Published: July 07, 2009 10:28 am      

Heritage celebration | Jackson Township festival to feature entertainment, food and crafts

By TOM LAVIS

TLAVIS@TRIBDEM.COM

Organizers of the Jackson Heritage Festival are rolling out the welcome mat for their sixth annual jam-packed event.

The activities will begin at 6 p.m. July 17 and continue through 9:30 p.m. July 19 at Veterans Memorial Park on Adams Avenue in Vinco.

Visitors will discover a full lineup of entertainment, food and craft items during the rain or shine event.

“We have room for 600 to 700 people under two large tents we will have set up for the festivities,” said David M. Hirko, township manager.

“I would estimate that we drew from 10,000 to 15,000 people, many of whom came back to visit family and friends.”

Hirko said the festival is an ideal way to get reacquainted with family and friends.

He attributes the festival’s growth to the quality of entertainment, children’s activities, fireworks, crafts and the variety of food.

“It’s a great family-oriented event,” Hirko said.

“It begins with a car cruise and oldies concert featuring the Johnstown Classic Rockers on Friday night,” he said.

“Last year was the first car cruise and we expected around 30 vintage vehicles.

“We were pleased when we had over 100 classics – ranging from antiques to muscle cars – roll in for the cruise.”

The first 75 cars will get free dash plaques and all car-show participants will receive other free items and chances to win door prizes. There is no charge to enter.

Johnstown Classic Rockers will perform from 7 to 10.

There will be more than 15 food vendors.

“There is something for everyone and at reasonable prices,” Hirko said.

Crafts include everything from birdhouses and fabric items to handcrafted jewelry and woodworks.

There will be continuous entertainment alternating between two stages on July 18 and 19.

Entertainment on July 18 will begin at noon with Tree, an Irish folk music group.

The Johnstown Button Box Club, a local group specializing in polka music, will take the stage at 1:30.

Jazz in Your Face, an 18-piece orchestra from Johnstown, will perform at 3:30.

The Fabulous Flashbacks, a regular at the festival, will return from 7 to 11 to deliver its oldies show.

The evening will be topped off by a fireworks display at 9:30.

The festival will offer a variety of children’s activities and entertainment.

Classic Clowns will make balloon animals and do face painting.

Returning will be volunteers from the Cambria County Community Arts Center to assist children make a variety of crafts.

There also will be hayrides, a miniature train display and vendor booths geared toward children’s interests.

The Living Treasures Petting Zoo of Greenville, Mercer County, will bring a variety of animals, including a llama, miniature pony, giant turtles, goats, sheep and ducks.

“We understand that they are bringing a baby alligator,” Hirko said.

“There is no charge for the petting zoo, and children will be able to purchase food from a vending machine for a quarter.”

There will be children’s games on July 18 and 19.

Prizes will be awarded to winners of the various games.

On July 19, the Southern gospel sounds of Jackson Township’s The Masters can be heard at noon.

At 1:30, Beavercreek will present a program of bluegrass.

Back by popular demand will be NoMAD (North of Mason & Dixon), one of Pittsburgh’s hottest country bands, will take the stage at 6:30.

NoMAD has opened for Brooks & Dunn, Toby Keith and the Rascal Flatts, and won first place in a band competition sponsored by Kenny Chesney.

The band released its debut CD titled “Born and Raised,” and its first two singles have charted nationally in the Top 100.

Seating is provided at the festival, but festivalgoers are invited to bring lawn chairs.

A free shuttle service using an 18-passenger van will be used to transport visitors from an adjacent parking area to and from the festival site.



Three-day event

What: Sixth annual Jackson Heritage Festival.

When: July 17-19.

Where: Veterans Memorial Park, Adams Avenue, Vinco.

Admission: Free.