Pumpkin Fest Kicks Off Fall Season
Shannock Valley Recreation Park will be filled with 70 vendors, family activities and entertainers next weekend for the annual Rural Valley Pumpkin Festival. (submitted photo)
by Jonathan Weaver
What started as a craft show in the middle of Rural Valley nearly 20 years ago has turned into an end-of-summer community sensation.
The Rural Valley Pumpkin Fest continues in Shannock Valley Community Park Saturday, September 24 for eight hours of fun.
Kirk Rearick, part of the eight-person Shannock Valley Parks and Recreation committee, said the event will include 70 vendors, children’s games and activities – including a bounce house, train ride and puppet show – and classic entertainment from the Senior Sensations, Chuck Richards and a local DJ.
Crowds visit vendor tents at the Rural Valley Pumpkin Festival in 2015.
“Something for everybody – whether it be crafts, food or entertainment,” Rearick said. “A family-friendly atmosphere.”
Even before the Parks and Recreation Committee hosted the event, Rearick would attend with his three daughters – seven-year-old Lucy, five-year-old Gianna and two-year-old Mia – the oldest of which attend Shannock Valley Elementary (where Kirk is coincidentally a school counselor).
“We have lots of sponsors and local support – that’s what makes it possible,” Rearick said. “A lot of local businesses – not just in the Rural Valley area, but in Kittanning, Dayton as well, really help us out.”
Pumpkin painting will be an activity Rearick’s daughters look forward to next weekend.
“The kids just let their artistic side take over – it’s usually a must-stop for most kids,” Rearick said.
This year, that activity will be coordinated by Bonnie Frailey and St. Mary’s of Yatesboro new youth group.
Frailey – the church’s Faith Formation Coordinator - said the youth ministry made up of 6th-12th grade students.
“It’s a big community event, and I’m sure all of our youth have been there at one time – and probably have even taken part in (the pumpkin painting),” Frailey said. “They contacted us wanting to know if we would like to take part. It was just perfect; something I thought would be a nice start to getting involved and doing some different projects.”
A kickball kickoff tournament for the new youth ministry is being held Sunday.
The festival along Route 85 begins at 10AM September 24.
Local News | jweaver September 17, 2016
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