Western Pennsylvania is a distinct portion of the state divided by the Appalachian Mountain range. West of the mountains is the industrial center of America that is often represented by the area’s largest city, Pittsburgh. Western Pennsylvania is also home to a number of events that occur each year that range from lively music festivals to county fairs with 200 years of history behind them.
Although there are several famous Americans that were born in Pennsylvania, there is no doubt as to the state’s most famous animal resident. Punxsutawney Phil is a groundhog and resident of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania who makes an appearance each February where many people gather to observe whether he sees his shadow or not. According to the tradition, if the groundhog sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter. The Groundhog Festival has been an annual event since 1966. However, the Festival doesn’t take place on Groundhog Day. Instead, this event happens each June in the small town and runs through July Fourth. The Festival offers park concerts by various bands, exhibits, food vendors and fireworks. Children’s contests and family-friendly events make up this popular community event.
Groundhog Festival Committee
Punxsutawney, PA 15767
814-938-2947
groundhogfestival.com
Since 2003, the Laurel Highlands Bluegrass Festival has provided musical entertainment for locals and visitors near the town of Ligonier, Pennsylvania. The festival is a benefit event to help fund the Ligonier Township Volunteer Fire Department. The Festival features a line-up of bluegrass musicians from across the continent, including local bands, groups from Pittsburgh, traditional acts from West Virginia and even Canada. The Festival offers affordable family-friendly entertainment while serving a community cause.
Laurel Highlands Bluegrass Festival
?1012 Harvey Road?
Ligonier, Pennsylvania 15658?
724-238-8646
laurelhighlandsbluegrass.com
The first recorded agricultural fair in Washington County, Pennsylvania was known as the Morganza Fair way back in 1798. Since then, at least 14 fair associations have been organizing fairs in the county. The fairs in Washington County evolved over the centuries, providing local visitors with rides, horse and mule racing, hot air balloons, dog shows, fireworks and a focus on the agricultural society of the day. The current Washington County Agricultural Fair and Expo is now a long-standing tradition in the county seat of Washington, which lies just outside of Pittsburgh. The festival happens in the middle of August each year.
Washington County Fair and Expo Center
2151 N. Main Street
Washington, Pennsylvania 15301
?724-225-7718
washingtonfair.org
