Published: August 29, 2008 08:27 pm            

Crowds flock to FolkFest, Ethnic Festival

If a person could be in two places at one time, this would be the weekend to have that ability.

Crowds began to swell early Friday as the 2008 editions of the Johnstown FolkFest and Cambria City Ethnic Festival welcomed visitors to partake of a cornucopia of food, great music and neighborhood homecomings.

Heather Holt finished her work day at Atlantic Broadband in Altoona and headed to Johnstown to enjoy the FolkFest.

“Last year I had to actually work the FolkFest, but this year I’m here to enjoy all the music and fun,” Holt said, who was carrying a camera to capture pictures of her favorite bands. “It will be great to move around and join in the celebration.”

Holt was enjoying a chicken gyro and fries at the International Grill owned by David Nguyen, who has been a concessionaire at the FolkFest for six years.

John Nguyen, who was working the grill and loudly enticing customers to try his food, said he enjoys working the festival.

“We get a lot of cooperation from the organizing staff and people come back year after year to patronize his string of booths,” John Nguyen said.

Ed and Janet Diehl of Manns Choice have made the drive from Bedford County for the last 14 years to enjoy the festivities.

“The food is the first reason and the music is the second that we drive to Johnstown Labor Day weekend,” said Janet. “We do both festivals and we will be returning to Johnstown Sunday to attend the Ethnic Festival.

Ed said he enjoys both celebrations and believes that some of the local talent in Cambria City is on par with the national acts showcased at FolkFest.

Local groups would be hard-pressed to match the talents and the antics of Born Again Floozies. The five-member band is as exciting to watch as they are to hear.

During their rendition of “Tough Guys,” the individual members of the Indianapolis-based band tapped danced, played cymbals, a tuba, trombone and guitar.

The musicians are as diverse as their music. Lead singer Joe Walsh is a self-taught guitarist while two other members of the band are classically trained.

“This is our first visit to Johnstown and we will be playing today and tomorrow,” he said, prior to his first set. “People are very friendly here, and we really want to give them a good show.”

FolkFest chairman Ron Carnevali clearly was pleased at the initial turnout and the nice weather.

“We are looking forward to having a great weekend,” Carnevali said. “We have listened to the people who said they want roots music, meaning sounds of Americana like country rock. We look forward to three great days.”

By 7 p.m. Friday, parking spots already were at a premium in Cambria City.

Some folks tried to save a space by placing chairs on the street next to the curb. Many drivers could be seen driving through the historic neighborhood hoping to find an opening.

Catherine Hrbal, activities director at the Bottle Works Ethnic Arts Center, was ordering a kielbasa sandwich and sauerkraut at the Holy Cross Lutheran Church booth at 711 Chestnut St.

“Now that is an impressive sandwich,” said Hrbal, as volunteers packed her take-out order. “From St. Casimir to St. Stephen’s, I will be making my rounds in Cambria City all weekend. I topped this off with three pierogi.”

FolkFest continues from noon to 12:30 a.m. today and noon to midnight Sunday.

Cambria City Ethnic Festival resumes at noon to 10 p.m. today and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday in the Cambria City section of Johnstown.

Admission to both is free.

        

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