Fort Ligonier Days will return in October, organizers say
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One of Western Pennsylvania’s most popular fall festivals, Fort Ligonier Days, is set to return Oct. 8-10 after a hiatus last year because of the covid-19 pandemic, the festival’s chairman confirmed.
“Absolutely, we’re moving forward. We’re excited about it,” said committee Chairman Jack McDowell.
Usually held the second weekend in October when the fall foliage is at its peak, the three-day festival commemorates a key battle of the French & Indian War in Ligonier.
Weather permitting, the three-day festival usually attracts more than 100,000 people to watch battle reenactments, observe craft demonstrations and sample food and music offerings.
McDowell said the festival’s large parade once again will march down Main Street on Saturday morning, but the committee has been unable to sign on a college band to participate because of a late start in planning.
“We will have a lot of premier bands from area high schools there who have indicated they will participate,” McDowell said.
He added that visitors could find the craft and food vendor offerings “a little scaled back” this year as a result of the pandemic.
The festival committee has been advertising for craft and food vend0rs. There are usually about 280 scattered throughout town, officials said.
“We’re not used to having any vacancies because our vendors usually return, but, due to the pandemic, we’ve found some have retired, some have moved to Florida and I know for a fact one died of covid,” McDowell said.
Some replacements have been found, but McDowell could not provide a specific number of how many are booked.
“I can tell you that in 2019 we had 10 vendors in Mellon Park. And this year, when we started planning, we had none,” he said. “Everything is about one month behind, but we’re where we need to be right now and moving ahead.”
Laurie McGinnis, who owns Second Chapter Books at 139 East Main St., said the festival’s return is welcome news for area merchants.
“It’s exciting. I have had a lot of customers, many from out of town, who come in and are always asking if Fort Ligonier Days will be held this year,” McGinnis said. “The festival pulls a lot of people from outside the area into town, but it is also a lot of work over the three days.”
Other than the Christmas season, Fort Ligonier Days is her busiest time, she said.
“The people are in here for three solid days as soon as you open the door the first day to the end of the third day,” McGinnis said.
Mayor Butch Bellas said he’s looking forward to the festival coming back. “It’s something people look forward to. People are ready for it to return and see life get back to normal,” he said.
McDowell said event organizers will follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Guidelines in view of covid-19 and the recent spread of the delta variant.
“We’re working hard planning and preparing to get it back. We’re keeping our fingers crossed and knocking on wood,” McDowell said. “But unless the governor puts up a roadblock, we’re moving ahead.”