Published on : Saturday, June 21, 2014
VISIT PHILADELPHIA’s newest marketing effort—entitled Towns of the Philadelphia Countryside—encourages locals and visitors to explore 15 of the quaint neighborhoods and towns dotting the five-county region, and there’s no better time to explore these towns than during festival season. Some of these events are quirky—think tens of thousands of folks coming together to honor the mushroom. Others celebrate the culinary talents of their hometown chefs or the creative handiwork of local artisans. While still others harken back to the town’s proud role in American history.
Whatever the topic or the time of year, local festivals are a great way to get to know the Towns of the Philadelphia Countryside. Here’s a look at some event highlights for 2014 and 2015:
BUCKS COUNTY
Bristol:
Throughout the season, generations of families come together to enjoy the Celtic Heritage Festival (June 29, 2014), Puerto Rican Day Festival (July 26, 2014), Afro-American Festival (August 16, 2014)and the Italian Festival (September 13, 2014). These events feature traditional music, costumes, dances and cuisines that celebrate the cultures of their ancestors.
Bristol Lions Waterfront Park, Mill & Radcliffe Streets
The era of bobby socks and poodle skirts is alive, well and jitterbugging at Doo Wop In The Park.Thousands turn out for the daylong 50s flashback with top-name groups performing the tight harmonies that topped the charts. September 6, 2014. Bristol Lions Waterfront Park, Mill & Radcliffe Streets, (215) 788-1600
Historic Bristol Day brings a family-friendly street fair packed with arts and crafts, food vendors, entertainers, children’s games, a sailing regatta and Colonial characters, all celebrating the town’s connection to the Delaware River. October 18, 2014.
Doylestown:
It doesn’t get any more hometown than Fonthill’s hometown Fourth of July celebration. On the grounds of Henry Mercer’s landmark castle, families enjoy old-fashioned Independence Day festivities such as watermelon-eating contests, sack races, bucket-brigade relays and live bands playing rousing patriotic music.
A devotee of the Arts & Crafts movement, Henry Mercer would cheer for the annual Moravian Pottery and Tile Works Festival at his living-history factory. The event attracts more than four dozen artisans and dealers selling hand-made tiles and pottery. Festivalgoers can also tour Mercer’s factory, which still produces hand-made tiles and pottery.
New Hope:
Past and present run together at the New Hope Liberty Canal Festival, commemorating General Washington’s encampment here and his expedition across the Delaware. Festivities include Revolutionary War re-enactments, live artillery firing, Colonial characters, crafts, 18th-century music, a treasure hunt, parade and more. June 20-22, 2014. Various locations. (215) 862-9990,visitnewhope.com
Rainbows rule during Pride Week when the LGBT community and their friends gather for a week of lively and colorful festivities that include a block party, live entertainment and a parade so big it winds through two towns.
CHESTER COUNTY
Kennett Square:
The mushroom is elevated to rock-star status during the annual Mushroom Festival. The Mushroom Capital of the World puts the fun in fungi with a weekend of culinary events, amusement rides, mushroom farm tours, a street fair, entertainment, an antique car show and more. September 6-7, 2014. 114 W.
There’s suds, suds and more suds for consumption at the Kennett Brewfest. Throughout the daylong festival, the over-21 set can sample brews from almost 100 regional and national craft breweries while noshing on nibbles and enjoying the live entertainment. October 11, 2014.
Beat cabin fever at the annual Kennett Winterfest. The heated tent is a beer-lover’s fantasyland of dozens of craft brewers, yummy comfort foods and live entertainment. February 28, 2015.
Phoenixville:
The town where segments of the campy 1950s horror-sci fi flick The Blob were filmed invites humans and aliens to join in the wacky Blobfest, a three-day horror extravaganza complete with screenings, themed competitions, a street fair and the recreation of a pivotal scene where hundreds of scared townspeople flee the Colonial Theatre.
Arrive early to snag a seat or bring your own lawn chair to the Phoenixville Blues Festival, a day-long celebration of some of the region’s most popular bands and food by local restaurants and food trucks.
Lighting up a winter night, the Firebird Festival celebrates the town’s namesake, the Phoenix. After a full day of music, dancing, storytelling, crafting, parades and other arts-related activities, the festival culminates in the lighting of an enormous wooden phoenix, turning it into a real firebird.
West Chester:
Whether on two wheels or two feet, the Iron Hill Twilight Criterium is all about speed. Runners and bikers of all ages and abilities participate in a variety of races all leading up to the marquee event in which nationally ranked pro cyclists compete to qualify for the USA CRITS invitational. No bike, no problem. Just enjoy the accompanying street fair. August 2, 2014.
Super Sunday is super fun when downtown West Chester takes on a circus-like atmosphere. Two stages keep the live entertainment going as families nibble on food; shop at craft booths; enjoy amusement rides, antique cars and magic shows; and meet Dora the Explorer and Clifford the Red Dog.
Source:- Visit Philadelphia
Tags: Travel Destination News, VISIT PHILADELPHIA
|
||
   
|
||
