EBENSBURG, Pa. – Preserving and celebrating Cambria County’s heritage will be highlighted at this event.
The Cambria County Arts & Heritage Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at Duman Lake County Park, 157 County Park Road, Ebensburg.
The festival will feature historical reenactments, dedication to veterans, military displays, a 16th-century living history village, wandering entertainers, an antique car cruise-in, an antique tractors display, train rides, live musical entertainment, crafts, nonprofit and commercial vendors, children’s activities and a basket raffle.
Ronald Shawley, executive director of Laurel Highlands Historical Village, which hosts the festival, said the festival was created as a way for people to unite and reflect on their heritage.
“It’s a very unique festival, and it was started with the vision of preserving the history of Cambria County and the whole region,” he said.
Festivities will kick off at 10 a.m. Saturday at the wedding pavilion with an opening ceremony recognizing veterans and people who have worked for the betterment of Cambria County.
“They will be presented with certificates, and it’s our way of saying, ‘Thank you,’ for what they’ve done,” Shawley said.
An antique car cruise-in will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday.
Registration is $10 per vehicle.
Musical entertainment for Saturday will be Rosie & the Jammers from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., followed by That Oldees Band from 3 to 6 p.m.
Music for Sunday will feature Full Kilt from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and The Boomers from 2 to 5 p.m. Tammy Carlson will perform Egyptian dance both days.
Each day will feature Civil War reenactments with camps open for public viewing.
A basket party will be held Saturday, with winners being announced at 6 p.m.
“This will be a big basket party with around 200 baskets, so it’s a nice selection,” Shawley said.
Food vendors will be on site to serve up festival fare.
Throughout the festival, a veterans’ necessities drive will be held. Attendees are asked to bring nonperishable food items, paper products or hygiene products.
“We want people to experience a fellowship and meet up with old friends and make new friends,” Shawley said. “It’s a great way to teach children history while they’re having fun at the same time. We also want people to enjoy Duman Lake County Park because it is a hidden gem, and it has a lot to offer.”
There is no admission fee to attend the festival. Parking donations will be accepted.
For more information, visit www.lhhv.org.
