
A rather unique addition to the festival, Jim Cruise, “The Spoon Man,” will be also be featured on Wednesday, July 6. Cruise will have a show at 3 p.m. and will be found strolling at 6:30 p.m. As seen on the television show “America’s Got Talent,” Cruise infuses comedy with “playing the spoons” and other silverware.
The One Mile for a Smile run will be held on Wednesday at 7 p.m.
Thursday, July 7, will feature the annual Diaper Derby at 10 a.m. and Tot Trot at 10:30 a.m. A used book sale hosted by the Friends of the Library will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. outside of the Punxsutawney Memorial Library.
On Friday, July 8, The Rocket Pop Kids Run will be held at 11 a.m.
Saturday, July 9, will feature the Eagle Riders local motorcycle ride at 10 a.m. and the Bike Rodeo at Harmon Field at 1 p.m. See the full festival activities and band schedule in The Spirit’s Festival in the Park tab.