Tractor shows, anniversaries & music: Here are the summer events happening around Somerset
Get the sunscreen and the summer gear out of storage and ready to put in the car. Now that Memorial Day is almost here, it’s time to check out the many summer festivals, music concerts and community celebrations taking place in and around Somerset County this summer.
There are lots of activities and events planned in the region through late August, and the Daily American has put together a listing of 25 of them. To add another event to this listing, send an email to news@dailyamerican.com with the relevant information and the name of a person to contact if there are questions.
Here’s the current list of summer events that are scheduled in our region.
Chickentown Gas & Steam Show
This event takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 28 and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 29 at the Chickentown Grove, 694 Chickentown Road in Somerset. Admission is free. The show features operating full-size and miniature steam engines, antique tractors, and small engine displays and hit-and-miss engines. Antique wagons, cars, kids tractor pull, garden tractor pull and other activities are planned. Food options are available on site. More information can be found at the event website, chickentowngasandsteamassociation.org, or at Facebook.com/Chickentown-Gas-and-Steam-Show-412760379269910.
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Roxbury Bandshell summer concert series
These events are held Sunday evenings, starting May 29, at the Roxbury Bandshell, which is located at 1430 Franklin St. in Johnstown. Live musical performances are held weekly at the nation’s last remaining bandshell built during the 1930s post-depression era. Scheduled performers and other additional information is posted at roxburybandshell.com.
Red Bull Mountain Scramble
Spectators can watch some of the nation's professional and amateur side-by-side all-terrain racers — including Mitch Guthrie Jr. — compete locally at the Red Bull Mountain Scramble. The event is to be held May 30 at Seven Springs Mountain Resort, located at 777 Water Wheel Drive in Champion. This race is to begin at 10 a.m. and feature a challenging, nearly 5-mile (per lap) off-road course that includes both wooded and mountainous terrain. Competitors are to race in either the SXS Pro class for experienced racers or the SXS Sportsman for amateur drivers. The cost of admission and other information can be found online at redbull.com/us-en/events/red-bull-mountain-scramble-2022.
Johnstown Polka Fest
This music festival takes place from June 3-5 at Peoples’ Natural Gas Park, located at 90 Johns St. in Johnstown. The event combines Polish and Slovenian polka styles in one festival, while also featuring other music styles including German, country and rock ‘n' roll. The full schedule of events and any updates are posted at visitjohnstownpa.com/polkafest and on the Johnstown PolkaFest page on Facebook.
Pick-A-Dilly Herb Faire
The annual herb fair takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 11 at Dillweed Bed and Breakfast, located at 7453 Route 403 South in Dilltown. This year’s fair features the Viola, the 2022 International Herb of the Year. Vendors are to be on site selling plants and handmade products. Food available for purchase as well. Information is available at dillweedinc.com.
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Touchstone Center for Crafts Open House
This free family-friendly event is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 11 at Touchstone Center for Crafts, located at 1049 Wharton Furnace Road in Farmington. Event is to be held rain or shine. Visitors can tour the center, watch demonstrations on blacksmithing, ceramics, drawing and painting, glass, metals and jewelry making, and more. Food and beverages are to be available to purchase on site. Parking may be found at Christian W. Klay Winery, 412 Fayette Springs Road, with free shuttle bus service to Touchstone. More information is available at touchstonecrafts.org/events-exhibitions/open-house.
Windber Miners’ Memorial Day Festival
This year’s festival takes place from June 16-19 around Windber. The annual event honors the local history of coal mining. Live entertainment, food and craft vendors, car and truck show, evening street dances each night, a children’s petting zoo, a parade and other activities are planned. More information is available online at echf.org or at Facebook.com/Windber-Miners-Memorial-Day-Weekend-610602222338222.
The 21st Glades Highlands Antique Iron Association tractor festival
The festival is scheduled for June 18 and June 19 at 2074 Huckleberry Highway in Berlin. Admission is free. Offerings include the annual antique car, truck and motorcycle show, garden tractor rides, parade, tractor games, live entertainment, kids pedal pull and more. A schedule of events is posted at Facebook.com/gladeshighlandsantiqueironassociation.
Warbird Showcase
This event is to take place June 18 and June 19 at the Greater Cumberland Regional Airport, 165 Terminal Loop, Wiley Ford, West Virginia. The showcase is to be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. There are no parking or entrance fees. Warbirds scheduled to appear include a TBM Avenger torpedo bomber, the B-25 Panchito, Stinson L-5 Sentinel and Boeing PT-17 Stearman bi-plane. The public may purchase warbird rides in any of these aircraft. Also scheduled to be on display are the Maryland State Police MedEvac helicopter, a sailplane from the Cumberland Soaring Group and a Cessna 172 from the Alleghany Flying Club. A food tent is to be on site as well. A full tour schedule and advance ticket sales for any warbird are posted at capitalwingwarbirdrides.org.
Thunder in the Valley
This annual motorcycle rally is scheduled for June 23-26 at various sites in downtown Johnstown. Admission is free. Vendors, live musical entertainment and motorcycle manufacturer displays are planned. Information is available at 1-800-237-8590 or online at visitjohnstownpa.com/thunder-valley.
Windber Borough 125th Quasquicentennial
This event is to take place July 1-3 at Windber Recreation Park, located at 160 Rec Road in Windber. Plans include entertainment by Josh Gallagher, the Ole 97 Johnny Cash Tribute Band and other performers, as well as a downtown grand parade with an alumni marching band, a car show, tours, crowning of the 125th centennial king and queen, a 125th centennial book, a fireworks show and more. Anyone interested in participating as a vendor, a volunteer or in the parade can contact the borough office at 814-467-9014 or email Robin Gates at rgateswindber@comcast.net. Additional information has been posted at windberborough125.com and facebook.com/windberborough125th.
'Feed the Cow' Day
This event is to take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 9 at Dividing Ridge Farm, located at 207 Dividing Ridge Road in Fairhope. It's open to all ages, and admission is free. Tours of a fifth-generation dairy farm, feeding demonstrations, hay rides, face painting, games, agricultural displays and other activities are to be offered. Free T-shirts are to be given to the first 100 children younger than 12. Free milk and ice cream from Galliker’s Dairy are to be offered. Food and maple products are to be available for purchase. More information is posted at the Galliker Dairy Co. Facebook page.
Summer Fly-In/Community Day
A Summer Fly-In/Community Day is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 9 at the John Murtha - Cambria County Airport, 469 Airport Road in Johnstown. The free event is hosted by Nulton Aviation and the rain date is July 10. Activities include live music all day, games and activities for kids and adults and the opportunity to check out planes at the airfield. Guests can also talk to flight school students, instructors and visiting aviators. Food and drinks can be purchased from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, visit the airport's Facebook page.
Somerset County’s 14th annual Pittsburgh Zoo Safari
This event is from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. July 12 at the Pittburgh Zoo. Admission is to be granted by wristbands only, and sales are to start June 1 until supply runs out. Wristbands can be purchased at the Somerset County Chamber of Commerce, which is located at 601 N. Center Ave., or at Somerset County branch offices of Somerset Trust Co. Transportation is available through McIlwain Charters. The cost covers bus seat and wristband admission to the zoo. To register for the bus, call 814-288-2287. For more information, contact the chamber at 814-445-6431 or visit their Facebook page.
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Quecreek Mine Rescue 20th anniversary
A variety of events are scheduled in July to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the “nine for nine” mine rescue at the Quecreek mine in Lincoln Township. The celebration is to begin July 16 with a race night at Jennerstown Speedway. On July 17, a car show is to take place from noon to 4 p.m. in the parking lot of the Christ Casebeer Lutheran Church, located at 10377 Somerset Pike, Somerset. Events at the Quecreek mine rescue site are scheduled for July 22 and July 23, with live music, Touch-a-Truck and other children’s activities, plus an adults’ night beverage tasting event planned. More information is to be posted online at Quecreekrescue.org or at Facebook.com/Quecreek.
Uptown Somerset Chalk the Block Festival
This event takes place on July 23 and July 24 at locations around uptown Somerset. This is to be the sixth annual edition of the free chalk art festival, with professional, upcoming and youth chalk artists in attendance. Live music, a kids zone, food and beverages, a 5K run/walk and other activities are planned. More information is available at somersetinc.org/chalktheblock.
Annual senior picnic - Somerset County Area Agency on Aging
The picnic is to be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 29 at the Somerset County Fairgrounds, located at 7842 Mount Davis Road in Meyersdale. It's sponsored by the Area Agency on Aging of Somerset County. This year’s picnic has a “Fabulous Fifties” theme. Ticket price covers lunch served at noon and musical entertainment by Krazy Kat Daddies. A car show is also planned. Guests are encouraged to dress in 1950s attire. Tickets can be purchased at any county senior center or at the Agency on Aging office, which is located at 1338 S. Edgewood Ave. in Somerset. Call 814-443-2681 or visit the website somersetaaa.org/events for more information.
AmeriServ Flood City Music Festival
This two-day music festival is to take place July 29 and July 30 at Peoples Natural Gas Park, located at 90 Johns St. in Johnstown. Featured bands this year include the Spin Doctors, Railroad Earth, Big Something, Ally Venable Band and more. VIP and general admission tickets are available for a single day or both days. Food trucks are to be on site, and alcoholic beverages may be sold to those 21 and older with a proper ID. More information is online at floodcitymusic.com.
All-American Amateur Baseball Association
The 77th year of this annual amateur baseball tournament is to be held Aug. 1-6 at Sargent’s Stadium at the Point in Johnstown and other local locations. This tournament is to feature 16 baseball teams from eastern, southeast and Midwest regions of the United States. More information is available at aaabajohnstown.org.
Stoystown Lions’ Annual Antique Tractor Show
This event is to take place Aug. 4-7 at 359 North Club Road in Stoystown. Watch for updates on the schedule of events at Facebook.com/stoystownlions.
The 51st Annual Somerset Antique & Vintage Fair
This event is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 13 in downtown Somerset. Admission is free. The event features vendors selling antiques and collectibles, vintage and repurposed items. An antique and classic car show is scheduled from 12-2 p.m. Food is also to be available for purchase from a variety of food vendors. The event is to be held rain or shine. More information can be found at the Somerset County Chamber of Commerce's Facebook page or by calling 814-445-6431.
The 122nd Annual Somerset County Fair
The county fair is to take place this year from Aug. 18 to Aug. 27 at the county fairgrounds, located at 7842 Mount Davis Road in Meyersdale. The schedule of events and activities may be found at somersetcountyfairpa.com.
Richland Community Days
The 13th annual Richland Community Days Festival is to take place Aug. 19 and Aug. 20 at Schoolhouse Road and Theatre Drive in Richland Township, near the Richland High School. A variety of activities for all ages are planned, including musical entertainment provided both days on two stages, a parade on Friday evening, a fireworks show, a children’s area, a classic car cruise, games, displays and many food, craft, commercial and nonprofit organization community vendors. The complete schedule of events can be found online at rcdays.com.
Laurel Hill Bluegrass Festival
This two-day music event takes place from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 20 and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 21 at Laurel Hill State Park, located at 1454 Laurel Hill Park Road, Somerset. Admission is free to this family-friendly outdoor bluegrass music festival. This year’s event is to feature performances by these seven bands: Blue Steel, Colebrook Road, Echo Valley, Robert Mabe, Tiger Maple String Band, Tussey Mountain Moonshiners and Well Strung. Food vendors, period re-enactors, children’s activities and wagon rides are also scheduled. More information is available at Laurelhillbluegrass.com.
Great American Banana Split Celebration
This year’s celebration takes place Aug. 19-21 at Main and Ligonier Streets in Latrobe. It's an annual event that celebrates the place where the banana split was invented. Activities include a 5K banana run, live entertainment, a car show, pie-eating contest, children’s activities, food and craft vendors and, of course, banana splits. More information is available at Bananasplitfest.com.
Highlands Health annual fundraising concert
This event is scheduled for 7 p.m. Aug. 27 at Peoples Natural Gas Park, located at 90 Johns St. in Johnstown. Headlining the concert is the band The Lords of 52nd Street, which includes three of Billy Joel’s original band members playing Billy Joel’s music. Opening band S’Wearing Hats is to go on stage at 7 p.m. to play eclectic music from the 1980s and 1990s. Tickets can be purchased online at highlandshealthclinic.com. Proceeds fund the medical clinic’s care for uninsured and under-insured patients.
This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Where to find the 2022 summer festivals and events near Somerset PA
