Scottdale Fall Festival marks milestones with expanded activities

An expanded exhibit of wild animals, a renewed emphasis on parade floats and a display revealing Scottdale’s past are just part of the town’s annual fall festival set for Friday through Sunday.

Organizers say the enhanced activities mark two milestones: the 50th anniversary of the festival and the 150th anniversary of Scottdale’s incorporation as a borough.

“It’s bigger than ever,” program chairman Tom Szczygiel said. “Everything we’ve wanted to do for the last few years we’ve decided to do this year. We have six different zones of entertainment through the three days.”

In one of those zones, Loucks Park, visitors will find the return of the popular Wild World of Animals from Eighty-Four. This year, the attraction will be expanded to include three free shows each day with the addition of some larger animal species, as presenters provide some insight into their wild ways.

The wildlife show is a quick two-block walk from the main festival area surrounding Gazebo Park, at Pittsburgh and Spring streets.

“It’s always a fan favorite,” Szczygiel said of the show. “It’s an educational program. They tell you about the animals, where they come from and some of the things they eat.”

Live musical entertainment will fill a stage devoted to country acts as well as the gazebo stage, which will host a diverse lineup including the Derek Woods Band, Jimmy Ross & the Jaggerz and House of Soul.

“We’ve packed it with different entertainment for all ages, from all genres,” said Szczygiel.

The Somerset Trust Children’s Area includes its own stage and an array of kid-friendly games, crafts and activities. New this year is a show by magician Eric Davis and demonstrations by local firefighters.

Also new to the festival is the Dollar Bank Family Area, on Russ Grimm Way.

“It’s away from the rest of the festival, with a little less hustle and bustle,” Szczygiel said. “It has a slew of activities that people can enjoy as a family.”

The area features miniature golf, a dunk tank, a virtual reality arcade and a preview of Terror on Third — an animatronic haunted house attraction in Scottdale.

Other festival activities include: a Cub Scout Hot Wheels Derby on Friday; a 5K race, a hot dog-eating contest and cornhole tournament on Saturday; and an ice cream-eating contest and car show on Sunday.

The festival parade will begin at noon Saturday at North Chestnut Street and Arthur Avenue and will work its way through town to Pittsburgh Street and Broadway.

The 150th anniversary committee has organized a float decorating contest to encourage entry of the showcase units in the parade. Extra points will be awarded to floats with a Scottdale-related theme.

Festival activities will bring to a close a year of events celebrating the town’s anniversary, according to Tom Zwierzelewski, president of the Scottdale Historical Society.

A time capsule, to be opened 50 years from now, will be dedicated with a ceremony at 7 p.m. Friday at the gazebo area.

“It’s a nice assortment of items,” Zwierzelewski said of objects to be included in the capsule. “We’ve collected 74 images of Scottdale that will be put in protective sleeves, items from various businesses in town and souvenirs.”

During the festival, items of historical interest will be displayed at the former Scottdale Savings and Trust Bank, at 161 Pittsburgh St.

The Elks building, at Pittsburgh and Stoner streets, will host a display of 40 pieces of art resulting from plein air painting sessions organized by the anniversary committee at four local sites.

“It’s painting in the open air,” Zwierzelewski said. “People were encouraged to do a subject from one of those sites. The artwork is incredible.”

The piece that wins a people’s choice award will be revealed at the end of the festival on Sunday.

The festival typically draws between 10,000 and 15,000 people, Szczygiel said. “We’re projecting bigger crowds because of all the different activities,” he said.

Visit scottdalefallfestival.org for more information and a full schedule of activities.