Fall festival begins Saturday

Allentown’s 22nd annual Fall Harvest Festival includes crafts and historic activities.

By: Lauren Burgoon
   ALLENTOWN — Tradition will be out in full force this weekend for Allentown’s 22nd annual Fall Harvest Festival.
   A craft show, food booths and business owners will set up along Main Street for the throng of people who visit the festival each year. As in past years, the customers will be entertained both days by a varied program.
   "There is a lot of tradition surrounding the whole Harvest Fest. We think if it’s not broke, don’t fix it … but every year we try to make it just a little bit better," said Karen Deets, owner of Off the Wall Craft Gallery and the festival’s entertainment organizer.
   Among the features this year is a full slate of military re-enactments. The 14th Company K Union Troop will set up camp at Heritage Park both days. The camp opens at 10 a.m. to visitors. The troops will stage two battles, one on Saturday at 12:15 p.m. and the other at 2 p.m. Sunday. There will also be a firing competition Saturday at 4:15 p.m.
   Other historic activities include a 1850s-style baseball game Saturday at 1:45 p.m. and a performance by the Crosswicks Historic Dancers at 2 p.m. Sunday by the mill.
   Children will have their own activities throughout the festival. Pony rides, a petting zoo, pumpkin painting, scare crow-making and more are on tap at the mill both days. Kids can play on a balloon jump near the bridge on South Main Street and attend a magic show and juggling show at the mill at 1 and 3 p.m. Sunday.
   Bands from bluegrass, brass and keyboardists will play throughout the weekend. The Allentown Redbird Marching Band will perform Sunday afternoon.
   The festival is hosted by the Allentown Business Association and is one of the seasonal community festivals to promote local businesses.