Civil Air Patrol Squadron 125 Cadet Chief Master Sergeant and Color Guard Commander Dante Policicchio of Freeport posts the American Flag at yesterday’s Fort Armstrong Folk Festival opening ceremonies following the playing of the Star Spangled Banner by the Kittanning Firemen’s Band.
by Jonathan Weaver
The 42nd Fort Armstrong Folk Festival led off its promise of local entertainment, more eye-catching crafts and new delicious food items last night for three blocks along North Water Street in Kittanning.
Rev. Kathy LaLonde of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church began the festival in prayer, followed by Capt. Gary Karns introducing four Civil Air Patrol cadets to present the colors for the Star-Spangled Banner.
The Kittanning Firemen’s Band performed the music for the cadets and played more music for the crowd before the cadets presented military flags in a salute to the Armed Forces in-attendance.
Of those that welcomed participants were: State Rep. Jeff Pyle (R-Ford City), Armstrong County Commissioners David Battaglia and Richard Fink, Armstrong Chamber of Commerce Director Lynda Pozzuto and Tourist Bureau Director Kevin Andrews.
Commissioner Fink recognized those that came across county lines to attend, as well as the Festival Board of Directors during the opening ceremonies.
“This festival over the years has grown into a reunion – because it’s when people from out of the area come home. You meet friends that you may not see any other time of the year – that’s what’s so great about this festival, but you know what, none of this would happen if it wasn’t for the volunteers who worked hard to put this together all year long and our vendors,” Fink said.
Festival Entertainment Chair Ray Voller praised Thursday’s entertainment of John Puckett, Ava Bosco and Frailey Scaife on the North Stage, as well as the Kittanning Firemen’s Band on the Main Stage.
“My job is to make everybody happy – to get as many music genres as I can – and to make all the attendees have a good time,” Voller said.
He was especially proud of the continued success of “FestivalIdol.”
“I think people realize it’s a good way to test your talent,” Voller said.
The competition’s third place winner – and of $50 - was Rachel Andrews for singing “Strawberry Wine” by Deana Carter, Joni Zacherl won second and $100 for her rendition of “Feeling Good” by Michael Buble, and Anna Oberneder won first and $150 for singing Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats.”
20 singers competed in the second-annual competition, with last year’s winner – Sam Piper – leading off the show in exhibition.
Oberneder, 20, is not unfamiliar with the stage, as she competed for the “Miss Pennsylvania” crown earlier this summer
“I love karaoke – it’s just so much fun to be on stage singing karaoke,” Oberneder said. “I heard about this last year and didn’t do it, but my mom’s like ‘Why don’t you do it this year?’ and I decided why not?”
Oberneder will be back on the pageant circuit August 16 to compete for the open pageant title of “Miss Alle-Kiski.”
In terms of new booths, Aeryona Dongilli -4 - of Kittanning and Luke Stivason – 4 – of Kittanning were among two of the first ones to admire the ducks within Central Pennsylvania’s ‘Shaggy Mountain Farms Petting Zoo.’
“He loves animals – he’d love to live on a farm!,” grandmother, Patty Stivason, said.
Brooke Arblaster– 6 – of Kittanning attended the Folk Festival with her mother, Heather, sister, Mia and grandmother, Sandy, but concentrated more on the bracelets available at “Jewelry by Joann.”
Owner Joann DeMarco and her daughter, Amy Laquer, - both of Wexford - said it is common to see young girls admire the jewelry. They attend fairs throughout the state each weekend, and have returned to Armstrong County festival for the 10th year.
Another consistent vendor is Ervin Detwiller of Clintonville (Emlenton) of “Coal Valley Baskets.” Detwiller has made baskets for nearly nine years and attracted the interest of sisters Roberta Lowers of Worthington and Connie Yoakum of Kittanning.
Lowers said she is a frequent shopper of baskets and of crafts.
The more-than 60 regional crafters and many more food booths will continue to be available this weekend, beginning at 5PM tonight.
Aeryona Dongilli -4 - and Luke Stivason – 4 – both of Kittanning were among two of the first children to admire the ducks within the new attraction, “‘Shaggy Mountain Farms Petting Zoo’ at this year’s Fort Armstrong Folk Festival.