Hoodlebug Summerfest 2011

On Sunday, July 10th, I traveled to Homer City to partake in their annual Hoodlebug Summerfest.  This was the 14th year for the festival and what a success it turned out to be again this year!

During the morning hours, folks could register for the Horseshoe Tournament and also participate in a Bicycle Poker Run.  When I arrived at the festival shortly after the Flag Raising Ceremony, parking was a breeze.  For those arriving to town a little bit later, there was a convenient and free shuttle available with parking not far at all from the festivities. 

In the photos below, you can see some photos from different places around the festival.

In the photos below you can see the area where the food booths were located.

It was great having the wide variety of food available to choose from for lunch and dinner.  From pierogies and haluski, to beef brisket sandwiches and meatball hoagies.  From chicken strips and pulled pork sandwiches to Penn State Creamery ice cream - there was something there for even the pickiest of eaters.  Pizza from "The Dugout" food booth was a bit hit with my family.  "The Dugout" is located along Main Street in Homer City.

Here are some photos of the food booths at the festival.

Pictured below is a view of one of the nice, shaded areas available to enjoy some delicious food, relaxation and the overall fun atmosphere of the festival.  The shaded area was very welcomed on this very hot day!

Next up for us was visiting the Kids Zone!  The entire fire hall was devoted to FREE kids activities! With a theme of "Hoodlebug Summerfest Goes Global", each table inside the kids zone had a different continent that they were highlighting.  Various activities included cool paint stampers, making necklaces and bracelets, going "fishing", making crafts out of cookies plus much more! 

Here's an "insider" tip for you for when you go next year:  check out the Kids Zone before the parade.  This area became much busier after the parade!!

Here are some photos of the various tables in the Kids Zone.

In the photo below you can see interviews being conducted by Community TV from IUP.

More photos from the Kids Zone!

We enjoyed the talents of a grouped called "Lantern" who performed on the main stage during our lunch.  This group of local musicians features Contemporary Christian Rock selections.  Other groups performing on stage included "The Fabulous Flashbacks" and "Ray Jay and the Carousels". The Fabulous Flashbacks perform vintage sounds of the 50's, 60's, and 70's with a high level of energy. Ray Jay and the Carousels have been performing their polka selections since 1971 at a variety of events.

There were also a wide variety of crafters selling their unique and handcrafted items.

Next up was finding a perfect spot in the shade to watch the parade on Main Street in town.

 

...and the parade is about to begin!

Numerous classic cars that were later of display during a car cruise in Floodway Park were also in the parade.

Here's a short video of the "Lil' Vettes" that the children LOVED seeing in the parade.

Children attending the parade greatly enjoyed not only the entertainment of those in the parade but also the abundance of candy that was thrown from those in the parade!

Though temperatures crept up towards 90 degrees, the weather was beautiful with an abundance of sunshine.  It was perfect for also enjoying additional events at the festival such as a Jitterbug Contest, Duck Race, Hula Hoop Contest and 5K Race.  An additional perk of the festival included a $1 swim day at Homer City Swimming Pool from Noon to 6 pm.  All festivities concluded at 8pm.  Attneding Hoodbug Summerfest was a great day to spend a Sunday in July! Be sure to mark your calendars for next year - I know I will!

Jimmy Stewart Museum and Airport Festival 2011

Saturday, June 11th was the opening day of the Jimmy Stewart Museum and Airport Festival for 2011!  The festival was held on Saturday and Sunday. 

Visitors at the Jimmy Stewart Airport (located at 398 Airport Road, Indiana, PA) enjoyed a pancake breakfast both mornings. 

There were planes that performed demonstrations and gave rides and also some on static display.  Various planes that were scheduled to appear at the festival included: 

*  The P-51 "Glamorous Gal"
*  The L-5 "Crickett"
*  The PT-17 Stearman
*  The PT-17 WASP Stearman
*  The C-123 "Thunder Pig" - This cargo plane was used in Viet Nam.
*  The B-25 "Panchito" - gave 30 minute rides for a fee.  The aircraft flies around the country representing 
    Disabled American Veterans.
*  The White New Standard D-25 - this bi-wing aircraft dates back to the late 1920's and also offered rides
    for a fee. 

Below are photos of the planes that were at the festival Saturday morning during the time I enjoyed the festival.

Below are some photos from my tour of the The C-123 "Thunder Pig" - the cargo plane was used in Viet Nam.

Inside the plane were photo boards containing pictures from when the plane was in active use at Viet Nam.

There were also special appearances by:

*  The Pennsylvania State Police Aviation Unit

*  The West Penn Allegheny Health System Life Flight

There was also a Commemorative Air Force (CAF) WW II Era Big Band Dance on Saturday and World War II Era Re-enactors.

In addition to airplanes, numerous groups had booths at the festival, such as the EAA Young Eagle Flights, Lease Aviation Flights, Airport Tours, NASA Education & Aviation Displays.

To make travel easier between the airport and downtown Indiana, the Tourist Bureau sponsored a trolley that provided a free shuttle service for people attending the festival.

In Downtown Indiana, there were a variety of sights for the family.  Located along Philadelphia Street near the Jimmy Stewart Museum, The Punxy Region American Antique Auto Club Car had a display on Saturday.

On Sunday, there was a Regional Emergency Vehicle display.

During both days, the Penns Woods Boy Scout Council had displays for spectators to see.

Also, both days were filled with a variety of musicians performing their talents

for the crowds to hear.

On Saturday, musical guests included:  Caleb Murphy, Gold and Oldie, Matt Ottis, Anthony Frazier and Friends, 7 Mile Run, Faithful Friends, Lantern and Eighth Street.

On Sunday, additional musical guests included:  Greg Jones, Grist for the Mill, The Five6, Redding Run Ramblers, The Rising Sun Band, Scent of Water, AJT and Mark and Dave.

Also, both days guests were able to enter the Jimmy Stewart Museum to see exhibits, films and make purchases in the Gift Shop. 

Though the skies looked threatening at times, the weather was absolutely beautiful.  Be sure to mark your calendars in June 2012 for an inexpensive way to spend time outside enjoying history, entertainment and food with your entire family.