After driving through some beautiful countryside, I traveled into Downtown Saltsburg to partake in this annual festival! The festival celebrates the rich history of Saltsburg and its role in canal transportation. From 1829 through 1865, Saltsburg was an important stop along the Western division of the Pennsylvania Main Line Canal. In conjunction with the Allegheny Portage Railroad, the canal connected the cities of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, serving as a major route for transporting both goods and passengers.
To enter the festival, I walked down Point Street passing some beautiful, older buildings that definitely give this town a lot of charm!
Next up, I entered Canal Park. In the photo's below you can see the numerous craft booths that were selling unique items. If you enjoy looking at handcrafted items, this was the place for you! There were booths filled with handcrafted wooden toys, furniture and decorations! Talented seamstresses had samples of their amazing masterpieces. There were even booths devoted to "man's best friend" - dogs! Groups also had set up basket, afghan and quilt raffles which supplied the opportunity to support local groups. There were samples of fudge and I even saw air freshener sea-salt that I had never seen before plus so much more! There was definitely something for everyone! In the photos below, you can see some of the craft and food booths as well as the many festival-goers that also come out to enjoy the beautiful weather and this fun festival!
Next up was a stop at the Stone House Museum. They strive to protect the artifacts, collections and genealogy files contributed by members of the local community. The Stone House Museum also houses files and books relating to the history of the local area and are available for research. The Society provides a program each month on a historical topic; these programs are free and open to the public.
Below is a picture of the outside of the Museum and then pictures from inside!
While enjoying some food, I journey down to the Kiskiminetas River to enjoy the beautiful scenery and live entertainment! I listened to the musical talents of the country rock group "New Roots" as they performed. Other musicians performing throughout the weekend included: singer Mark Anderson, East Coast Turnaround (classic rock), DJ Jammin Jim, Saddle Up (Country Band), Harder Edge, 13 Stories (Rock and Dance Music), Ray Skovenski (Polka) plus more!
Below are photos of the Kiskiminetas River.
Canal Days was also perfectly suited for children of all ages! There was a "bounce house" that kids could enjoy for a small donation to the boy scouts as well as a dunk tank! Kids also tried their luck at the various games such as darts, the duck pond and fish pond. Many of the food booths also sold items that seemed to attract the kids such as sno-cones, popcorn and cotton candy! On Saturday, there was a parade, Kimba- face painter extraordinaire, and Spangles the clown also entertained the crowd! There was even Karaoke for kids and adults. And of course, there were FIREWORKS Saturday night!
Finally, I enjoyed looking at the Civil War Re-enactors campsite near Canal Park - off of Market Street. Civil War Re-enactors from the Carpenter's Battery, the 5th Virginia and the 11th PA Company C were there. In the campsites, I saw how Civil War Soldiers lived and they had a flag retiring ceremony.
What a fun time my family and I had partaking in the celebration of Canal Days! I highly recommend that those who are able to attend this festival next year!
Looks like it was a fun time!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a wonderful event!!
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