CLARION, Pa. (EYT) — Clarion’s Autumn Leaf Festival was in full force Friday and ExploreClarion.com’s Dylan Cyphert, Daniel Pesina, and Scott Shindledecker took a tour of Main Street in Clarion to size up the food and craft vendors on Craft Day.

When most people are asked about the Autumn Leaf Festival, food is a major topic of conversation, and it’s easy to see why.

Dozens of food vendors offer everything from corndogs to chocolate-covered bacon to smoked BBQ brisket and desserts that will leave you bursting at the seams.

Friday turned out to be a perfect day for a tour of ALF as light rain showers stopped by late morning and an overcast sky made for a comfortable walking day up and down Main Street.

One of our first stops was at Lucinda-based DB’s Smokin’ BBQ. Doug Bauer has become a true smoked barbecue expert, and after sampling some of his 12-hour smoked beef brisket — I’m a believer.

Melt in your mouth, with that rich, smoky flavor that needs nothing with it to be enjoyed.

Another long-time favorite, Quaker Steak and Lube was founded just up Interstate 80 in Sharon. They are at the festival and true to form, their selection of wings, boneless and regular, is still something to behold, not to mention the deep-fried pickles and onion rings.

Holiday Confections, based in nearby Warren, specializes in chocolate-covered you name it.

ExploreClarion tried its bacon and potato chips and both were excellent choices.

For those wondering how bacon and chocolate mix, well, it’s better than you might imagine.

A stop at the Clarion Lions Club space at 6th and Main provided an education in the making of kettle corn, another festival and fair favorite that everyone loves.

We were fortunate enough to sample the goodies fresh and hot as they came out of the kettle.

Philly cheese steak sandwiches, garlic parmesan French fries with bacon and cheese on top, strombolis…. so many mouth-watering choices to choose from, but not enough time and not enough room in our bellies!

Choosing a favorite wasn’t easy, but it really wasn’t necessary.

With that much good food in one place, we didn’t have to choose just one.

All we had to do was enjoy!

We also talked to some of the local craft vendors, including Brian Fox, of Fox Portable Sawmill.

Brian is an artisan with saws, both large and small. In an area rich with lumber heritage, his work is growing in popularity.

He specializes in custom work, too, crafting a variety of wood furniture that will spice up anyone’s kitchen, dining, living or bedroom.

Next, we visited with Hillary LeFay, founder of locally-owned Stars That Dance and Workshops with Hillary.

Hillary has a wonderful talent for taking old, glass wine and soda bottles and turning them into decorative glassware that you can serve cheese and other snacks on.

We also had a good time talking to festival attendees who were out with family and friends enjoying everything we were, as well as the kid’s rides and entertainment that ALF always has.

We ended the day at the Veteran’s Memorial Park discussing our favorite foods and sampling some yummy desserts, including deep-fried Oreos, scrumptious cinnamon rolls, and a chocolate sundae.

Fortunately, if you haven’t made it to the 64th Autumn Leaf Festival, there is still plenty of time.

ALF continues this weekend with the best yet to come.

Saturday will feature the Tournament of Leaves of Parade at Noon where our very own Dylan Cyphert will be the Grand Marshal.

Dylan, who was drafted in the 2017 Major League Baseball Draft, is a pitcher in the Miami Marlins organization.

Also, don’t miss the Clarion County Farmer’s Market at the Clarion Mall, the Clarion University Alumni Parade at 10 a.m. and the End Zone party at 1 p.m., followed by the Golden Eagles football game at 2 p.m.

Sunday will feature the antique tractor show on Main Street as well as the Kids Olympics at Memorial Stadium.

Saturday, October 7 

CLARION WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S

– Clarion County Courthouse Lawn. 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. More Information: 814-456-9200; sgiammarise@alz.org or act.alz.org/clarion2017.

ATA SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE

– 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., $ 1.25 per trip; Clarion University students and riders under age 6 and over age 65 ride Free. EXACT CHANGE ONLY! More Information: 814-226-9161 or info@clarionpa.com.

CLARION COUNTY FARMERS MARKET

– Clarion Mall. Pumpkins, eggs, vegetables, baked goods, local maple syrup and honey, meat, and more! Check out Facebook for more info regarding times and dates!

CLARION UNIVERSITY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION HOMECOMING PARADE RECEPTION

– Hart Chapel Parking Lot; Join the CUAA before the parade for fun family activities, music, and more! 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. More Information: 814-393-2572.

CLARION HOSPITAL “TOURNAMENT OF LEAVES PARADE”

– Parade steps off at 12:00 p.m. Sponsored in part by Burns & Burns, Associates, Inc., Clarion Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center and Shippenville Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Colony Homes, Commodore Homes, McDonald’s, Park Inn by Radisson, Structural Modulars Inc., and Water Run Landing & InHome Solutions Plus. VIP Brunch sponsored by Chartwells Dining.

EAGLE END ZONE ALUMNI PARTY

– Clarion University Memorial Stadium, beginning at 1:00 p.m. Come to the Eagle Endzone and join fellow alumni to cheer the Golden Eagles to homecoming victory! Game tickets required for entry to the event. More Information: 814-393-2572.

CLARION UNIVERSITY HOMECOMING FOOTBALL GAME

– Clarion University Memorial Stadium, 2:00 p.m. Come out and watch the Golden Eagles take on the Seton Hill Griffins! More Information: 814-393-2423.

SEIDLE CHEVROLET-BUICK-GMC “WILD WORLD OF ANIMALS SHOW”

– In front of the Courthouse at 4:00 p.m.

FIRST UNITED NATIONAL BANK “OLDIES CONCERT”

– In front of Courthouse. 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p/m. Oldies by “American Pie.”

ALF PARKING

– Immaculate Conception School parking lots. Friday all day; Saturday 7:00 a.m. to Noon. Proceeds benefit Immaculate Conception School P.T.O. More Information: ceisenman@clarionichawks.net or call 814-226-8433 (ext. 105).

Sunday, October 8

CENTRAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. “ANTIQUE TRACTOR SHOW”

– 2nd to 5th Avenue on Main Street. 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Live music provided by The Route 8 Band. More Information: 814-226-9161 or info@clarionpa.com.

PNC BANK “JUNIOR OLYMPICS”

– Clarion University Stadium. 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Open to Clarion County children ages 5-12. Sponsored in part by Clarion University. More Information: 814-226-9161 or info@clarionpa.com.

Emergency Information

EMS, FIRE, AND POLICE – Emergency Call: 911

SEVERE WEATHER

Local Law Enforcement, Festival personnel, and volunteers will advise if necessary. Also tune into local radio stations: C-93 at 92.7 FM; WWCH Radio 13 at 1300 AM; KOOL at 103.3 FM; Mega Rock at 105.5/100.5 FM; WCUC at 91.7 FM; Bigfoot Country at 102.1 FM.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Baby changing areas available in the handicap portable toilets near the corners of Main & 5th and Grant & Jefferson.

Handicap parking locations: Corners of Main Street & 6th Avenue and Fireman’s Lot – 525 Wood Street.

Souvenirs and Information

– Available at the Clarion Area Chamber of Business & Industry at 650 Main Street or at the Chamber Booth on the Courthouse lawn.

Airplane Rides

– Clarion County Airport, 395 Airport Rd, Shippenville. Info: 814-226-9993.

59th Annual Clarion County Arts Council Art Show

– Senior Center, 516 Main Street.

Sunday, October 1, 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.;

Monday, October 2 to Saturday, October 7, 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m; Sunday, October 8, 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. More Information: davesentner@verizon.net  or 814-493-3113.

Weeklong Activities

Lisko Amusements

– Memorial Park and Courthouse Parking Lot*

 

Saturday, October 7, 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m/ ($15.00 Wristbands); 5:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. ($20.00 Wristbands)

Sunday, October 2, 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. ($15.00 Wristbands) More Information: 814-226-9161 or info@clarionpa.com.

*All operation times are weather permitting.

Clarion Model Railroad Club Train Displays

– The basement of Clarion Masonic Lodge, Main Street, Rear entrance.

Saturday, October 7, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.;

Sunday, October 8, 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p/m.

Hobby Shop is open to the public.

For more information, call John Netzlof 814-541-0286, email Chessie_1@yahoo.com, or visit www.ClarionModelRailroadClub.com.

Food Concessions

– Memorial Park, across from Courthouse and along Main Street.

 

 

Free Wine Tasting & Inn B&B Tours

At Deer Creek Winery

– 3333 Soap Fat Road, Shippenville.

Come out to Deer Creek Winery & Inn B& B and get a tour and enjoy some free wine tasting. Only 15 minutes from Clarion. FREE Live Music Friday to Sunday. More Information: 814-354-7392; www.DeerCreekWine.com.

Paul’s Pumpkin Patch

– 395 Marks Lane, Fairmount City. Pick your own pumpkins! Featuring many varieties of pumpkins, gourds, squash, & Indian corn. Activities include corn box, mini corn maze, barnyard zoo, mini fence maze, & hayrides (Sat. & Sun. only). Cost is $5.00 per person.

Hours: Wednesday–Thursday, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Friday–Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; and Sunday, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

 

For more information, call 814-365-5161, or visit www.paulspumpkinpatch.com

SPONSORS

Blue Diamond

United States Army

Diamond

Clarion Hospital
Clarion University
Kronospan U.S.A

Bronze

Pennsylvania American Water Company
Allegheny Health Network
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield
LifeFlight

Ruby

PNC Bank

Topaz

Community First Bank

Sapphire

Clarion County Community Bank
Farmers National Bank
First United National Bank
Park Inn by Radisson
Structural Modulars, Inc.

Emerald

Burns & Burns Associates, Inc.

Pearl

Advanced Disposal

Brad Johnson Agency

Central Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Colony Homes
Commodore Homes
Healthy Beginnings Pediatrics
McDonalds
S & T Bank
Seidle Chevrolet-Buick-GMC
Sherwin-Williams
UPMC Northwest
Water Run Landing & InHome Solutions
Plus Women’s Healthcare of Clarion

Opal

Chartwells Dining at Clarion University
Clarion Psychiatric Center
DMS Printing & Mailing

Peridot

C-93 92.7 FM & WWCH Radio 1300
Bayada Pediatric Home Health
BigFoot Country (Q102)
Clarion Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center
Shippenville Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center
Wolf’s Auto Outlet